bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Variations of the Trigeminal Nerve, Trigeminal Ganglion and Foramen Ovale: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rao K Ephraim Vikram , Katikireddi Rajasekhar , Sirikonda Parimala , Avula Rama Devi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The trigeminal nerve is principally responsible for controlling the sensory modalities of the face. The Foramen Ovale (FO) is one of the apertures present in the skull base, through which the mandibular nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve passes. Aim: To deliver a thorough understanding of the anatomical variations of the trigeminal ganglion and FO that would be beneficial to neurologists and neurosurgeons when performing various treatments involving these structures. Materials and Methods: The present systematic review was formulated according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Major electronic databases were screened and all types of studies including descriptive studies, surveys, full-text literature providing information about the variations in trigeminal ganglion and FO, were incorporated in the current review. Studies from 2001 to 2022 were included in this review. The risk of bias evaluation in the present study was conducted by using the review manager software (Rev Man version 5.4) and risk assessment domains were classified as high, indeterminate, or low risk. The recommended approach to check biases such as selection, performance, attrition, reporting, and other biases was done. Results: A total of 12 studies were examined. The studies measured the proper location and the size (diameter) of the trigeminal ganglion and FO using the MRI-based findings in 1,341 subjects in total. It was observed that the length of the trigeminal nerve was found to be about 9.66 mm in the cistern (range 6.04-20.74 mm) in 50% of studies, whereas in 16.67% of the studies trigeminal nerve was longer in the older patients as compared to the normal anatomy. Additionally, the distinctive form of the FO was noted in the current investigation. In total, (n=4) 66.66% of the studies demonstrated the oval shape of the FO, and (n=3) 50% of studies noticed an almond shape, 50% identified a round shape; (n=2) (33%; n=2) displayed a slit form. Only one investigation demonstrated a bony bridged of FO whereas 33% showed tubercle and triangular shapes. Conclusion: Majority of the studies showed that the length of the trigeminal nerve was found to be about 9.66 mm. Whereas, only one author reported that the trigeminal nerve is longer in the older patients as compared to the normal anatomy. The majority of studies demonstrated that the variations were observed in the shape of the FO, i.e., oval, round, almond, slit, spine.
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Intralesional Vitamin D in the Treatment of Libyan Cutaneous Wart Patients
Authors: Alfetory Tarek , Duweb Gamal
Published: April 2023

Background: Warts are common viral infection of the skin, usually treated with destructive methods like electrocautery, cryotherapy or laser ablation. Topical vitamin D has been used to treat warts with variable success is to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 linjection in the treatment of common warts.

Aim of the Study: To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intralesional injection of vitamin D3 in the Libyan patients with cutaneous warts.

Patients and Methods: The selected warts were injected first with 0.2 ml of lignocaine (20 mg/ml) then; after a few minutes, from 0.1 to 0.4 ml of Vitamin D3 (15 mg/ml) was injected slowly into the base of each wart with a 30-gauge-insulin syringe.

Results: The total number enrolled in the study was 36 patients and were equal number in gender. The age of < 18 years was 58.3%. Positive family history of the disease was reported in 47%,  while atopy was in 75% of cases. Plantar warts were seen in 50% Palmar in 22% and common warts in 17%. A number of more than 2 lesions was reported in nearly 50% of the patients. A response to treatment was statistically significant and marked improvement and clearance was seen in 89% of cases. Plantar warts were cleared in 84%. Almost all cases of periungual cases were completely resolved. Adverse outcomes, including itching and pain were only observed in 25.0% of cases.

Conclusion: Intralesional Vitamin D is highly effective and relatively safe and well tolerate in the treatment of cutaneous warts and it could be a better choice for plantar and periungual warts, children and diabetic patients.
An Efficient Privacy - Aware Authentication Framework for Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: B Aravind , S Harikrishnan , G Santhosh , J.E Vijay , T Saran Suaji
Published: April 2023

