"Stückelberg interferometry" with ultracold molecules.

We report on the realization of a time-domain "Stückelberg interferometer", which is based on the internal-state structure of ultracold Feshbach molecules. Two subsequent passages through a weak avoided crossing between two different orbital angular momentum states in combination with a variable hold time lead to high-contrast population oscillations. This allows for a precise determination of the energy difference between the two molecular states. We demonstrate a high degree of control over the interferometer dynamics. The interferometric scheme provides new possibilities for precision measurements with ultracold molecules.

Observation of Feshbach-like resonances in collisions between ultracold molecules.

We observe magnetically tuned collision resonances for ultracold Cs2 molecules stored in a CO2-laser trap. By magnetically levitating the molecules against gravity, we precisely measure their magnetic moment. We find an avoided level crossing which allows us to transfer the molecules into another state. In the new state, two Feshbach-like collision resonances show up as strong inelastic loss features. We interpret these resonances as being induced by Cs4 bound states near the molecular scattering continuum. The tunability of the interactions between molecules opens up novel applications such as controlled chemical reactions and synthesis of ultracold complex molecules.

Mid-term results of the cementless CLS stem. A 7- to 11-year follow-up study.

Between 1986 and 1990, 335 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) were performed using the cementless CLS stem. The mean age at surgery was 55.3 years. The retrospective study was performed at an average follow-up time of 8.9 years. A total of 232 patients (69.3%) underwent clinical and radiological examination, 33 patients (9.9%) were interviewed by telephone, and 9 stems (2.7%) had been replaced meanwhile. The mean Harris hip score was 91.7 points, and the mean Merle D'Aubigne score was 16.8 points. One stem had subsided during the first postoperative year. Ectopic ossifications classified as Brooker III were noted in 5.7%, with no Brooker IV being seen. Radiolucent lines were found in 43.5%, and 11% showed enlargement with time. Focal osteolyses were present in 36%, of which 24% progressed with time. At the latest follow-up, we did not find any stem loosening clinically or radiologically.

[Methodical evaluation of immunoluminometric determination of thyroid peroxidase in serum]. / Methodische Untersuchung zur immunoluminometrischen Bestimmung von Thyreoperoxidase im Serum.

With the identification of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) as the specific autoantigen in autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, the development of a commercial assay for detection of TPO in human serum became possible. The diagnostic value of this TPO assay was evaluated in 194 patients with various thyroidal diseases. The assay appeared to be easily affected by specific and/or unspecific interferences such as TPO-auto-antibodies in the patient's blood samples. To analyze these effectors every sample was checked in a parallel recovery test. In most of the cases with elevated anti-TPO levels an exact determination of TPO could not be estimated correctly. Whenever a correct measurement of TPO was possible, to none of the different examined groups of thyroid diseases a correlation of TPO-levels could be demonstrated. Moreover, the value of TPO determination as a tool in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma was not provable. For the time being our studies do not suggest TPO measurements being helpful in thyroidal diagnosis.