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Biomedical subjects

H Eckert

Publications and source records attributed to H Eckert.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Quality management in a combined clinic - the quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001 of the The German Association of Spa Accommodation Resorts e. V. (VdKB)].

The implementation of a quality system in health care organizations offers huge potentials for improvement and development. But the realization of such systems necessitates high investments, which small companies and family businesses often are unable to raise. The German Association of Spa Accommodation Resorts (VdKB) commissioned two consultants to develop a reasonably priced implementation concept of a DIN EN ISO 9001 quality system specially adjusted to small companies and family businesses in medical spa and rehabilitation services, which was successfully accredited in May 2003. This paper describes fundamental requirements in combine management systems, considers the pros and cons of management combines and demonstrates the practical realization of combine requirements on the example of the VdKB-combine system.

Balneology↗
PubMed2001

[Quality management in German rehabilitation clinics - a stratified representative survey].

BACKGROUND: As of January 1, 2000 rehabilitation clinics in Germany are obliged to implement and develop a quality management system. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to depict the implementation of quality management (QM), to trace the preferred QM models, identify the reasons for and experience with the introducing quality management, and inquire into the quality tools used in rehabilitation clinics. METHODS: Postal study of a representatively selected random sample of 298 rehabilitation clinics, stratified along the criteria state, number of beds and financially responsible agency, using six questions with nominally scaled items. Questionnaire design provided no clues as to the responding clinics. The study was designed along the Total Design Method. RESULTS: 89 % of the responding clinics have implemented a QM system, or are about to or planning to do so. Only 11 % reject quality management. 59 % implemented their system in 1998, 1999 or 2000. Among the reasons for implementing a QM system, items related to potentials of quality management predominate, whereas demands by third parties are given only very rarefy. DISCUSSION: The response rate was 59 %, i. e., the study can be considered representative. The high share of clinics taking a positive view on quality management is however somewhat modified by the fact that 40.4 % of the clinics have adopted or are planning far traditional quality assurance methods. Whether these systems will satisfy the legal requirements in place (SGB V) is doubtful. Adjusted, responses show that 48.9 % of the clinics are running QM systems, are about to or planning to implement one. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the responding clinics have already implemented a QM system or are about to do so. A majority of the clinics however rely on traditional quality assurance methods. Whether quality assurance will satisfy the legal requirements in place (SGB V) re an internal quality management system must be awaited.

Germany↗
PubMed2000

"NaB15": a new structural description based on X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy

A boron-rich sodium boride, formerly known as NaB15, has been subjected to a comprehensive structural reinvestigation using X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction, low-temperature neutron and electron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and 23Na solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the previously published orthorhombic space group is incorrect. Consistent with all of the experimental results a modified structural description is developed in the monoclinic space group Ilml (a = 585.92(3), b= 1039.92(6), c = 833.17(5) pin, beta = 90.373(5) from powder data). Because one of the interstitial boron atom positions remains unoccupied, the accurate compositional formula is NaB145 or Na2B29.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Dipolar coupling information in multispin systems: application of a compensated REDOR NMR approach to inorganic phosphates. Rotational echo double resonance.

An experimental strategy has been developed for measuring multiple dipole-dipole interactions in inorganic compounds using the technique of rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR. Geometry-independent information about the dipole couplings between the observe nuclear species S (arbitrary quantum number) and the heteronuclear species I (spin-12) can be conveniently obtained from the experimental curve of DeltaS/S(0) versus dipolar evolution time by limiting the analysis to the initial data range 0 < delta S/S(0) < 0.30. Numerical simulations have been carried out on a three-spin system of type SI(2) in order to assess the effect of the I-I homonuclear dipole-dipole coupling and the influence of experimental imperfections such as finite pulse length and misadjustments of the 180 degrees pulses applied to the I-spin species. The simulations show further that within the initial data range the effects of such misadjustments can be internally compensated by a modified sequence having an additional 180 degrees pulse on the I channel in the middle of the dipolar evolution periods. Experimental (27)Al¿(31)P¿ REDOR results on the multispin systems Al(PO(3))(3), AlPO(4), [AlPO(4)](12)(C(3)H(7))(4)NF, and Na(3)PO(4) confirm the general utility of this approach. Thus, for applications to unknown systems the compensation strategy obviates calibration procedures with model compounds.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2000

[Reform of the Law DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. Commentary on the new requirements on quality management systems].

Since January this year the German translation of the third draft to the reform of the DIN EN ISO 9000 is available. The draft reveals an approximation to the models of Business Excellence. Most important changes are a far stronger customer orientation, orientation on the processes and resource management. The norms DIN EN ISO 9002 and 9003 have been removed, ISO 8402 has been integrated in the reformed DIN EN ISO 9000. Apart from that the compatibility with other management systems has been improved. It was the aim of the reform to improve the applicability for all types of business, products and services.