The approach of distributed computing, information proprietors are inspired to re-appropriate their intricate information the board frameworks from neighbourhood locales to business public cloud for extraordinary adaptability and financial investment funds. Yet, for safeguarding information security, delicate information must be scrambled prior to re-appropriating, which obsoletes customary information use in view of plaintext catchphrase search. In this way, empowering an encoded cloud information search administration is of fundamental significance. Taking into account the enormous number of information clients and reports in cloud, it is pivotal for the pursuit administration to permit multi-watchword question and give result similitude positioning to meet the compelling information recovery need. Related works on accessible encryption centre around single catchphrase search or Boolean watchword search, and seldom separate the indexed lists. In this paper, interestingly, we characterize and tackle the difficult issue of protection safeguarding multi-watchword positioned metaphysics catchphrase planning and search over encoded cloud information (EARM), and lay out a bunch of severe protection prerequisites for such a solid cloud information use framework to turn into a reality. Content-based distribute/buy in gives an inexactly coupled and expressive type of correspondence for enormous scope circulated frameworks. Secrecy is difficult for distribute/buy in middleware conveyed over various regulatory areas. This component that lessens the expense of encoded coordinating, as a profiteering administrator utilizing Blossom channels and straightforward randomization procedures. Propose regulation obscurity procedures and give a thorough security examination of the data spilled by Blossom channels for this situation. Among different multi-watchword semantics, we pick the effective guideline of "Improved Affiliation Rule Mining coordinate coordinating", i.e., whatever number matches as could reasonably be expected, to catch the closeness between search inquiry and information records, and further use "inward item likeness" to formalize such standard for comparability estimation quantitatively. We initially propose an essential EARM conspire utilizing secure inward item calculation, and afterward fundamentally further develop it to meet different protection prerequisites in two degrees of danger models.
Effect of Additional Polyethylene Glycol and Citric Acid on Characteristics of NiMo/g-Al2O3 Catalyst in Light Cycle Gas Oil Hydrodesulfurisation
Authors: Sukandar Dede , Badriyah Lailatul , Rustyawan Wawan , Adawiah Adawiah
Published: April 2023

Sulfur is an impurity in diesel that causes low product quality and environmental pollution. Therefore, a catalyst is needed in the profound hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction to produce diesel fuel with low sulfur content. The catalyst synthesized in this work was NiMo/g-Al2O3 with the addition of PEG (2%, 4%, 6%) (w/w) and CA (1%, 2%, and 4%) (w/w). The catalyst was synthesized using the dry impregnation method with a metal concentration of 3% NiO and 15% MoO3. The obtained catalysts were characterized using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Surface Area Analyzer (SAA). This work acquired the best catalyst characteristics for the HDS process by adding 2% PEG and 1% CA with a concentration of 3.19% NiO and 13.98% MoO3. The surface area, pore volume, and diameter are 181.655 m2/g, 0.50 cm3/g, and 110.51 Å, respectively. The catalyst activity satisfies Euro V standards at 345 ℃ with a sulfur content of 9.55 ppm, and the sulfur conversion (HDS) is 98.75%. The density and cetane index of the obtained diesel fuel was 0.798 g/mL and 53.6, respectively. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Isolation, characterization, and chromosomal location of a gene encoding the Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Savouré Arnould , Jaoua Samir , Hua Xue-Jun , Ardiles Wilson , Van Montagu Marc , Verbruggen Nathalie
Published: July 2002

A full‐length cDNA and the corresponding At‐P5S gene encoding the first enzyme of the proline biosynthetic pathway, the Δ
1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate (P5C) synthetase, were isolated in Arabidopsis thaliana. The At‐P5S cDNA encodes a protein of 717 amino acids showing high identity with the P5C synthetase of Vigna aconitifolia. Strong homology is also found at the N‐terminus to bacterial and yeast γ‐glutamyl kinase and at the C‐terminus to bacterial γ‐glutamyl phosphate reductase. Putative ATP‐ and NAD(P)H‐binding sites are suggested in the At‐P5S protein. The transcribed region of the At‐P5S gene is 4.8 kb long and contains 20 exons. Southern analysis suggests the presence of only one At‐P5S gene in the A. thaliana genome mapped at the bottom of the chromosome two. Expression analysis of At‐P5S in different organs reveals abundant At‐P5S transcripts in mature flowering plant. Rapid induction of the At‐P5S gene followed by accumulation of proline was observed in NaCl‐treated seedlings suggesting that At‐P5S is osmoregulated.
Vascular endothelial cells synthesize and secrete brain‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Nakahashi Takeshi , Fujimura Hironobu , Altar C.Anthony , Li Jess , Kambayashi Jun-ichi , Tandon Narendra N , Sun Bing
Published: July 2002

