University of Hamburg

About: University of Hamburg is a education organization based out in Hamburg, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Laser. The organization has 45564 authors who have published 89286 publications receiving 2850161 citations. The organization is also known as: Hamburg University.

The soft x-ray free-electron laser FLASH at DESY: beamlines, diagnostics and end-stations

Abstract: FLASH, the Free-electron LASer in Hamburg, is a worldwide unique source for extremely bright ultra-short laser-like pulses tunable in a wide spectral range in the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray region (Ackermann et?al 2007 Nat. Photonics 1 336?42). To fully exploit the features of this new generation of light sources, a user facility with efficient radiation transport to the experimental area and novel online photon diagnostics capable of characterizing the unique parameters of the FLASH radiation has been built. It serves a broad user community active in many scientific fields ranging from atomic and molecular physics to plasma and solid state physics as well as chemistry and biology. A special focus is placed on the exploitation of the ultra-short FLASH pulses using pump?probe techniques. Thus, the facility is equipped with optical and THz sources synchronized to FLASH. This paper gives a detailed overview of the FLASH user facility.

Realizing all-spin-based logic operations atom by atom.

Abstract: An ultimate goal of spintronic research is the realization of concepts for atomic-scale all-spin-based devices. We combined bottom-up atomic fabrication with spin-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy to construct and read out atomic-scale model systems performing logic operations. Our concept uses substrate-mediated indirect exchange coupling to achieve logical interconnection between individual atomic spins. Combined with spin frustration, this concept enables various logical operations between inputs, such as NOT and OR.

Quality of work, well-being, and intended early retirement of older employees: baseline results from the SHARE Study.

Abstract: Background: Given the challenge of a high proportion of older employees who retire early from work we analyse associations of indicators of a poor psychosocial quality of work with intended premature departure from work in a large sample of older male and female employees in 10 European countries. Methods: Baseline data from the 'Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe' (SHARE) were obtained from 3523 men and 3318 women in 10 European countries. Data on intended early retirement, four measures of well-being (self-rated health, depressive symptoms, general symptom load, and quality of life), and quality of work (effort-reward imbalance; low control at work) were obtained from struc- tured interviews and questionnaires. Country-specific and total samples are analysed, using logistic regression analysis. Results: Poor quality of work is significantly associated with intended early retire- ment. After adjustment for well-being odds ratios (OR) of effort-reward imbalance (OR 1.72 (1.43-2.08)) and low control at work (OR 1.51 (1.27-1.80)) on intended early retirement are observed. Poor quality of work and reduced well-being are independently associated with the intention to retire from work. Conclusion: The consistent association of a poor psychosocial quality of work with intended early retire- ment among older employees across all European countries under study calls for improved investments into better quality of work, in particular increased control and an appropriate balance between efforts spent and rewards received at work.

The LEVANT I (Lutonix paclitaxel-coated balloon for the prevention of femoropopliteal restenosis) trial for femoropopliteal revascularization: first-in-human randomized trial of low-dose drug-coated balloon versus uncoated balloon angioplasty

Abstract: Objectives This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Lutonix drug-coated balloon (DCB) coated with 2 μg/mm2 paclitaxel and a polysorbate/sorbitol carrier for treatment of femoropopliteal lesions. Background Percutaneous treatment of peripheral vascular disease is associated with a high recurrence. Paclitaxel-coated balloons at 3 μg/mm2 formulated differently have shown promising results with reduced restenosis. Methods Subjects at 9 centers with Rutherford class 2 to 5 femoropopliteal lesions were randomized between June 2009 and December 2009 to treatment with Lutonix DCB (n = 49) versus uncoated balloons (control group [n = 52]), stratified by whether balloon-only treatment (n = 75) or stenting (n = 26) was intended. The primary endpoint was angiographic late lumen loss at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included adjudicated major adverse events (death, amputation, target lesion thrombosis, reintervention), functional outcomes, and pharmacokinetics. Results Demographic, peripheral vascular disease, and lesion characteristics were matched, with mean lesion length of 8.1 ± 3.8 cm and 42% total occlusions. At 6 months, late lumen loss was 58% lower for the Lutonix DCB group (0.46 ± 1.13 mm) than for the control group (1.09 ± 1.07 mm; p = 0.016). Composite 24-month major adverse events were 39% for the DCB group, including 15 target lesion revascularizations, 1 amputation, and 4 deaths versus 46% for uncoated balloon group, with 20 target lesion revascularizations, 1 thrombosis, and 5 deaths. Pharmacokinetics showed biexponential decay with peak concentration (Cmax) of 59 ng/ml and total observed exposure (AUCall) of 73 ng h/ml. For successful DCB deployment excluding 8 malfunctions, 6-month late lumen loss was 0.39 mm and the 24-month target lesion revascularization rate was 24%. Conclusions Treatment of femoropopliteal lesions with the low-dose Lutonix DCB reduced late lumen loss with safety comparable to that of control angioplasty. (LEVANT I, The Lutonix Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Prevention of Femoropopliteal Restenosis; NCT00930813 )