Functional imaging of the pharynx used to be the domain of cineradiography, CT and ultrafast CT. The development of modern MRI techniques led to new access to functional disorders of the pharynx. The aim of this study was to implement a new MRI technique to examine oropharyngeal obstructive mechanisms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sixteen patients suffering from OSA and 6 healthy volunteers were examined on a 1.5 T whole-body imager (`Vision`, Siemens, Erlangen Medical Engineering, Germany) using a circular polarized head coil. Imaging was performed with 2D flash sequences in midsagittal and axial planes. Patients and volunteers were asked to breathe normally through the nose and to simulate snoring and the Mueller maneuver during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to MRI, all patients underwent an ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination, functional fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy and polysomnography. A temporal resolution of 6 images/s and an in-plane resolution of ...
We reported three cases of acute intracranial tuberculosis including miliary tuberculosis, basal meningitis, tuberculomas and neuritis of cranial nerves. All patients had native and contrast enhanced CT and MRI scans. MRI revealed more granulomas and a better imaging contrast in the detection of basal meningitis. Neuritis was diagnosed only with the MRI. MRI scans should be prefered as the imaging procedure in clinically presumed intracranial tuberculosis. (orig.) [Deutsch] Die Befunde von drei Patienten mit intrakranieller Tuberkulose (intrakranielle Miliartuberkulose, Meningitis tuberculosa, Neuritis und Tuberkulome) in der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) wurden mit der Computertomographie (CT) verglichen. Sowohl die MRT als auch die CT wurden nativ und nach Kontrastmittelgabe durchgefuehrt. Die MRT zeigte sich im Nachweis von Granulomen insbesondere im Bereich des Hirnstamms ueberlegen. Ebenso wurde ein hoeherer Bildkontrast bei der Darstellung der Meningitis ...
Lung cancer staging according to the TNM system is based on morphological assessment of the primary cancer, lymph nodes and metastases. All aspects of this important oncological classification are measurable with MRI. Pulmonary nodules can be detected at the clinically relevant size of 4-5 mm in diameter. The extent of mediastinal, hilar and supraclavicular lymph node affection can be assessed at the same time. The predominant metastatic spread to the adrenal glands and spine can be detected in coronal orientation during dedicated MRI of the lungs. Search focused whole body MRI completes the staging. Various additional MR imaging techniques provide further functional and clinically relevant information during a single examination. In the oncological context the most important techniques are imaging of perfusion and tumor motion. Functional MRI of the lungs complements the pure staging and improves surgical approaches and radiotherapy planning. (orig.) [German] Das Staging des ...
Mechanical ventilation in private homes was for many years a stepchild of air conditioning engineers. A decisive impulse for change came in January 1995 with the enactment of the new Thermal Insulation Ordinance which for the first time allows house owners to exceed the usual admissible annual heating requirement by a certain amount on the condition that they equip the house with mechanical ventilation systems. (orig.) [Deutsch] Ueber lange Jahre war die mechanische Wohnungslueftung ein Stiefkind der Raumlufttechnik. Einen entscheidenden Impuls gab erst die seit Januar 1995 gueltige Waermeschutzverordnung, die erstmals zulaesst, dass ein gewisses Quantum des Jahres-Heizwaermebedarfs durch den Einbau mechanischer Wohnungslueftungen kompensiert werden kann. (orig.)
The creep behaviour of boiler drums of CuNiMo steels depends on the ratio of the alloys, the heat treatment and the processing technology. Reduction in deformability must be expected but, under optimum conditions, this does not lead to a critical material condition. The appropriate material tests are indispensable. (orig.)
The early diagnosis of such disorders is of major importance because, in most cases, severe consequences can only be averted by early treatment. The value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in many orthopaedic and traumatological conditions is generally accepted. The value of MRI in this particular field is illustrated by typical case reports on common clinical problems [Deutsch] Der Fruehdiagnose von Erkrankungen des Kindes- und Jugendalters kommt grosse Bedeutung zu, da oftmals nur durch eine daraus resultierende Fruehbehandlung schwerwiegende Folgen vermieden werden koennen. Die Kernspintomographie (Magnetresonanztomographie=MRT) ist in zahlreichen orthopaedischen-traumatologischen Fragestellungen bereits etabliert. An ausgewaehlten Fallbeispielen haeufiger klinischer Problemstellungen soll in der vorliegenden Arbeit der Stellenwert der MRT dargestellt werden. (orig.)
The first equipment installed at KfK-HDB was a system with a thin-film evaporator. This was later replaced by two vapor compression evaporating units with forced circulation, for evaporation of liquid LAW, and a steam-heated natural circulation evaporator, for evaporation of liquid MAW. Nuclear activities of the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Center phasing out, the liquid radwaste quantities to be treated have been shrinking accordingly, so that the current system is planned to be replaced by a smaller system with a thin-film evaporator. (orig./HP) [Deutsch] Im Laufe der Jahre wurde die Anlage mit Duennschichtverdampfer durch zwei Bruedenkompressionsverdampfer mit Zwangsumwaelzung fuer die Eindampfung leicht aktiver waessriger Abfaelle und einem dampfbeheizten Naturumlaufverdampfer fuer die Eindampfung mittelaktiver waessriger Abfaelle ersetzt. Mittlerweile sinkt der Abwasseranfall seit Jahren stetig aufgrund der sinkenden Aktivitaeten des Zentrums auf dem Gebiet der ...
Zusammenfassung Im Jahre 1910 f?hrte der schwedische Internist Hans-Christian Jacobaeus den ersten laparoskopischen Eingriff am Menschen in Stockholm durch. Grundlage seiner Pioniertat waren die tierexperimentellen Studien von Georg Kelling (1866?1945) aus Dresden, der im Jahre 1901 die erste Laparoskopie mittels eines Nitze-Zystoskops am Hund durchf?hrte. Jacobaeus ver?ffentlichte 1910 in der M?nchener Medizinischen Wochenschrift seine Erfahrungen mit den ersten 17 Laparoskopien unter dem Titel: ??ber die M?glichkeit die Zystoskopie bei Untersuchungen ser?ser H?hlen anzuwenden?. Hierbei nutzte er die neue Technik insbesondere zu diagnostischen Zwecken bei unklaren abdominellen Beschwerden und Funktionsst?rungen. Er war auch der Erste, der explizit auf die Gefahr der Darmverletzung bei Er?...