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an abundant neurotrophin in brain and peripheral nerves, where it affects neural development, survival and repair after injury. BDNF has been detected in rat and human blood, but the source of circulating BDNF is not established. BDNF messenger and peptide were detected in cultured cells and in the culture medium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The expression of BDNF was up‐regulated by elevation of intracellular cAMP and down‐regulated by Ca2+ ionophore, bovine brain extract and laminar fluid shear stress. These results suggest that vascular endothelial cells may contribute to circulating BDNF.
The RIP‐like kinase, RIP3, induces apoptosis and NF‐κB nuclear translocation and localizes to mitochondria
Authors: Kasof Gary M , Prosser Judith C , Liu Derong , Lorenzi Matthew V , Gomes Bruce C
Published: July 2002

A RIP‐like protein, RIP3, has recently been reported that contains an N‐terminal kinase domain and a novel C‐terminal domain that promotes apoptosis. These experiments further characterize RIP3‐mediated apoptosis and NF‐κB activation. Northern blots indicate that rip3 mRNA displays a restricted pattern of expression including regions of the adult central nervous system. The rip3 gene was localized by fluorescent in situ hybridization to human chromosome 14q11.2, a region frequently altered in several types of neoplasia. RIP3‐mediated apoptosis was inhibited by Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, dominant‐negative FADD, as well as the general caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD. Further dissection of caspase involvement in RIP3‐induced apoptosis indicated inhibition by the more specific inhibitors Z‐DEVD (caspase‐3, ‐6, ‐7, ‐8, and ‐10) and Z‐VDVAD (caspase‐2). However, caspase‐1, ‐6, ‐8 and ‐9 inhibitors had little or no effect on RIP3‐mediated apoptosis. Mutational analysis of RIP3 revealed that the C‐terminus of RIP3 contributed to its apoptotic activity. This region is similar, but distinct, to the death domain found in many pro‐apoptotic receptors and adapter proteins, including FAS, FADD, TNFR1, and RIP. Furthermore, point mutations of RIP3 at amino acids conserved among death domains, abrogated its apoptotic activity. RIP3 was localized by immunofluorescence to the mitochondrion and may play a key role in the mitochondrial disruptions often associated with apoptosis.
Shedding and cleavage of the urokinase receptor (uPAR): identification and characterisation of uPAR fragments in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sidenius Nicolai , Sier Cornelis F.M , Blasi Francesco
Published: July 2002

Applying a novel, highly specific and sensitive immunoabsorption/Western blotting technique we have identified in vitro in conditioned cell culture medium and in vivo in human urine different soluble forms of the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR/CD87). These include the uPAR fragment D2D3 and the never before identified domain 1 (D1) fragment. These forms correspond to fragments previously characterised as biologically active as inducers of chemotaxis and cell adhesion. We find that stimulation of U937 cells is associated with increased uPAR expression, cleavage of surface uPAR, and release of soluble fragments to the culture medium suggesting that monocytes are a source of the circulating and urinary soluble uPAR fragments found in vivo. Our study demonstrates that potentially biologically active uPAR fragments are produced in the human body, indicating a possible function in the regulation of not only proteolysis but also signal transduction related processes.
Neuroprotective effects of estrogens: potential mechanisms of action
Authors: Green Pattie S. , Simpkins James W.
Published: July 2002

Epidemiological studies associate post‐menopausal estrogen use with a reduction in risk of Alzheimer's disease, a reduction in risk of Parkinson's disease, and death from stroke. The neuroprotective efficacy of estrogens have been well described and may contribute to these clinical effects. Estrogen‐mediated neuroprotection has been described in several neuronal culture model systems with toxicities including serum‐deprivation, β‐amyloid‐induced toxicity, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress. In animal models, estrogens have been shown to attenuate neuronal death in rodent models of cerebral ischemia, traumatic injury, and Parkinson's disease. Although estrogens are known to exert several direct effects on neurons, the cellular mechanisms behind the neuroprotective efficacy of the steroid are only beginning to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the data supporting a neuroprotective role for estrogens in both culture and animal models and discuss neuronal effects of estrogens that may contribute to the neuroprotective effects. These effects include activation of the nuclear estrogen receptor, altered expression of bcl‐2 and related proteins, activation of the mitogen activated kinase pathway, activation of cAMP signal transduction pathways, modulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis, and direct antioxidant activity.
Improved Paclitaxel and Baccatin III Production in Suspension Cultures of Taxusmedia
Authors: M. Cusidó Rosa , Palazón Javier , Bonfill Mercedes , Navia‐Osorio Alberto , Morales Carmen , Piñol M. Teresa
Published: July 2002

