The effects of Ge on the diffusion properties of the SL are also considered and the conservation of lattice site constraints is accounted for. Output from the model is compared to experimental Ge interdiffusion profiles for samples annealed in the temperature range 770-1125 degrees C in inert ambient and in some cases in oxidizing ambient, where the experimental samples contained Ge fractions up to 30%. For anneal temperatures

up to 1075 degrees C a vacancy exchange mechanism is sufficient to describe the interdiffusion mechanism in Si1-xGex/Si SL structures. For higher anneal temperatures interstitial diffusion mechanism dominates the interdiffusion process.”
“Objective. The use of ureteric stents is a standard treatment for the relief of ureter blockages for benign or malignant reasons. The most common stent design in clinical use is a GSK461364 chemical structure double-J stent with coiled ends to avoid stent displacement. However, there are a number of complications associated with stent use. A double-J stent design bypasses the ureterovesical junction, enables bladder pressure reflection to the renal pelvis and causes vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This may result in scarring and renal failure. Material and methods. An animal model

was used to investigate whether VUR can be avoided in stented ureters using a short biodegradable partial helical spiral stent design that leaves P005091 nmr the ureterovesical

junction intact. Materials and methods. Eight female pigs were used. Ureters on the left side were stented using a short helical spiral SR-PLGA stent (group A) and AS1842856 ureters on the right side using double-J stents (group B). Simulated voiding cystoureterography and standard intravenous urography examinations were performed on all eight animals at 4 weeks and on the remaining four animals at 8 weeks. Results. An SR-PLGA single coiled partial stent demonstrated superior drainage properties to a double-J stent at 4 weeks (p == 0.020). A marked but not statistically significant difference in favour of a SR-PLGA stent was also observed at 8 weeks (p == 0.102). A statistically significant difference was observed in VCUG findings in favour of group A at immediate postoperative control as well as in the 4 and 8 week follow-up studies (p == 0.011, p == 0.010, p == 0.046, respectively). Conclusion. A self-expandable, SR-PLGA partial ureteric stent presented with superior drainage and antireflux properties compared to a double-J stent. The reflux commonly related to double-J stent use can be minimized by using a partial ureteric stent design.”
“Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS) in predicting pregabalin in peripheral neuropathic pain (NP). Study Design.