Developments in the past 10 -15 years in the fiels of `steel`, `boilers`, `steam turbines` and `environmental protection` show that the advanced coal dust furnace technology is another option of clean coal technology. The contribution discusses some of the current problems facing the main partners of the coal sector, e.g. coal producers, public utilities and suppliers of steel, boilers and turbines. (orig./GL) [Deutsch] Die Entwicklung der vergangenen 10-15 Jahre in den Bereichen `Stahl`, `Kessel`, `Dampfturbinen` und `umweltschutztechnische Anlagen` verdeutlicht, dass die fortgeschrittene Kohlestaubfeuerungstechnologie ebenfalls eine Option der `Clean Coal Technologies` ist. Im Rahmen dieses kurzen Aufsatzes wird nun versucht, einige zeitgemaesse Problemkreise der Hauptakteure des Strommarktes, wie z.B. des Kohlefoerderers, der Stromproduzenten und der Stahl-, Kessel- sowie Turbinenhersteller anzudeuten. (orig./GL)
Report by a participant in the International Nuclear Law School. In 2001, this advanced training course was first offered by the OECD-NEA together with the University of Montpellier and other international partners. This effort is intended to provide an overview of nuclear law, a discipline normally playing a subordinate role in curricula. In this way, a contribution is to be made to the important preservation of the existing knowledge base and to increasing know-how in this field. In 2003, the International Nuclear Law School will be continued with a new curriculum addressed to all interested participants. (orig.) [German] Erfahrungsbericht eines Teilnehmers der Internationalen Schule fuer Nuklearrecht 2002 an der Universitaet Montpellier. Erstmals im Jahr 2001 wurde diese Fortbildungsveranstaltung von der Nuclear Energy Agency der Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD-NEA) zusammen mit der Universitaet Montpellier und weiteren ...
The author investigates the effects of 529 mergers in the European and North American power industries between 1990 and 2002. The focus is on the effects on the capital market and the changes in the utilities' performance in successive years. It is assumed that as a rule mergers resulted in a lower value of the companies concerned. On the other hand, the target businesses appear to have obtained added value in the same period. Apart from the fight for market power, the author identifies especially financial synergies as an important motive. (orig.)
Since mid-1995, Audi is the second European producer to offer a direct-injection diesel engine for passenger cars. The 2.0 l engine is installed in the middle-class sedan Rover 620 SDi. (orig.) [Deutsch] Als nach Audi zweiter europaeischer Hersteller bietet Rover seit Mitte dieses Jahres einen Pkw-Dieselmotor mit direkter Einspritzung an. Eingesetzt wird das Aggregat mit 2,0 l Hubraum in der Mittelklasselimousine Rover 620 SDi. (orig.)
Modern tubular type pumps commonly have lubricated radial bearings which require no compressed water supply and reduce the servicing requirements. Problems that may possibly result from entrained sand in the pumped fluid were solved with the development of ceramic Residur {sup trademark} bearngs in the early eighties. (orig.) [German] In zunehmendem Masse werden Rohrgehaeusepumpen mit foerdermediumgeschmierten Radiallagern ausgestattet, da dies z.B. neben dem Wegfall einer ansonsten notwendigen Druckwasserversorgung auch einen deutlichen reduzierten Wartungsaufwand nach sich zieht. Den Problemen durch eine moegliche Sandbeladung des Foerdermedium wurde bereits durch die Entwicklung der keramischen Residur {sup trademark} -Lager Anfang der 80er Jahre Rechnung getragen. (orig.)
A consequent use of computers and standardized components enables high efficiency for steam turbines while produced at lower manufacturing cost as shown here in the Muehlheim company of Siemens Power Generation, where steam turbines are produced for new stations and retrofitted elder power plants. [German] Auch eine ueber hundert Jahre alte Technik bietet Raum fuer Innovationen: Konsequenter Computereinsatz und standardisierte Baureihen ermoeglichen bei Dampfturbinen hohe Wirkungsgrade bei relativ niedrigen Fertigungskosten - umgesetzt im Werk Muelheim der Siemens Power Generation, wo Dampfturbinen fuer Neuanlagen und zum Modernisieren bestehender Kraftwerke entstehen. (orig.)
More than 200 years after the birth of the steam engine, the first thermal engine ever invented, thermal engines such as steam turbines, gas turbines or internal combustion engines are still driving most generators for electric power generation, most machines, and most vehicles, and this will remain so until far into the next century. (orig.) [Deutsch] Mit Waermekraftmaschinen wie Dampfturbinen, Gasturinen und Verbrennungsmotoren werden auch heute - mehr als 200 Jahre nach der technischen Reife der Dampfmaschine (der ersten Waermekraftmaschine) - die meisten Generatoren zur Stromerzeugung, die meisten Arbeitsmaschinen und die meisten Fahrzeuge angetrieben. Und dabei wird es auch bis weit in das 21. Jahrhundert bleiben. (orig.)
The report presents details of the distributions of air pollution in the Berlin area and the developments of the past 20 years. Highly polluted areas are indicated in which air pollution reduction measures are particularly urgent. The report therefore intends not only to inform but also to point out the deficiencies of air pollution abatement measures, so that political consequences can be derived and measures can be taken. In all, data were recorded by 39 measuring stations in West Berlin, 16 in East Berlin, and 7 in Potsdam and Frankfurt/Oder. In most stations, sulphur dioxide and airborne dust were measured; 14 stations in West Berlin and one in East Berlin measured carbon monoxide and nitric oxides; 8 stations in West Berlin recorded ozone concentrations. (orig./KW).
Wood is currently having a renaissance as a domestic fuel. Wood pellets, usually about 8 mm in diameter and 40 mm long and produced from sawmill and wood processing residues by pressing without binders, are gaining general acceptance. According to a market analysis of Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim, about 4,800 pellet-fuelled heating systems with automatic fuel supply and with a total thermal capacity of 35 kW are in operation in Germany, and 2000 new ones were installed in 2000. [German] Holz als Brennstoff erlebt in vielen Heizkellern und Kaminen eine Renaissance. Und zwar nicht in Form von Holzscheiten, sondern als kleine Presslinge, meist mit einem Durchmesser von acht und einer Laenge von bis zu 40 Millimetern. Als Abfallprodukt von Saegewerken und Holz verarbeitenden Betrieben werden die so genannten Pellets unter hohem Druck und ohne Bindemittel wie beispielsweise Leim hergestellt. Und dieser neue Brennstoff findet immer mehr Anhaenger. So sind im vergangenen ...
About 25 years after the last edification of a new large high voltage institute at Technical University of Karlsruhe and about 10 years afte the edification of the test lab at Kaiserslautern University, the Brandenburg Technical University of Cottbus had the opportunity to design new high voltage test facilities from the very beginning on and to realize it in a very short time. To review the project from the first ideas followed by the planning and realization phase and the final commissioning of the technical equipment, this book should be a contribution to spred the experiences made among interested people and to demonstrate the actual technical possibilities. To ensure an international exchange of these experiences, all co-authors to the trouble to translate their participation's also to the English language. (orig.) [German] Etwa 25 Jahre nach dem letzten grossen hochspannungstechnischen Institutsneubau in der deutschen Hochschullandschaft an der TH ...
Aim: Changes within the brain detected by MRI after chronic manganese poisoning raised the question whether morphological changes of the basal ganglia, particularly of the globus pallidus, could be detected after chronic occupational exposure to manganese dioxide. Results: No cases of parkinsonism were detected in clinical examinations or by other means. The mean manganese concentration in blood was 12 {mu}g/l (range: 3.9-23.3 {mu}g/l). In comparison to the upper reference value of 10 {mu}g/l, 42 workers (56%) had a higher body burden. A significant positive correlation between manganese levels in blood and the PI (indicated by T{sub 1}-shortening) was observed as well as between the CBI and workplace-specific exposure. Brain atrophy was not detected in any of the observed cases. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to manganese dioxide dust correlates with the Pallidum-Index in MRI scans. Although the MRI findings have no current clinical relevance for individuals, further studies are ...