A cell suspension culture of Taxus media was established from a stable callus line of this species. The growth rate and production of paclitaxel and baccatin III of this cell suspension were significantly increased during the shake flask culture in its respective optimum media for cell growth and product formation, which were selected after assaying 24 different culture media. The highest yields of paclitaxel (2.09 mg L−1) and baccatin III (2.56 mg L−1) in the production medium rose (factors of 7.0 and 3.0, respectively) in the presence of methyljasmonate (220 μg g−1 FW). When the elicitor was added together with mevalonate (0.38 mM) and N‐benzoylglycine (0.2 mM), the increase in the yields of paclitaxel and baccatin III was even higher (factors of 8.3 and 4.0, respectively). Thereafter, a two‐stage culture for cell suspension was carried out using a 5–l stirred bioreactor running for 36 days, the first stage being in the cell growth medium until cells entered their stationary growth phase (12 days) and the second stage being in the production medium supplemented with the elicitor and two putative precursors in the concentrations indicated above. Under these conditions, 21.12 mg L−1 of paclitaxel and 56.03 mg L−1 of baccatin III were obtained after 8 days of culture in the production medium.
Effective inhibition of nitric oxide production by aminoguanidine does not reverse hypotension in endotoxaemic rats
Authors: Metcalf K. , Jungersten L. , Lisander B.
Published: July 2002

Background: Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) by the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of septic shock. Using methaemoglobin (metHb) and the stable NO metabolite nitrate as markers of NO formation, we assessed the effect of iNOS blockade by aminoguanidine (AG) on hypotension and NO formation in endotoxaemic rats.

Methods: In 32 male Wistar rats under chloralose anaesthesia, MetHb (at 15 and 330 min, respectively) and plasma nitrate (at 330 min) were determined. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and haematocrit were monitored. The LPS group (n=8) received bacterial endotoxin (LPS), 3 mg kg−1 i.v. and was subsequently monitored for 5 h. At 2 h after LPS, the LPS+AG20 group (n=8) received AG, 5 mg kg−1, and 5 mg kg−1 h−1 for the remaining 3 h. The LPS+AG100 group (n=8) instead received 25 mg kg−1, followed by 25 mg kg−1 h−1. The NaCl group (n=8) was given corresponding volumes of isotonic saline.

Results: AG decreased the LPS‐induced rise in plasma nitrate by about 50% in the LPS+AG20 group. MetHb levels, however, were not appreciably reduced by this dose. Both NO metabolites reached control levels after the higher dose of AG. LPS caused a progressive decrease in haematocrit. AG did not influence the LPS‐induced hypotension, tachycardia or haemodilution.

Conclusion: AG inhibited NO formation in a dose‐dependent way. Yet, AG had no haemodynamic effects, suggesting a minor cardiovascular influence of iNOS in this endotoxin model, in parallel to what has been found in microbial sepsis.
Prolactin receptor in human endometriotic tissues
Authors: MARTÍNEZ LUISA BERMEJO , LEYVA MANUEL ZAMARRIPA , ROMERO IVONE CASTRO
Published: July 2002

Background. Augmented serum prolactin (PRL) levels have been implicated as a cause for infertility in patients with endometriosis. However, it has not been established whether this lactogenic hormone or its receptor (PRLR) have specific effects on the development of human endometriosis. In the present study we assessed PRLR expression in human endometriotic and normal tissue.

Methods. Fourteen patients with laparoscopically proven endometriosis were recruited and the negative or positive expression of the PRLR in normal endometrial and endometriotic tissues obtained during the mid‐late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle was evaluated by RT‐PCR. Evaluation of serum prolactin, and peritoneal fluid estradiol content were carried out by specific radioimmunoassays (RIA).

Results. In endometriotic tissue samples the corresponding 1048 bp PRLR transcript was negative in 12/14 of the samples (86%) and positive in two samples (14%). The opposite was seen in normal tissue, since PRLR expression was positive in 11/14 samples (79%) and negative in the remaining three samples (21%). There was an association between serum prolactin concentrations and PRLR expression in normal tissue but not in endometriotic tissue.