Germany↗
PubMed1999

Dephasing of spin echoes by multiple heteronuclear dipolar interactions in rotational echo double resonance NMR experiments.

The application of rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for accurate distance measurements has thus far been largely restricted to isolated heteronuclear two-spin systems. In the present paper, the informational content of REDOR curves is explored for systems characterized by multi-spin interactions. To this end, numerical REDOR simulations are presented for cases in which single observe spins S are dipolarly coupled to groups of spins I in distinct geometries. To develop the utility of REDOR for characterizing dipolar couplings in unknown and/or ill-defined geometries, the validity ranges and systematic errors of certain analytical approximations are studied. In the limit of short dipolar evolution times where 0 < deltaS/S0 < or = 0.2 to 0.3, the REDOR difference signal intensity increases approximately proportional to the square of the dipolar evolution time. Here, the curvature depends simply on the second moment M2 characterizing the overall strength of the heterodipolar coupling, irrespective of specific molecular geometries. Fitting experimental REDOR data in this manner produces slight systematic underestimates of M2. However, these errors tend to be counterbalanced by additional systematic errors made by neglecting weak couplings to more remote spins and distribution effects caused by disorder. Based on these findings, the results suggest a convenient method of obtaining site-resolved second moment information in disordered materials.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1997

31P to 77Se cross polarization in beta-P4Se3.

Cross polarization from 31P to 77Se is demonstrated in beta-P4Se3. This material, an inorganic glass, is readily synthesized from the elements and serves as a convenient sample for setting the Hartmann-Hahn condition.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1997

Synthesis and structural characterization of mixed aluminum-gallium-offretites.

A new synthesis procedure is reported for the preparation of mixed Al,Ga-offretites over the entire solid solution range 0 < or = Ga/(Ga + Al) < or = 1. The resulting materials are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, adsorption microcalorimetry and multinuclear solid state NMR. The 29Si MAS-NMR data are consistent with statistical occupancy of the T1 and T2 sites by aluminum and gallium, and also show no positive evidence for preferential siting effects between both framework metals. Isotropic chemical shifts and nuclear electric quadrupolar coupling constants for 27Al and 71Ga have been obtained from a field-dependent analysis of the center of gravity in the MAS-NMR spectra. H-Al,Ga-offretites produced by ammonium exchange and subsequent calcination reveal evidence of partial demetallation of the framework with formation of extra-lattice metal species.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1996

11B[27Al] and 27Al[11B] double resonance experiments on a glassy sodium aluminoborate.

Cross-polarization/magic-angle spinning (CP/MAS) and rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) experiments involving two half-integer quadrupolar nuclei, 11B and 27Al, are reported, to demonstrate boron-aluminum connectivities in a model aluminoborate glass. A detailed study of the spin-lock behavior of 11B and 27Al proves to be a prerequisite for successful CP/MAS experiments. Under MAS conditions, two distinct boron sites are observed, corresponding to tetrahedral BO4/2- sites (nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constant near 0.3 MHz) and trigonal BO3/2 sites (nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constant near 2.7 MHz). The BO4/2- sites are most successfully spin-locked in the adiabatic regime at high radio frequency (RF) field strengths, whereas for the BO3/2 sites optimum spin-lock conditions are achieved in the sudden regime (low RF field strengths). These differences can be exploited for spectral editing purposes in REDOR experiments. Using corresponding T1p filters, it becomes possible to measure individual REDOR dephasing curves for both types of boron sites. The results illustrate the possible utility of heteronuclear X-Y double resonance techniques in unravelling the intermediate range order in amorphous systems containing quadrupolar nuclei.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1995

23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spin echo decay spectroscopy of sodium silicate glasses and crystalline model compounds.

The possibility of using Hahn spin echo decay spectroscopy for measuring 23Na-23Na dipole-dipole couplings in crystalline solids and glasses is investigated. Although the presence of nuclear electric quadrupolar splittings complicates the situation compared to the case of dipole-dipole couplings among spin-1/2 nuclei, experimentally measured second moments lie within approximately 10-20% of the calculated values, if the following conditions are fulfilled: (1) selective excitation of the central 1/2-->-1/2 transition, and (2) restriction of the analysis to short evolution times (2t1 < or = 200 microseconds). At longer evolution times, partial suppression of the spin-exchange term in the dipolar Hamiltonian due to magnetic inequivalencies between the interacting nuclei produces substantial differences between experimental and calculated spin echo decays, the extent of which depends on the compound considered. These results signify the potential utility of 23Na spin echo nuclear magnetic resonance for testing the distribution of Na-Na distances in structurally disordered solids and glasses. The method is shown to be applicable to sodium silicate glasses, where it reproduces anticipated compositional trends in 23Na-23Na couplings. Details and inherent limitations of this methodology are discussed.