In a prospective study 102 patients with malignant tumors of the tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx were staged by means of MRI. Special attention was directed at those tumour extensions that could influence the treatment strategy. The MR findings were correlated with the results of palpation, endoscopy, ultrasound, computerised tomography and histopathological findings. MRI showed a good delineation of pT{sub 2} to pT{sub 4} tumours. However, visualisation of small tumours in the soft palate, the tonsils, the pyriform sinuses and vocal cords was difficult. In conclusion our results suggest that in addition to endoscopy MRI is a valuable tool for the examination of tumours of tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. (orig.) [Deutsch] In einer prospektiven Studie wurden 102 Patienten mit malignen Tumoren der Mundhoehle, des Oro- und Hypopharynx sowie des Larynx mit der Mgnetresonanztomographie (MRT) untersucht, wobei besonders Wert auf die Bestimmung derjenigen ...
The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively study MR artifacts of various stents on the basis of in vitro experiments. We were particularly interested whether sequence type and orientation of the stent with respect to the static magnetic field influences the artifact. We examined 18 stents of different material (nitinol, stainless steel, cobalt alloy), different design of the stent meshes (AccuLink, OmniLink, DynaLink, Xact, Protoge, Wallstent Monorail), different diameter (5-10 mm) and different length (18-58 mm) with a turbo spin echo (TSE), a 2D-fast low angle shot (FLASH) and a 3D-FLASH sequence. The MR images were examined qualitatively with respect to possible artifacts. Furthermore we examined the MR data quantitatively: The contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) was determined both within the stent and outside (within the tube); based on these values we calculated the transparency factor P, furthermore we calculated the apparent vascular lumen within the tube and within ...
The typical MRI features of the most common pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, have been established. However, even in these common pancreatic disorders, MRI correlation with the underlying pathology is limited for clinical reasons. We emphasize MR-pathological correlation of inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic changes, including pancreatitis, adenocarcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, rare cystic and solid pancreatic neoplasms, and islet cell tumors. By highlighting the correlation of key pathological features with MR findings, a better understanding of the MR appearance of pancreatic pathology can be provided. In addition, MRI may prove a powerful tool in detection and characterization of pancreatic tumors. (orig.) [Deutsch] Das MR-tomographische Erscheinungsbild von Pankreatitiden und Adenokarzinomen des Pankreas, als den haeufigsten Pankreaserkrankungen, ist zwar ausreichend bekannt; allerdings ist selbst bei diesen Pankreaserkrankungen die ...
As an alternative to surgery, endovascular therapy with stent grafts has become the second main treatment option for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Unlike surgery, endovascular treatment with stent grafts is also applicable in patients unfit for open repair. Despite current improvements in endovascular repair devices, significant anatomic barriers still exclude this technique for a large number of patients. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound are essential for diagnostics, preintervention planning, and postintervention follow-up of abdominal aneurysms treated with stent grafts. This review covers etiology, pathology, and diagnostic aspects. Materials and methods for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms are presented in detail, and clinical results and complications are discussed. (orig.) [German] Die endovaskulaere Therapie des infrarenalen Bauchaortenaneurysmas hat sich als Alternative zur offenen chirurgischen Versorgung etabliert. ...
The author investigates whether waste fermentation is an economically feasible alternative to composting. Decisions on projects and sites should not be made until the basic problems of feasibility and economic efficiency are solved. [German] In Anbetracht der derzeitigen Situation bei der Restmuellbehandlung, in der die mechanisch-biologische Behandlung als Alternative zu einer rein thermischen Behandlung immer mehr an Bedeutung gewinnt, stellt sich immer haeufiger die Frage, ob die Restmuellvergaerung eine Alternative zur ausschliesslichen Restmuellrotte darstellt. Diese Frage muss zunaechst prinzipiell aus Sicht der technischen Machbarkeit und von der Sinnhaftigkeit, hier vor allem von der Kostenseite her, betrachtet werden. Erst daran anschliessend lassen sich projekt- und standortbezogene Betrachtungen anstellen. Hinsichtlich der technischen Machbarkeit laesst sich im wesentlichen auf den grosstechnischen Erfahrungen der letzten 8 Jahre bei der ...
The development of the space HVAC sector during the past 25 years is reviewed. It is shown how the importance of room climate has increased, as illustrated, e.g., by the concepts of 'thermal comfort', 'comfort', and 'sick building syndrome'. A sequel will be published in the next issue of KK. (orig.) [German] Der folgende Beitrag ist eine Bestandsaufnahme im Hinblick auf technologische Entwicklungen in der Klima- und Lueftungstechnik der letzten 25 Jahre, ein Zeitraum in dem sich einiges veraendert hat. Gleichzeitig wird deutlich, welcher Wandel sich bei der Bedeutung des Raumklimas in Gebaeuden vollzogen hat, indem beispielsweise Begriffe wie ''Behaglichkeit'', ''Komfort'' aber auch ''Sick Building Syndrom'' eine immer groessere Rolle spiel(t)en. Die Fortsetzung in der naechsten KK-Ausgabe wird dann ...
Liberalisation of the energy market will lead to enhanced use of environment-friendly, high-efficiency combined-cycle power stations - a great challenge to steam turbine producers. In this highly competitive market, advanced technology and interesting technical features are key issues. MAN Turbomaschinen AG GHH BORSIG, Oberhausen and Berlin, have been producers of steam turbines since 1905. Performance optimisation is the main aspect of development today. [German] Die jetzt eingeleitete Liberalisierung des Energiemarktes wird in der Zukunft den verstaerkten Einsatz von neuen umweltfreundlichen und zugleich hoch effizienten Kombikraftwerken notwendig machen. Eine grosse Herausforderung an fuehrende Hersteller modernster Dampfturbinen. Eine ausgereifte Technik sowie technische Alleinstellungsmerkmale sind im heutigen Verdraengungswettbewerb eine Voraussetzung bei Industriedampfturbinen. Seit dem Jahre 1904 baut die MAN Turbomaschinen AG GHH BORSIG, Oberhausen und ...
The failure rate of dashpots has been determined on the basis of the results of annually recurring function tests on hydraulic dashpots, in order to determine the effects of longer test cycles on the safety of systems GKN I and GKN II. The use of a calculation method made it possible to establish the number of defective dashpots in the system as a whole. A subsequent investigation illustrated the way in which this figure changes when the test interval is increased from four to ten years, and the effects of this on system safety. (orig.) [Deutsch] Zur Ermittlung der Auswirkungen verlaengerter Pruefzyklen auf die Sicherheit der Anlagen GKN I und GKN II wurde, basierend auf Ergebnisse der jaehrlichen Funktionspruefung an hydraulischen Stossbremsen, die Fehlerrate der Stossbremsen bestimmt. Mit Hilfe eines Berechnungsverfahrens konnte die Anzahl maengelbehafteter Stossbremsen in der Gesamtanlage bestimmt werden. Eine anschliessende Untersuchung zeigte, wie sich dieser Wert bei einer ...