Conclusions. The PRLR is expressed in normal endometrium, while cells of the endometriotic tissues did not express the PRLR, at least during the mid‐late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. The absence of the PRLR in the endometriotic tissues could not be correlated with the serum prolactin levels. These results suggest the existence of differential regulation of PRLR expression between normal and endometriotic tissue.
B‐lymphotropic viruses in a novel tropical splenic lymphoma
Authors: Bates Imelda , Bedu‐Addo George , Jarrett Ruth F. , Schulz Thomas , Wallace Susan , Armstrong Alison , Sheldon Julie , Rutherford Tim
Published: July 2002

Peripheral blood from patients with a novel tropical splenic lymphoma, characterized by splenomegaly and circulating naïve CD5‐negative villous B lymphocytes, has been screened for evidence of an association with the B‐lymphotropic viruses, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). No increased prevalence of EBV, HCV and HHV8 was demonstrated using serological and molecular techniques, compared with a geographical, age‐matched control group. However, lymphoma patients had markedly raised EBV antibody levels without a concomitant increase in the rate of detection of viral genomes in the peripheral blood. This phenomenon also occurred in patients with hyper‐reactive malarial splenomegaly, a condition that occurs in the same geographical area and that is clinically indistinguishable from tropical splenic lymphoma, adding further weight to the suggestion that there may be an aetiological association between these two disorders.
The epidemiological transition in maternal and child health in a Brazilian city, 1982–93: a comparison of two population‐based cohorts
Authors: Barros  , Victora  , Vaughan  , Tomasi  , Horta  , Cesar  , Menezes  , Halpern  , Post  , Garcia
Published: July 2002

Two studies carried out in 1982 and 1993 in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, provide a unique opportunity for assessing the impact on maternal and child health of the economic and health care changes, which took place in Brazil in this period. The cohorts of mothers and infants of 1982 and 1993 were studied from the time of delivery. In both years, all mothers identified in the city’s maternity hospitals answered a standardised questionnaire and their infants were examined. Over 99% of all children born in the city in each of the 2 years were included in the cohorts. Deaths occurring among these children were monitored prospectively, as well as all hospital admissions in the 1993 cohort. In the 1982 study, attempts were made to locate a 25% sample of the children at the mean age of 12 months using the addresses collected at the hospital (82% of the children were located), and all of the cohort children at the mean age of 20 months and 42 months, through a city census (87% were located in both follow‐ups). In the 1993 study, 20% of all children plus all low birthweight infants were sought at 12 months of age, using the addresses collected at the hospital, and 95% were successfully traced. There was a 12% fall in the number of births occurring in 1993 (5304 births), in comparison with 1982 (6011 births), in spite of the increase in the population of reproductive age in the city during the decade. There was a marked difference in maternal height and weight at the beginning of pregnancy, with women giving birth in 1993 being, on average, 3.4 cm taller and 2.5 kg heavier than those who gave birth in 1982. The proportion of preterm babies (<37 weeks), measured by the date of last menstrual period, increased from 5.6% in 1982 to 7.5% in 1993. The median duration of breast feeding increased from 3.1 months in 1982 to 4.0 months in 1993. At 12 months of age, the prevalence of deficit of weight for age decreased from 5.4% in 1982 to 3.7% in 1993. The prevalence of deficit of height for age, however, increased from 5.3% to 6.1%. The perinatal mortality rate dropped 31%, from 32.2 per 1000 births in 1982 to 22.1 deaths per 1000 births in 1993. There was also a marked reduction in the infant mortality rate, from 36.4 per 1000 livebirths in 1982 to 21.1 per 1000 livebirths in 1993. The findings of the study indicate that there were improvements in the decade for most of the indicators evaluated, with the exception of birthweight and gestational age. It appears that improvements in perinatal and infant mortality rates are largely due to improvements in the health care sector.
Leisure‐time physical activity at weekends and the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese men: the Osaka Health Survey
Authors: Okada K. , Hayashi T. , Tsumura K. , Suematsu C. , Endo G. , Fujii S.
Published: July 2002

Aims To investigate association between leisure‐time physical activity at weekends and the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods Prospective examination of 6013 Japanese men aged 35–60 years who were free of DM, impaired fasting glycaemia, or hypertension at study entry. Type 2 DM was defined by a fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 7.0 mmol/l or a 2‐h post‐load plasma glucose level ≥ 11.1 mmol/l. Data on physical activity obtained from questionnaires consisted of overall leisure‐time physical activity weekly and leisure‐time physical activity at weekends.

