Characterization data of reference materials used for phase II of the priority program DFG SPP 2005 "Opus Fluidum Futurum - Rheology of reactive, multiscale, multiphase construction materials".

A thorough characterization of base materials is the prerequisite for further research. In this paper, the characterization data of the reference materials (CEM I 42.5 R, limestone powder, calcined clay and a mixture of these three components) used in the second funding phase of the priority program 2005 of the German Research Foundation (DFG SPP 2005) are presented under the aspects of chemical and mineralogical composition as well as physical and chemical properties. The data were collected based on tests performed by up to eleven research groups involved in this cooperative program.

Utilizing optical spectroscopy and 2',7'-difluorofluorescein to characterize the early stages of cement hydration.

The increasingly sophisticated nature of modern, more environmentally friendly cementitious binders requires a better understanding and control particularly of the complex, dynamic processes involved in the early phase of cement hydration. In-situ monitoring of properties of a constantly changing system over a defined period of time calls for simple, sensitive, fast, and preferably also non-invasive methods like optical spectroscopy. Here, we exploit the time-dependent changes in the absorbance and fluorescence features of the negatively charged optical probe 2',7'-difluorofluorescein (DFFL) for the study of the hydration processes in pastes of white cement (WC), cubic tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and tricalcium silicate (C3S), the main phases of cement, and in pastes of quartz (Q) over 24 h after addition of the dye solution. For comparison, also conventional techniques like isothermal heat flow calorimetry were applied. Based upon the time-dependent changes in the spectroscopic properties of DFFL, that seem to originate mainly from dye aggregation and dye-surface interactions and considerably vary between the different pastes, molecular pictures of the hydration processes in the cement pastes are derived. Our results clearly demonstrate the potential of optical spectroscopy, i.e., diffuse reflectance, steady state and time-resolved fluorometry in conjunction with suitable optical reporters, to probe specific hydration processes and to contribute to a better understanding of the early hydration processes of cement at the molecular scale.

[Occupational medical and orthopedic aspects of the dental workplace]. / Arbeitsmedizinische und orthopädische Aspekte der Arbeitshaltung des Zahnarztes.

On the basis of traditionally designed dental workplaces recognized occupational diseases of dentists are presented. Clinical examples indicate the focuses of orthopaedic diseases. By means of improved technical health equipments such working conditions can be designed representing an essential precondition for a load-reduced work. Objectifications of posture parameters are brought in to make optimized use of the equipment and materials base.

[Arthrocele of the knee joint--a differential diagnosis to deep venous thrombosis]. / Die Arthrozele des Kniegelenkes--eine Differentialdiagnose zur tiefen Phlebothrombose.

The symptoms of a thrombosis in deep veins of the calf in patients with rheumatoid arthritis should have thought of the possibility of a synovial cyst or synovial cyst rupture. Because of their too small specificity clinical findings do not allow to decide for one of the two diagnosis. Phlebography and/or arthrography effect the clarification which is necessary for an effective therapy with low risk. Arthrosonography gets increasing importance instead of arthrography.

[Ambulatory surgery in orthopedics]. / Die ambulante Operation in der Orthopädie.

Growing importance is being assumed by orthopaedic outpatient surgery. An account is given in this paper of advantages, obstacles, prerequisites, surgical indications, preparations for surgical intervention, and anaesthesia. Close cooperation between the clinical and outpatient departments has proved to ensure smooth transition in patient care from one sector to another in the case of complications.

[Uncharacteristic symptoms of the motor apparatus in gout]. / Uncharakteristische Krankheitssymptome am Bewegungsapparat beim Gichtsyndrom

Gout may present in such atypical forms as "primary-chronic", "masked", or "asymptomatic gout at all stages affecting almost any joint. These uncharacteristic presentations were found in 22 out of 124 patients observed. The disease of 4 patients is described as casuistics. Important conclusions of practical use for early diagnosis and early treatment are drawn. Every arthropathy in a male where the diagnosis is not certain, must be suspected as being due to gout. The diagnosis can be assured by detecting urate deposits in the tissue. Determinations of the serum uric acid level can only be indicative since they are subject to a variety of influences. In early disease the x-ray appearances may be described as normal; in later disease as "degenerative" in the joints or in the vertebral column. In an acute relapse the colchicine-test is of high specifity, but its interpretation may be difficult in the primary chronic forms. The other clinical manifestations of the gout syndrome are of high value for the selection of patients in whom urate deposits in the tissue must be sought.