In the first part of the symposium, experts reviewed the state of the art of decentralized waste water treatment in Europe. In the second part, exemplary solutions in Poland and the Czech Republic were presented. The final part was dedicated to future concepts and strategies. [German] Im Herbst letzten Jahres hat die Kommunale Umwelt-AktioN U.A.N. in einer Abfolge von drei Abwasserfachsymposien Expertenrunden zum Austausch ueber den aktuellen Stand des Wissens zum Thema dezentrale Abwasserbehandlung veranstaltet. Mit dem Internationalen Symposium 'Konzepte zur Abwasserbehandlung im laendlichen Raum Europas' in Celle hat das Projekt der U.A.N. seinen Abschluss gefunden. Der Konzeption des Projektes entsprechend haben im 1. Teil des Symposiums Experten ueber den Stand der Entwicklung auf dem Sektor der dezentralen Abwasserbehandlung in Deutschland berichtet. Im 2. Teil unserer Fachtagung wurden europaeische Beispiele fuer dezentrale Loesungen aus ...
By joining the `climate association of European cities`, Frankfurt has agreed to reduce its CO{sub 2}-emissions by 50% by the year 2010. The so-called `climate offense 1991` was the first regulatory paper to be set up by a community to reach this goal over a long term. This report now represents the present level of the project. Main points are the development of houses with low entropy, the retrofitting of heating systems, water saving measures and energy management. (BWI) [Deutsch] Durch den Beitritt zum `Klima-Buendnis der Europaeischen Staedte` hat sich die Stadt Frankfurt/M. verpflichtet, die CO{sub 2}-Emissionen bis zum Jahr 2010 um 50% zu senken. Mit der sog. `Klimaoffensive 1991` wurde dann erstmals von einer Kommune in Deutschland ein detailliertes Regelwerk aufgestellt, um dieses Ziel langfristig erreichen zu koennen. Der vorliegende Bericht stellt den aktuellen Stand des Projektes dar. Kernpunkte sind die Entwicklung von Niedrigentropiehaeusern, die ...
The analyses were carried out using real climate data for the years 1987 and 1989. The course of the indoor climate for year-round free ventilation with a constant flow volume is discussed. Numerous diagrams inform on ambient temperature, water vapour content, the condition of space air, and temperature drops below dew point. For the event of heating of the central part of the church, space air condition, the annual air humidification requirement, and the temperature field in this part of the building are described. (MSK) [Deutsch] Die Untersuchungen wurden mit aktuellen Klimadaten fuer die Jahre 1987 und 1989 durchgefuehrt. Der Verlauf des Raumklimas bei ganzjaehrig freier Klimatisierung mit konstantem Foerderstrom wird erlaeutert. Dabei wird die Raumlufttemperatur, der Wasserdampfgehalt, der Raumluftzustand sowie die Taupunktunterschreitung in zahlreichen Diagrammen aufgezeigt. Weiter werden fuer den Fall der Beheizung des Hauptraums der Kirche der ...
Maintenance of power stations so far operated on the concept of using or extending the expected service life of a machine or plant as far as possible in order to avoid early and costly replacement. This was done by means of time-oriented maintenance, inspection and repair, otherwise called preventive maintenance. A European study on maintenance methods totals the cost of these measures at between 140 to 200 billion DM. One way of reducing these costs is 'predictive maintenance'. Estimated savings are about 8 percent or between 12 and 16 billion DM per year. Predictive maintenance identifies irregulaties of machine parts at an early point in time by means of condition monitoring and can help to cut costs: unplanned repairs can be avoided; repairs can be fitted into production schedules; production will not be disturbed to to unforeseen repairs, optimised spare part warehousing helps to cut costs. Predictive maintenance aims at keeping availability high, give maximum ...
Nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used in cardiac diagnostics. Both techniques have been carefully evaluated and are equivalent for the assessment of regional and global wall motion as well as the evaluation of ejection fraction and cardiac volumes, though MRI is herein currently seen as gold standard. For evaluation of myocardial perfusion, extensive data exist for nuclear imaging, that, next to high diagnostic accuracy for evaluation of coronary artery disease, show incremental prognostic information and allow for independent risk stratification. Because of rapid technical advance, myocardial perfusion imaging has also become feasible with cardiac MRI. Results of recent studies are promising, but the data are few compared to perfusion scintigraphy. For viability assessment in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, positron emission tomography (PET) with FDG is currently seen as gold standard. However, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) ...
This contribution provides an overview and imparts basic knowledge on pertinent technical developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver: 3D sequences, respiratory triggering, parallel imaging, and 3 Tesla (3T). 3D sequences can be used as T1-weighted (T1w) sequences for analyzing dynamics of contrast enhancement or as T2w sequences for MR cholangiography. Consistent improvements in respiratory triggering make it possible to obtain good image quality on T2w scans even in patients unable to hold their breath. Parallel imaging as a universal technique to accelerate image acquisition is particularly appropriate for MRI of the liver, and it has been shown that the reduced acquisition time is not achieved at the expense of image quality. Further progress in MRI of the liver can be expected with use of the 3T systems, but hitherto irrelevant problems must still be solved. Overall the innovations presented here, applied alone or in combination, facilitate rapid, robust, and ...
Minimally invasive thermotherapies for focal tissue destruction on the basis of laser-, microwave-, focused ultrasound-, or cryogeninduced changes of tissue temperature represent an alternative to surgical tissue ablation, particularly in the treatment of tumors. The thermotherapy modalities listed necessitate indirect guidance and monitoring, since they often do not lend themselves to immediate visual control. In the brain, in head and neck tumors, in the liver, and in the prostate, MRI reliably and accurately delineates both the positions of interstitial thermotherapy applicators and - in contrast-enhanced, T1-weighted images - the perfusion defects in tissue necrosis induced by thermotherapy. The transfer of results of in-vitro and in-vivo model studies to assess interstitial temperature and lesion development during thermotherapy to the actual treatment of patients, however, is still in an initial phase. Further development of both rapid MRI sequences and MRI scanners suited for ...
T{sub 2} weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT. In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T{sub E}=90 ms, T{sub R}=2-4 s, echo=9 ms, turbo factor=19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, but better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared with CT, contrast is better with MRT, offering diagnostic advantages for MRT. (orig./MG) [Deutsch] Zuerst wurde an ...
Introduction: The goal of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced T1-weighted Flash and Turbo-Flash sequences with conventional spin-echo sequences as a basis for planning high-precision radiotherapy. Methods: A total of 25 consecutive patients with different intracranial tumors and a disrupted blood-brain barrier were studied. T1-weighted Flash, Turbo-Flash and conventional spin-echo images were evaluated after controlled 30-s infusion of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight of Gd-DTPA. The evaluation of the three sequences included the measurement of the signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios, the visual inspection of the tumors and artifacts, and the measurement of tumor size. Results: The signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly (P<0.05-0.01) lower for Flash and Turbo-Flash than for conventional spin-echo sequences. However, visual inspection of the contrast-enhancing tumors revealed in 23 and 24 of 25 lesions of Flash and Turbo-Flash images, respectively, good or very good ...
