Danube University Krems

About: Danube University Krems is a education organization based out in Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Stroke & Population. The organization has 498 authors who have published 1572 publications receiving 68797 citations.

Highly Efficient Passive Thermal Micro-Actuator

Abstract: A passive thermal micro-actuator with large area specific work and large displacement, fabricated of electroplated nickel on a silicon substrate is presented. The actuation relies on the thermal expansion of beams in a V-shaped geometry. Two V-shaped beam stacks are aligned opposite to each other and are coupled to a lever transmission. The actuator exhibits low energy losses due to the deformation of the structure and can efficiently convert the thermally induced elastic energy into mechanical work. An analytical model considers these thermally induced mechanical energies and the energy losses caused by the deformation of the material. The calculated deflections are compared with the measured ones and results of finite-element method simulations. The presented actuator operates completely passive, relies only on temperature changes of the surrounding environment, and exhibits a measured temperature-dependent linear deflection coefficient of $1.48~\mu \text{m}$ /K with a simulated blocking force of $57~\mu \text{N}$ /K. The structure occupies an area of $2135 \,\, \times \,\, 1831~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ and the area specific work is calculated to be $21.7~\mu \text{J}/\text{K}^{2}/\text{m}^{2}\vphantom {\sum ^{R^{R}}}$ , beating state of the art thermal actuators. As proof-of-concept, a passive micro-electro-mechanical systems temperature threshold sensor is fabricated, featuring the actuator and a bistable beam that switches between two stable positions when a specific threshold temperature is exceeded. [2014-0317]

Effectiveness of a Multimodal Treatment Program for Somatoform Pain Disorder

Abstract: Chronic pain conditions are highly prevalent, with somatoform pain disorder accounting for a large proportion. However, the psychological forms of treatment currently used achieve only small to medium effect sizes. This retrospective study investigated the effectiveness of a 5-week multimodal pain program for patients with somatoform pain disorder. The diagnosis of somatoform pain disorder was confirmed by a specialist for anesthesiology and pain management and a specialist for psychosomatic medicine. Therapy outcome was evaluated with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Pain Disability Index (PDI), and the Pain Perception Scale. Within the study sample (n = 100), all parameters showed a significant and clinically relevant improvement at the end of therapy (P values < 0.001). The highest effect sizes (d) were found for reduction in average pain rating (NRS: d = 1.00) and the affective items of the Pain Perception Scale (SES-A: d = 0.07). The lowest effect sizes were found for improvement of pain-related disabilities (PDI: d = 0.42) and sensory items of the Pain Perception Scale (SES-S: d = 0.50). Despite high chronification of pain condition, with average pain duration of greater than 8 years, the multimodal treatment program showed medium to large effect sizes on the outcome of patients with somatoform pain disorder. Compared with previous data with small to moderate effect sizes, a multimodal program seems to be more effective than other interventions to address somatoform pain disorder.

Increased serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in patients with psoriasis vulgaris: a marker for unknown peripheral joint involvement?

Abstract: Objective. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a parameter for the current extent of cartilage destruction. It has been shown that the release pattern of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in serum reflects cartilage turnover. The aim of our study was to explore the utility of sCOMP as a marker for disease activity in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in comparison to a control group only with psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Methods. Serum levels of COMP were measured in 64 patients with PsA and psoriasis vulgaris. The control group consisted of a population with PV from a dermatological outpatient clinic. ELISA-tests were used to detect sCOMP levels according to the manufacturers instructions. Results. In our 64 patients with PsA, we found increased sCOMP levels, which correlated significantly with inflammatory parameters and the number of swollen joints. Patients with active PsA had significantly higher sCOMP levels (p<0.0001) than the 39 patients with a low inflammatory status. In our control group with PV we also found elevated sCOMP levels, which correlated significantly with the increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in this group. The difference between the PsA and the PV group was not significant (p=0.092). Conclusion. In our study, sCOMP has been demonstrated to be an indicator for disease activity in patients with PsA. Patients with active PsA showed significantly elevated sCOMP levels compared to the patients with low clinical and laboratory disease activity. The increased sCOMP levels in our control group with PV indicate that all patients with psoriatic lesions should be screened for additional joint involvement and should lead to an exact joint examination.