Crystallization↗
PubMed1993

Identical expression of ELAM-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 in sarcoidosis and usual interstitial pneumonitis.

Extravasation of leucocytes in tissues is mediated by leucocyte-endothelial cell interactions in which adhesion molecules play an important role. Until now, two pathways have been unravelled, i.e., the LFA-1/ICAM-1 and the VLA-4/VCAM-1 pathways. ELAM-1 has been shown to be involved in granulocyte accumulation and recently also in lymphocyte migration. The role of HECA-452 is under investigation. In this study we have investigated the expression of the above-mentioned adhesion molecules in lung tissue of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), and in mediastinal lymph nodes of patients with sarcoidosis. ICAM-1 (CD54) was broadly distributed on the endothelium of all the vessels found in sarcoidosis and UIP. VCAM-1 was present on the endothelium of the venules, capillaries, and arterioles in both sarcoidosis and UIP. ELAM-1 reacted with endothelial cells lining venules and capillaries in chronic progressive sarcoidosis and in the active phase of UIP but not in the stationary phases of both diseases. HECA-452 activity could be detected only on high endothelial venules within sarcoid lymph nodes. In lung tissues, macrophages bearing the ICAM-1 antigen were present in sarcoid tissue but not in the interstitium and alveolar space of UIP. LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29) were present on all leucocytes found but seemed to be more highly expressed on lymphocytes in sarcoidosis. These findings suggest that the LFA-1/ICAM-1 and VLA-4/VCAM-1 pathways are involved in leucocyte migration in both types of lung disease, while in the active phases of sarcoidosis and UIP, ELAM-1 is also involved.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Spectral editing in MAS NMR of aprotic solids. 31P-113Cd cross-polarization and heteronuclear double-quantum filtering studies in II-IV-V2 semiconductor alloys.

Magic-angle-spinning NMR spectra of aprotic solids, ceramics and glasses frequently suffer from poor site resolution due to wide chemical shift distribution effects. In such cases, cross-polarization and heteronuclear double-quantum filtering experiments involving nuclei other than 1H offer unique spectral editing capabilities. The utility of such assignment techniques for examining site populations in semiconductor alloys is demonstrated for the chalcopyrite systems CdGeAs2-xPx, CdSiAs2-xPx and ZnxCd1-xGeP2. The results permit a distinction between local and non-local effects on experimental chemical shift trends and reveal that compositional dependences observed in these alloys are dominated by non-local chemical shift contributions.

Alloys↗
PubMed1992

Heteronuclear X-Y double quantum MAS NMR in crystalline inorganic solids. Applications for indirect detection and spectral editing of rare-spin resonances.

Heteronuclear double quantum MAS NMR experiments in the solid state, involving pairs of highly abundant 31P spins and the rare spins 113Cd, 77Se, and 29Si, are described for the three crystalline compounds CdSiP2, CdGeP2, and Ag7PSe6. These experiments offer the opportunity of indirectly detecting the rare-spin resonance via chemical shift evolution of heteronuclear double quantum coherence. For suitable cases, this method results in significantly enhanced detection sensitivities. Criteria for favorable indirect detection experiments are established. Besides offering high sensitivity, the pulse sequence also acts as a heteronuclear double quantum filter, hence providing heteronuclear correlation and useful spectral editing for peak assignments.

Cadmium↗
PubMed1992

Dipolar 31P NMR spectroscopy of crystalline inorganic phosphorus compounds.

The ability of the 90 degrees-t1-180 degrees pulse sequence to produce accurate dipole-dipole coupling information in solids is investigated. To this end, the experimental 31P spin echo decays are measured for eighteen crystalline phosphides and phosphorus chalcogenides and compared with simulations, based on the known internuclear distances in these compounds. The experimental results are generally found accurate in compounds where the dominant contribution to the dipole-dipole coupling arises from nuclei in structurally inequivalent sites with large chemical shift anisotropies. For this situation, the quantum mechanical "flip-flop" term in the dipolar Hamiltonian is suppressed and the dipole-dipole coupling is entirely heteronuclear in character. All of those compounds that do not obey this condition show accelerated spin echo decays due to a fractional contribution of the flip-flop term and possibly incomplete refocusing of chemical shift terms on the time scale of the experiment. The results confirm on an empirical basis that the spin echo NMR technique can provide accurate dipole-dipole coupling information (and thus distance distributions) in disordered solids and glasses.

Crystallization↗