To evaluate the usefulness of radiation therapy alternative to surgery for clinical N0-N1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). From 1976 through 1989, 116 patients with NSCLC without mediastinal involvement were treated with definitive radiation therapy alone at Gunma University Hospital. All patients were treated with once-daily standard fractionation using 10 MV X-rays. The total dose ranged from 60 Gy to 80 Gy. The actuarial 2- and 5-year survival rates of the entire group were 43% and 20%, respectively with a median survival time of 19 months. The survival of 76 patients with stage T2 tumors was significantly better than that of 28 patients with T3 tumors (mean survival time 21 versus 15.5 months; p<0.05). Sixty-two patients with tumors less than 5 cm in diameter had a 2-year progression rate of 20%, in comparison with 39% of 54 patients with tumors greater than 5 cm. The difference of survivals for these 2 groups was statistically significant. Twelve patients given a total dose ...
A study tour in autumn 1999, which was undertaken following the award of the Helmuth Burkhardt prize of Wirtschaftsvereinigung Bergbau e.V. to the authors, comprised visits to potash, molybdenum, lead, zinc, copper ore and coal mines in the mid-west of the USA. The Black Mesa Mine and Kayenta Mine of Peabody Western Coal Company in the Navajo Reserve in the north of Arizona, the Trapper Mine Inc. near Craig and the Twentymile Coal Company near Steamboat Springs, Colorado are described in this report. In addition to a brief description of the geology the coal winning is considered in greater detail. The Twentymile Coal Company was asked to explain the reasons for the successful operation of the colliery, which produces more than 5 mill. t anthracite per year by long wall working. (orig.) [German] Eine Exkursion im Herbst 1999, die durch die Verleihung des Helmuth-Burkhard-Preises der Wirtschaftsvereinigung Bergbau e.V. an Bergassessor Andreas Tschauder zustande kam, fuehrte zu Kali-, ...
In the group of persistent aromatic hydrocarbons, the highest values were determined for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), total DDT and hexachlorobenzene (HBC). Comparisons of the relevant median values for the past six years led to the conclusion that the steep initial decline in the breast milk concentrations of DDT and HBC was followed by reductions at a much lower pace in the years after 1987. The time course of the concentration of the total PCB did not appear to follow any particular pattern. The mean contents of lead and cadmium remained by a wide margin below the threshold values for these heavy metals and thus were of no relevance from the toxicological point of view. It was found that the 134 and 137 cesium isotopes constituted no particular health hazard for breast-fed infants, as the relevant concentrations in breast milk were low. (VHE) [Deutsch] In der Gruppe der persistenten Chlorkohlenwasserstoffe werden die hoechsten Konzentrationen bei den polychlorierten Biphenylen ...
The Jansen pumped-storage plants owned by Bayernwerk Wasserkraft AG are located on the river Pfreimd in eastern Bavaria, Germany. The group comprises the three power plants at Reisach, Tanzmuehle and Trausnitz, as well as the Rabenleite upper reservoir and two weirs. After forty years of service, the power plant group has recently been rehabilitated. The rehabilitation and modernization scheme included, inter alia, replacing the surface sealing on the upstream side of the upper reservoir dam, installing a state-of-the-art leakage and stability monitoring system, and renewing the instrumentation and control equipment in the power plants and in the central control room. Finally, the paper describes the operating experience with the new I and C systems. (orig.) [German] Die Pumpspeicherkraftwerke Jansen der Bayernwerk Wasserkraft AG befinden sich an der Pfreimd in Ostbayern. Die Kraftwerksgruppe besteht aus den 3 Kraftwerken Reisach, Tanzmuehle und Trausnitz sowie aus dem Hochspeicher ...
Only about 25% of residue accumulating in the Federal Republic of Germany is currently used for the purposes of energy. This residue will be converted into fuel for power stations by the Omega process when the dumping of waste with a calorific value in excess of 5 MJ/kg is prohibited with effect from 2005. This oxygen melting process is suitable for the local use of substitute fuels. Waste is converted into a high-quality synthesis gas with a wide range of uses. The Omega process combines drying, thermal decomposition, gasification and melting of the material used in a single-stage process. This is now technologically possible for the first time by combining a metallurgical cupola furnace with a traditional gas producer. The highly-calorific synthesis gas produced by the Omega process can be used in block heat and power stations or as an industrial fuel gas, instead of natural gas. It is also suitable as a starting material for synthesising methanol. The gas is specifically processed ...
Compared to the reference year of 1990, CO{sub 2} emissions of the Federal Republic of Germany have been curbed by about 12%, primarily as a result of industrial backfitting and pollution abatement measures accomplished in the industrial infrastructure of the new Federal Laender of Germany. Federal Government policy sticks to the previous commitment, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25% by the year 2005. Current forecasts and scenarios of future greenhouse gas emissions show that only immediate adherence to a very stringent reduction policy might ensure that this ambitious goal will be achieved. In this context, any change of the baseline data and scenarios hitherto used for progonostic assessments is a crucial factor, so that the article here discusses the impacts of a change in the nuclear generation scenario, as recently ventilated by the German Federal Government, and expected effects on public power supply. (orig./CB) [Deutsch] Ausgehend von dem Bezugsjahr 1990 sind die ...
More than two and a half years of monitoring of a passive house school and day-care centre in Frankfurt a. M. show comfortable indoor climate and good air quality. The space heat consumption is low and shows savings of approximately 90 % as compared to average existing schools. Excellent performance was also achieved in terms of primary energy. The results of further analyses of the efficient ventilation system with heat recovery, the perimeter insulation as an alternative to floor slab insulation and the influence of the air change due to the entrance door are presented. (Abstract Copyright [2008], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) [German] Ueber zweieinhalb Jahre Monitoring einer Passivhaus-Schule und Kindertagesstaette (KiTa) in Frankfurt a.M. zeigt behagliche raumklimatische Bedingungen bei guten Luftqualitaeten. Die Heizwaermeverbrauchswerte liegen wie erwartet niedrig und zeigen Einsparungen um 90 % gegenueber dem Durchschnitt im Bestand. Auch primaerenergetisch ...
Since its establishment as nuclear research plant Juelich in the year 1956, the research centre Juelich (FZJ) is concerned with the material processing of special metals. Among those are, above all, the high-melting refractory metals niobium, molybdenum and tungsten. Electron beam welding has always been considered to be an innovative special welding method; in the FZJ, electron beam welding has, moreover, always been adapted to the increasing demands made by research partners and involved manufacturing and design sectors. From the manual equipment technology right up to highly modern multi-beam technique, the technically feasible for fundamental research has, this way, always been realised. (Abstract Copyright [2007], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) [German] Das Forschungszentrum Juelich (FZJ) beschaeftigt sich seit seiner Gruendung als Kernforschungsanlage Juelich im Jahr 1956 mit der Materialbearbeitung von Sondermetallen. Hierzu zaehlen vor allem die hochschmelzenden ...
In 1986, following comprehensive preliminary studies, a 17 MW battery energy storage plant was set up in the insular power supply system of Berlin (West) for the purpose of frequency and output control and provision of immediate reserve capacities. The present paper reports on the initial task, and the dimensioning and construction of this large-scale demonstration as well as the costs entailed in this. It also relates the experiences gained with the operation of the battery energy storage plant in its function as a fast-responding control unit and gives an account of its economic efficiency. Recent studies on the economic efficiency of the plant in conditions as they exist in the present interconnected power supply system are presented. Finally the author reports on the experiences gained with individual plant components, i.e., battery, battery periphery, and power converter and quantifies the cost of plant operation, maintenance, and servicing. (orig./HW) [Deutsch] Im Inselnetz von ...
