Twin-free YBa2Cu3O7 films on (001) NdGaO3 showing isotropic electrical behaviour

Investigating the epitaxial nature of YBa2Cu3O7 films on NdGaO3 (001) by Rutherford backscattering (RBS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) texture measurements we find that the films are almost single crystalline, in the sense that the a, b and c axes are uniquely defined with respect to those of NdGaO3. The crystalline perfection is, however, not reflected in the electrical properties of the films. Although we measure a Tc of 89.7 K, we did not observe the expected anisotropy in the resistivity. We interpret this to be due to Ga diffusion from the substrate into the film, which effectively blocks the chain conductivity

The ab-anisotrophy of twinfree YBa₂Cu₃O_7-δ films above and below T_c

High quality twin-free c-axis oriented YBa2Cu3O7 films were grown by pulsed laser deposition on NdGaO3. We find resistive anisotropies between 1 < a/b < 1.6. The resistive anisotropy above Tc appears to be correlated to the anisotropy in the critical current below Tc. The normal state properties of the chains along b seem to have a significant influence on the superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7

Multifunctioneel landgebruik als adaptatiestrategie : Puzzelen met ondernemers en beleidsmakers

Het Brabantse landelijke gebied is een dicht bevolkt en gereguleerd landschap. De vraag naar ruimte is groot en vaak conflicterend. Klimaatadaptatie maatregelen gericht op het omgaan met de effecten van klimaatverandering kunnen een extra ruimteclaim leggen op de schaarse ruimte. Het project multifunctioneel landgebruik heeft de volgende resultaten opgeleverd: 1) Een overzicht en analyse van de praktische toepassing van multifunctioneel landgebruik als klimaatadaptatie strategie voor de hoge zandgronden. 2) Inzichten in hoe met actoren te komen tot ideeën voor multifunctioneel landgebruik en hoe deze te implementeren 3) Een Businesscase waarin multifunctioneel gebruik vanuit water, natuur en energie als strategie voor klimaatadaptatie is uitgewerkt

Brain computer tomography in critically ill patients -- a prospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Brain computer tomography (brain CT) is an important imaging tool in patients with intracranial disorders. In ICU patients, a brain CT implies an intrahospital transport which has inherent risks. The proceeds and consequences of a brain CT in a critically ill patient should outweigh these risks. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of brain CT in ICU patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a prospective observational study data were collected during one year on the reasons to request a brain CT, expected abnormalities, abnormalities found by the radiologist and consequences for treatment. An “expected abnormality” was any finding that had been predicted by the physician requesting the brain CT. A brain CT was “diagnostically positive”, if the abnormality found was new or if an already known abnormality was increased. It was “diagnostically negative” if an already known abnormality was unchanged or if an expected abnormality was not found. The treatment consequences of the brain CT, were registered as “treatment as planned”, “treatment changed, not as planned”, “treatment unchanged”.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Data of 225 brain CT in 175 patients were analyzed. In 115 (51%) brain CT the abnormalities found were new or increased known abnormalities. 115 (51%) brain CT were found to be diagnostically positive. In the medical group 29 (39%) of brain CT were positive, in the surgical group 86 (57%), <it>p</it> 0.01. After a positive brain CT, in which the expected abnormalities were found, treatment was changed as planned in 33%, and in 19% treatment was changed otherwise than planned.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results of this study show that the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of brain CT in critically ill patients is moderate. The development of guidelines regarding the decision rules for performing a brain CT in ICU patients is needed.</p

Pediatric meningiomas in The Netherlands 1974–2010: a descriptive epidemiological case study

The purpose of this study was to review the epidemiology and the clinical, radiological, pathological, and follow-up data of all surgically treated pediatric meningiomas during the last 35 years in The Netherlands. Patients were identified in the Pathological and Anatomical Nationwide Computerized Archive database, the nationwide network and registry of histopathology and cytopathology in The Netherlands. Pediatric patients of 18 years or younger at first operation in 1974-2009 with the diagnosis meningioma were included. Clinical records, follow-up data, radiological findings, operative reports, and pathological examinations were reviewed. In total, 72 patients (39 boys) were identified. The incidence of operated meningiomas in the Dutch pediatric population is 1:1,767,715 children per year. Median age at diagnosis was 13 years (range 0-18 years). Raised intracranial pressure and seizures were the most frequent signs at presentation. Thirteen (18 %) patients had neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Fifty-three (74 %) patients had a meningioma World Health Organization grade I. Total resection was achieved in 35 of 64 patients. Fifteen patients received radiotherapy postoperatively. Mean follow-up was 4.8 years (range 0-27.8 years). Three patients died as a direct result of their meningioma within 3 years. Four patients with NF2 died as a result of multiple tumors. Nineteen patients had disease progression, requiring additional treatment. Meningiomas are extremely rare in the pediatric population; 25 % of all described meningiomas show biological aggressive behavior in terms of disease progression, requiring additional treatment. The 5-year survival is 83.9 %, suggesting that the biological behavior of pediatric menigiomas is more aggressive than that of its adult counterpart