Influence of the La6W2O15 Phase on the Properties and Integrity of La6-xWO12-x Based Membranes

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the influence of La6W2O15 secondary phase on the properties and integrity of La6-xWO12-δ–based membranes. Structural, microstructural and thermo–chemical study was carried out evidencing significant crystallographic and thermal expansion anisotropy: the reason for poor thermo–mechanical stability of La6W2O15. Conductivity of La6W2O15 was one to two orders of magnitude lower compared to the phase pure La6-xWO12-δ in the range of 300 to 900 °C. The relaxation study showed that the hydration process was faster for the La6W2O15 compared to the LWO phase, due to the higher electronic contribution to the total conductivity. Short–term stability tests in H2 at 900 °C and in a mixture of CO2 and CH4 at 750 °C were conducted and material remained stable. Remarkable reactivity with NiO and YSZ at elevated temperatures was further evidenced compared to the relative inert behavior towards MgO and CGO.Ivanova, ME.; Seeger, J.; Serra Alfaro, JM.; Solis Díaz, C.; Meulenberg, WA.; Fischer, W.; Roitsch, S.... (2012). Influence of the La6W2O15 Phase on the Properties and Integrity of La6-xWO12-x Based Membranes. Chemistry and Materials Research. 2(1):56-81. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/80837S56812

Internal capsule size associated with outcome in first-episode schizophrenia

Subtle structural brain abnormalities are an established finding in first-episode psychosis. Nevertheless their relationship to the clinical course of schizophrenia is controversially discussed. In a multicentre study 45 first-episode schizophrenia patients (FE-SZ) underwent standardized MRI scanning and were followed up to 1 year. In 32 FE-SZ volumetric measurement of three regions of interests (ROIs) potentially associated with disease course, hippocampus, lateral ventricle and the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) could be performed. The subgroups of FE-SZ with good (12 patients) and poor outcome (11 patients), defined by a clinically relevant change of the PANSS score, were compared with regard to these volumetric measures. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant reduced maximal cross sectional area of the left ALIC in FE-SZ with clinically relevant deterioration compared to those with stable psychopathology. There were no differences in the other selected ROIs between the two subgroups. In conclusion, reduced maximal area of ALIC, which can be interpreted as a disturbance of fronto-thalamic connectivity, is associated with poor outcome during the 1 year course of first-episode schizophrenia

Cognitive behavioural therapy versus supportive therapy for persistent positive symptoms in psychotic disorders: The POSITIVE Study, a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial

Background: It has been demonstrated that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has a moderate effect on symptom reduction and on general well being of patients suffering from psychosis. However, questions regarding the specific efficacy of CBT, the treatment safety, the cost-effectiveness, and the moderators and mediators of treatment effects are still a major issue. The major objective of this trial is to investigate whether CBT is specifically efficacious in reducing positive symptoms when compared with non-specific supportive therapy (ST) which does not implement CBT-techniques but provides comparable therapeutic attention. Methods: The POSITIVE study is a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, parallel group, randomised clinical trial, comparing CBT and ST with respect to the efficacy in reducing positive symptoms in psychotic disorders. CBT as well as ST consist of 20 sessions altogether, 165 participants receiving CBT and 165 participants receiving ST. Major methodological aspects of the study are systematic recruitment, explicit inclusion criteria, reliability checks of assessments with control for rater shift, analysis by intention to treat, data management using remote data entry, measures of quality assurance (e.g. on-site monitoring with source data verification, regular query process), advanced statistical analysis, manualized treatment, checks of adherence and competence of therapists. Research relating the psychotherapy process with outcome, neurobiological research addressing basic questions of delusion formation using fMRI and neuropsychological assessment and treatment research investigating adaptations of CBT for adolescents is combined in this network. Problems of transfer into routine clinical care will be identified and addressed by a project focusing on cost efficiency. Discussion: This clinical trial is part of efforts to intensify psychotherapy research in the field of psychosis in Germany, to contribute to the international discussion on psychotherapy in psychotic disorders, and to help implement psychotherapy in routine care. Furthermore, the study will allow drawing conclusions about the mediators of treatment effects of CBT of psychotic disorders. Trial Registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN2924287