Stabilized austenitic steels can suffer intercrystalline stress corrosion cracking under BWR water conditions. This experience of the last three years, which is important for German nuclear power station technology, has resulted from the discovery of cracks, which were detected in pipework made from titanium-stabilized 1.4541 charged with hot reactor water in six boiling water reactors and in core components made from niobium-stabilized 1.4550 of one BWR plant. Remedies to the pipework have been found by applying optimized materials and fabrication procedures and also by improving water chemistry conditions. (orig.) [Deutsch] Stabilisierte austenitische Staehle koennen unter SWR-Reaktorwasser-Bedingungen interkristalline Spannungsrisskorrosion (IKSpRK) erleiden. Diese fuer die deutsche Kernkraftwerkstechnik bedeutsame Erfahrung der letzten drei Jahre ergab sich aus Rissbefunden, die in mit heissem Reaktorwasser beaufschlagten Rohrleitungen aus dem Ti-stabilisierten ...
The required introduction of on board diagnosis II in the USA from the 94 models onward has led vehicle manufacturers and system suppliers to develop corresponding diagnosis processes at the beginning of the 1990`s. These systems are now in mass production for TLEV and partly for LEV requirements. Based on experience from the wide use of these functions, new knowledge has been obtained, which must be taken into account in the development of future systems. The additionally more severe emission and diagnosis requirements make further minimisation of the overall tolerances on the one hand, and a revision of the existing diagnosis algorithms necessary. In parallel with this, the Law must create the necessary outline conditions, where the requirements for the vehicle manufacturer and system suppliers must also be met. The OBD II development must therefore certainly not be regarded as complete. [Deutsch] Die in den USA ab Modelljahr `94 geforderte Einfuehrung der On Board Diagnose II hat zu ...
Early recognition of recurrence and work-up of clinically indeterminate lesions may be impaired after reconstruction with silicone implants due to superimposition of the implant or to scarring. This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of contrast-enhanced MRI in patients with silicone implant after breast cancer. Contrast-enhanded MRI was offered to 169 patients. Comparative two- to three-view mammography was also performed in 169 patients, as well as comparative sonography in 144 patients. Conventional imaging and clinical examination detected only 8/13 recurrences, whereas 12/13 were detected by MRI. One recurrence had been visible as a strongly enhancing 2-mm dot in a previous examination (2 years before), but was not called. It was therefore counted as false negative. In addition, multicentricity was detected by MRI alone in two of three cases. MRI correctly diagnosed scar tissue in all cases with indeterminate findings. However, due to false-positive calls caused by enhancing ...
The role of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of preoperative and postoperative complications caused by acquired cholesteatomas will be described in this paper. The pre- and postoperative imaging of the temporal bone was performed with HRCT and MRI. HRCT and MRI were performed in the axial and coronal plane. MRI was done with T2 weighted and T1 weighted sequences both before and after the intravenous application of contrast material. All imaging findings were confirmed clinically or surgically. The preoperative cholesteatoma-caused complications depicted by HRCT included bony erosions of the ossicles, scutum, facial canal in the middle ear, tympanic walls including the tegmen tympani, and of the labyrinth. The preoperative cholesteatoma-caused complications depicted by MRI included signs indicative for labyrinthitis, and brain abscess. Postoperative HRCT depicted bony erosions caused by recurrent cholesteatoma, bony defects ...
Purpose: Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. The purpose of the study was to correlate MR imaging features with the four ICD subclasses. Methods: 28 patients with liposarcoma were examined preoperatively on a 1.0 T MRI system, using spin echo sequences, gradient echo imaging and STIR sequences. In all patients, classification of the liposarcomas was made by histologic diagnosis (ICD-10-M-classification). Results: Well differentiated liposarcomas (9 patients) showed a number of MRI features consistent with lipoma (well defined mass high signal intensity (SI) on T{sub 1} images, low signal on T{sub 2} images, no or only little signal increase of tumour tissue after contrast material application, no necrosis). Not well differentiated liposarcomas (myxoid 14 patients, pleomorphic three patients, round cell two patients) revealed the largest part of the mass to be of low SI on T{sub 1}-weighted images. Only scattered fatty islands and septa (9 patients with myxoid ...
Purpose: To determine the diagnostic value of high resolution MR imaging with a circularly polarised (c.p.) body phased-array coil for the staging of pelvic lymph nodes in cervical carcinoma. Material and methods: 42 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the cervix were studied on a 1.5 T scanner by using a c.p. body phased-array coil. The imaging protocol included T{sub 2}-weighted turbo-spin-echo (TSE) and T{sub 1}-weighted spin-echo sequences pre and post IV application of Gd-DTPA; slice thickness was 5-7 mm and pixel size 0.53 mm{sup 2}. Lymph nodes with a diameter of {>=}8 mm were considered to have metastatic involvement. MR imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings. Results: MR imaging showed enlarged lymph nodes ({>=} 8 mm) in 16 of 18 patients with histologic proof of lymph node metastases (sensitivity 89%). In 22 of 24 cases MR findings were true negative (specificity 92%). Diagnostic accuracy was 91%. Conclusion: High-resolution MR imaging ...
Purpose: Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy and cost-benefit of contrast enhanced CT (CT) and MRI pre- and post-SPIO-particles in focal hepatic disease with consideration of therapeutic outcome. Results: In 34/52 (65.4%) of the cases the correct diagnosis was primarily stated by CT (sensitivity [se.] 85.2%, specificity [sp.] 44.0%). In additional 10/52 of the cases unenhanced MRI (se. 91.4%, sp. 75.0%) enabled correct diagnoses, and in another 6 cases the diagnosis was established only by SPIO-MRI (se. 100%, sp. 86.7%). Considering the possible therapeutic recommendation arising from each modality, CT would have induced needless therapy costs of 191,042 DM, unenhanced MRI of 171,035 DM, and SPIO-MRI of 7,311 DM. In comparison to the real therapy costs of 221,873 DM, this would have corresponded to an unnecessary increase of therapy costs of 86.1%, 77.1%, and 3.3%, respectively. In two cases (91 hemangioma, 1 regenerative nodule) all modalities failed, causing unnecessary surgery in ...
Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the typical appearance of ganglioneuromas in computer-assisted tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of diagnostic imaging (9 CT, 6 MRI) in 9 children aged 3 to 15 years with the histological diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. Results: The tomographies showed large (max. 13.4 cm in diameter) round or oval tumors with sharp delineation. The sites of the tumors were the retroperitoneum (5), the mediastinum (3), and the adrenal gland (1). Intraspinal tumor involvement occurred in 4 cases. On comparing CT with MRI, MRI was more accurate in defining the intraspinal involvement. The ganglioneuromas were of hypodense appearance in the native CT scan and showed moderate enhancement upon administration of contrast media. In five patients tumor calcifications with a disseminated sprinkled pattern were seen in CT. In MRI T{sub 1}-weighted scans the tumors were homogeneous and hypointense, ...
In the year 1996 the spheres of competence of several DLR-Institutes working in the areas of fluid dynamics, reaction kinetics, combustion, numerical methods and laser measuring techniques have been brought together while contributing to the internal DLR project 'combustion chamber modelling (BKM)', in order to proceed with the computational simulation of combustion processes in combustion chambers of gas turbines. The main issue was the development of a research code for numerical simulation of fluid flow in real combustion chambers. Here the development of computational models of physical and chemical processes was emphasized, among other processes the formation of soot was treated. Moreover, a worldwide outstanding database of measured data for the purpose of code validation has been created within the framework of the BKM project using the laboratory facilities of the DLR, which are in Germany unique for the experimental investigation of the various processes in ...
One part of the RWE measure catalogue in order to guarantee an environmental friendly and competitive electric power generation based on brown coal is to carry out measures improving the efficiency at existing steam turbines in RWE brown coal power plants. Since 1993 a total of 21 steam turbines with a gross capacity of 7,100 MW or net capacity of 6540 MW - this corresponds to approximately 70 % of the installed RWE brown coal power plant capacity - have been improved with an investment of approximately DM 500 million. The net block efficiency has been increased by 1.3 % on average. The planned net capacity increase of approximately 250 MW is still going to be achieved taking into account the pending enhancements. Nuclear power plant turbines have been successfully improved in the same way. Apart from the described retrofit programme measures to improve efficiency are carried out at further steam turbines of brown coal power plants. In the frame of this talk the measures taken are ...
Purpose: To determine the value of MRI in the postoperativ evaluation of a singular ventricle compared to echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Materials and methods: Thirty-one patients (range: 6 months to 30 years) with a functional single ventricle following palliative corrective operations. Five patients had a Blalock-Taussig-Shunt, 8 patients a Glenn-Anastomosis and 18 a cavopulmonary shunt (6 with classic Fontan-Circulation, 12 with modified cavopulmonary anastomosis). The results in terms of postoperative morphologic changes were compared to percutaneous echocardiography (31/31) and cardiac catheterization (6/31). Results: Echocardiography, which was performed on all patients, could not visualize the entire length of the tunnel, the Glenn-Anastomosis or the central pulmonary arteries in 70% of the patients due to an inadequate acoustic window. MRI was able to show the entire tunnel in 11/12 patients and the central pulmonary arteries in 30/31 patients. The exact anatomy ...
When the use of retarders in utility vehicles increased in the middle of the 80s, the Forschungsvereinigung Automobiltechnik (FAT) commissioned a study on the safety aspect of this braking technology in trucks. Retarders are wear-free permanent brakes that are fitted in the drive transmission system of utility vehicles, thereby generating braking forces only at the wheels of the live shaft. The question of the possible overbraking of the live shafts was just as well investigated as the interaction between the retarder and service brake in so-called integrated braking systems, and both under conditions of low adhesion as well as in the border area of the dynamics of vehicle movement. This subject met with considerable joint interest on the part of the motor vehicle industry as well as of manufacturers of towed vehicles and unit sets. FAT, therefore, commissioned the Institut fuer Kraftfahrwesen of the University of Hannover to carry out a three-phase research project on the braking ...
The first commercial vehicle, built by Gottlieb Daimler in Cannstatt (Germany), head foto, had been the begin of a new transport technology around the world. Benz had been consolidated 1926 with Daimler to the Daimler-Benz AG with a new vehicle programme; all trucks over 5 t payload would be powered since 1935 by diesel engines only. Worldwide all-wheel drived vehicles had been under development for different purposes. After 1945 the European Automobil industry launched at first former types followed by new designed and improved types. The eight-wheeler used since the twentees in England conquered Switzerland, and in 1984 Germany too. The development of gear boxes and drive axles had been influenced on the drive train demands depending of the engine output and speed and the increased GTW. The future of the commercial vehicles will be determined by the European legislation, higher economy and reduced-pollutant Euro II and later Euro III engines, further by the cooperation of the truck ...
FLUTAN is a highly vectorized computer code for 3D fluiddynamic and thermal-hydraulic analyses in Cartesian or cylinder coordinates. It is related to the family of COMMIX codes originally developed at Argonne National Laboratory, USA, and particularly to COMMIX-1A and COMMIX-1B, which were made available to FZK in the frame of cooperation contracts within the fast reactor safety field. FLUTAN 2.0 is an improved version of the FLUTAN code released in 1992. It offers some additional innovations, e.g. the QUICK-LECUSSO-FRAM techniques for reducing numerical diffusion in the k-{epsilon} turbulence model equations; a higher sophisticated wall model for specifying a mass flow outside the surface walls together with its flow path and its associated inlet and outlet flow temperatures; and a revised and upgraded pressure boundary condition to fully include the outlet cells in the solution process of the conservation equations. Last but not least, a so-called visualization option based on VISART ...
Already in 1998, the city of Hanover, the Stadtwerke Hannover and six further cities of the region initiated the funding programme 'Hannover proKlim' for promoting energy-relevant modernization measures in domestic buildings. One year later, the social marketing campaign 'Haus-Partner Hannover / Der (H)Eissbaer'' was started, which addresses building owners in Hanover with the intention to induce them to action. The 'Energiepass Hannover' is another important instrument of the campaign. This report takes stock of the results achieved so far. [German] Beim Klimaschutz im Gebaeudebestand lassen sich in Hannover drei Ansaetze hervorheben, die parallel zueinander entwickelt wurden und die in besonderer Weise dazu beitragen, die CO{sub 2}-Emissionen im Gebaeudebestand zu reduzieren: Bereits 1998 hat die Landeshauptstadt Hannover gemeinsam mit den Stadtwerken Hannover und sechs weiteren Staedten der Region den Klimaschutz-Fonds ...
Purpose: `Exoscopic` and endoscopic identification of colorectal pathologies via MRI. Methods: 5 patients (36-88 years), two normal and three with different colorectal pathologies (diverticular disease, polyps and carcinoma of the colon), were examined by MRI after colonoscopy. Subsequent to filling of the colon with a gadolinium-water mixture under MRI-monitoring, 3D-data sets of the colon were acquired in prone and supine positions over a 28 sec breathold interval. Subsequently multiplanar T{sub 1}-weighted 2D-sequences were acquired before and following i.v. administration of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg BW). All imaging was performed in the coronal orientation. The 3D-data were interactively analysed based on various displays: Maximum intensity projection (MIP), surface shadowed display (SSD), multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), virtual colonoscopy (VC). Results: All of the colorectal pathologies could be interactively diagnosed by MPR. On MIP images some pathologies were missed. VC ...
Objective: To determine the reproductibility of three-dimensional volume and thickness measurements of the knee joint cartilage with MRI in volunteers. Methods: The knees of 7 healthy individuals (ages 23 to 58 yrs.) were sagitally imaged with a resolution of 2x0.31x0.31 mm{sup 3}, using a fat-suppressed FLASH-3 D sequence. The knee was repositioned in between replicate acquisitions, 6 data sets being obtained in each case. After semiautomatic segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction of the cartilage, the thickness was determined independent of the original section orientation. The coefficient of variation for repeated volume measurements and the deviations of the maximal cartilage thickness values were calculated subsequently. Results: The mean variation of the cartilage volumes of the replicate measurements was 1.4% ({+-}0.8%) in the patella, 1.7% ({+-}1.5%) in the femur, 3.0% ({+-}1.2%) in the medial tibial plateau and 3.5% ({+-}2.0%) in the lateral tibial plateau. The ...
Purpose: To report on the nephron-sparing, percutaneous ablation of a large renal cell carcinoma by combined superselective embolization and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Materials and Methods: A 5 cm renal cell carcinoma of a 43-year-old drug abusing male with serologically proven HIV, hepatitis B and C infection, who refused surgery, was superselectively embolized using microspheres (size: 500 - 700 {mu}m) and a platinum coil under local anesthesia. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation using a 7F LeVeen probe (size of expanded probe tip: 40 mm) and a 200 Watt generator was performed one day after transcatheter embolization under general anesthesia. Results: The combined treatment resulted in complete destruction of the tumor without relevant damage of the surrounding healthy renal tissue. The patient was discharged 24 hours after RF ablation. No complications like urinary leaks or fistulas were observed and follow up CT one day and 4 weeks after the radiofrequency ...
From autumn this year, the FRJ-2 of the Research Center Juelich will be supplying molybdenum targets to the Institut National des Radioelements in Fleurus, Belgium - which deals in medical radio-isotopes worldwide - thus helping to meet the need for technetium-99, which is used in the medical profession for diagnostic purposes because of its favourable radiological characteristics. Technetium-99 is formed as a result of the radioactive decay of molybdenum-99. For many years now, molybdenum has been produced by the irradiation of uranium in research reactors, so that the initiation of molybdenum production in the FRJ-2 is not especially new. What is unusual, however, are the particular peripheral conditions which result from the combination of the irradiation requirements, a predetermined target design and the technical characteristics of the reactor and which necessitated special solutions. This applies especially to the handling of the targets after irradiation, which is much more ...
Aim: Treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix by remote afterloading brachytherapy has been accompanied with new isotopes having dose rates different from the classical low-dose rate (LDR) radium source. The dose rate conversion factor from LDR to high-dose rate (HDR) found to be around 0.54 in most studies. As regards medium-dose rate (MDR) brachytherapie, the published data are very few and the experience is still short. In this study the experience of Osaka University Hospital with micro-HDR-Selectron and Selectron-MDR, as a preliminary report of the clinical trial, is presented. Results: The 3-year survival and loco-regional control rates for both modalities were nearly equivalent (62% and 67% for HDR and 68% and 74% for MDR)(totally 45 patients). The cumulative rectal and bladder complication rates were the same in both groups (29% at 3 years), with only 1 patient (MDR-group) developed grade 3 rectal and bladder complication. In this study, point A dose rate correction factor ...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder of early childhood onset. Defining symptoms are chronic impairments of attention, impulse control and motor hyperactivity that frequently persist until adulthood. Miscellaneous causes of the disorder have been discussed. Accumulating evidence from imaging- and molecular genetic studies strengthened the theory of ADHS being a predominantly inherited disorder of neurobiological origin. In the last 15 years, non-invasive brain imaging methods were successfully implemented in pediatric research. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies gave major insight into the neurobiological correlates of executive malfunction, inhibitory deficits and psychomotoric soft signs. These findings are in good accordance with brain morphometric data indicating a significant volumetric decrease of major components of striato-thalamo-cortical feedback loops, primarily influencing prefrontal executive functioning (e.g. basal ...
The first volume of the report covers the state of implementation of primary and secondary measures for SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} control applied in the most important industrial sectors in Germany. Integrated pollution abatement techniques, called primary measures in this report, such as process integrated measures and low emission processes, have gained increased importance in recent years. The end-of-pipe processes, described here as secondary measures, are generally highly effective. They represent mature technologies, which are capable of achieving significant reductions in SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} emissions, and which have been used in particular for retrofitting existing plants. At first, an overview is given regarding the development of SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} emissions in selected European countries during the last 20 years and in Europe. Current national and European emission limits and emission guidelines on SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} emissions from stationary sources are ...
To compare the accuracy in the detection and staging of various malignant tumors with high resolution whole-body MRI using parallel imaging with whole-body dual-modality PET-CT. Preliminary results of an interim analysis from a prospective, blinded study are presented, in which 20 patients (mean age 59 years, range 27-77 years) with different oncological diseases underwent whole-body dual modality FDG-PET-CT screening for tumor search or staging in case of confirmed or suspected metastatic disease. All patients also underwent whole-body MRI imaging with the use of parallel imaging (iPAT). High-resolution coronal T1w- and STIR-sequences of 5 body levels with 512 x 512 matrix, axial fast T2w imaging of lung and abdomen (HASTE), contrast-enhanced dynamic and static T1w-sequences of liver, brain, abdomen, and pelvis were performed. Using a 32-channel whole-body MRI scanner (Magnetom Avanto, Siemens Medical Solutions) with a total field of view of 205 cm and free table movement, all ...
In an epidemiological study of the somatic late effects risk following incorporation of a short lived {alpha}-emitter, 1473 ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with repeated intravenous injections of {sup 224}Ra in the years 1948 - 75, have been observed in the GSF. The usual therapeutic plan consisted of a total of 10 - 12 injections of 1.036 MBq (28 {mu}Ci) of {sup 224}Ra each, given at weekly intervals; this would result in an cumulative {alpha}-dose of 0.56 - 0.67 Gy to the marrow-free skeleton of a 70-kg-man (standard man). These patients have been followed together with a control group of ankylosing spondylitis patients not treated with radioactive drugs and/or X-rays. Until May 1993 (mean follow-up time 19.9 yr), 595 patients of the exposure group and 722 patients of the control group have died, causes of death have been ascertained for 578, resp. 668 patients. Among others we observed in the exposure group 10 cases of leukaemia (vs. 2.7 - 2.8 cases expected, p < 0.001) ...
Purpose: To report the detection of con-compacted ventricular myocardium (NVCM) with MRI compared to echocardiography in 8 patients. Material and methods: Non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium is a congenital disorder characterized by an altered structure of the myocardial wall resulting from an intrauterine arrest in endomyocardial embryogenesis. The morphological findings consist of a prominent meshwork of multiple myocardial trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses, communicating with the left ventricular cavity. 8 consecutive patients (mean age 7.3 years) with clinical and echocardiographic signs of NCVM were examined by MRI (1.5 T, Vision, Siemens) in short axis and 2- and 4-chamber views, using T{sub 1}-weighted TSE and Cine-GRE in 6 patients and true FISP sequences in 2 patients. MRI and echocardiography were evaluated for visibility, signs of NCVM and involvement of myocardial wall segments. Thickness was measured for non-compacted and compacted myocardium and ...
Low energy buildings promise significant energy savings and help climate preservation by cutting down on annual heating requirements to values below 70 kWh per m{sup 2} dwelling space. It is expected that low energy constructions will become the common standard by the year 2000 as a result of the forthcoming energy saving ordinance. For making the introduction and implementation of this standard successful, practical experience will be essential. For this reason, the state government of Hesse has supported respective pilot projects 1987. In 1989 the funding programme `30 low energy buildings in Hesse` has been established. Consecutively - between 1989 and 1993 - 29 buildings were erected. At first, the thermal quality of the crafted building construction including the ventilation systems was checked. Consecutively, energy consumption, indoor and outdoor temperatures were measured over a time span of several years. The experience of the inhabitants was surveyed. The `Institut Wohnen und ...