Results During the 59 966 person‐years follow‐up, 444 cases developed Type 2 DM. Regular physical exercise at least once a week was associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 DM. After adjustments for age, body mass index, daily alcohol consumption, smoking habits, blood pressure levels and a parental history of Type 2 DM, men who engaged in regular physical exercise at least once a week had a relative risk of Type 2 DM of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61–0.93) compared with men engaging in exercise less often. Even vigorous activity only once a week at weekends was associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 DM. Men who engaged in vigorous activity at least once a week at weekends had a multiple‐adjusted relative risk of Type 2 DM of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.35–0.88) compared with sedentary men.

Conclusions Regular physical exercise at least once a week and vigorous activity even only once a week at weekends are associated with a decreased risk of Type 2 DM.
Today's science – tomorrow's practice: basic mechanisms of allergy and their clinical implications
Authors: Holgate S. T.
Published: July 2002

The current therapeutic perspective for the treatment of allergic disorders has shifted from mediators of allergy, such as histamine, to focus on cytokines and their interactions with cells involved in allergic inflammation. Although eosinophils are involved in the genesis of allergy in animal models, their role in human asthma has been questioned. On the other hand, immunoglobulin E (IgE) appears to play a key role in allergic reactions and is therefore the focus of therapeutic attention. Similarly, the relationship between allergic reactions and T‐helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells has been the subject of intensive investigation. In addition to the inflammation that characterizes the allergic response, there are structural changes in the airways that may precede any obvious clinical disease. These structural changes, affecting the epithelial–mesenchymal trophic unit, may in part be genetically determined and will require treatment at the molecular biological level.
Antihistamines alone and in combination with leukotriene antagonists in nasal congestion
Authors: Wilson A.
Published: July 2002

Although antihistamines are first‐line treatment for allergic rhinitis and are effective at combating the majority of nasal and ocular symptoms associated with this disease, they are traditionally considered to be less effective at dealing with nasal congestion. Combination therapy with antihistamines and antileukotrienes has been shown to be an alternative treatment strategy in dealing with nasal symptoms, including congestion. However, recent studies have suggested that some of the newer antihistamines are effective in reducing nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis when used alone. For example, fexofenadine has been shown to have a beneficial effect on nasal congestion in a number of clinical studies investigating its efficacy and safety, as well as in combination therapy studies. This paper aims to review the available literature looking at combinations of antihistamines and antileukotrienes and single antihistamine therapy for reducing nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis, using subjective symptom scoring and/or objective measurements.
The sensitivity of the chick eye to refractive defocus
Authors: Schmid Katrina L. , Wildsoet Christine F.
Published: July 2002

The chick is commonly used as an animal model for human myopia and emmetropization. However one criticism of this model has been the very large refractive errors that are usually induced, either by visual deprivation or through the use of lenses to first impose focussing errors This study sought to determine the threshold for compensatory responses to imposed defocus. We observed compensation in chick eyes fitted at hatching with +1 D and −1 D lenses (one over each eye). Consistent with the 2D interocular difference in refraction imposed, an average of 2.130 (SD 1.0D) of anisometropia and a 0.09mm (SD 0.05mm) interocular difference in vitreous chamber depth were recorded after five days of lens wear. The 1 D focusing errors imposed on individual eyes are not much greater in magnitude than the estimated depth of focus of the chick eye. The significance of these results for emmetropization are discussed.
The Relationship Between Leg Power and Physical Performance in Mobility‐Limited Older People
Authors: Md Jonathan F. Bean , Kiely Dan K. , Herman Seth , Leveille Suzanne G. , Mizer Kelly , Frontera Walter R. , Fielding Roger A.
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of leg power and leg strength on the physical performance of community‐dwelling mobility‐limited older people.

DESIGN:

Cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from a 12‐week randomized controlled exercise‐intervention study.

SETTING:

Exercise laboratory within the Department of Health Science of an urban university.

PARTICIPANTS:

Forty‐five community‐dwelling mobility‐limited people (34 women, 11 men), aged 65 to 83.

MEASUREMENTS:

Health status, depression, cognition, physical activity, and falls efficacy; physiological measures of lower extremity strength and power; and measures of physical performance.

RESULTS:

Through bivariate analyses, leg power was significantly associated with physical performance as measured by stair‐climb time, chair‐stand time, tandem gait, habitual gait, maximal gait, and the short physical performance battery describing between 12% and 45% of the variance (R2). Although leg power and leg strength were greatly correlated (r= .89) in a comparison of bivariate analyses of strength or power with physical performance, leg power modeled up to 8% more of the variance for five of six physical performance measures. Despite limitations in sample size, it appeared that, through quadratic modeling, the influence of leg power on physical performance was curvilinear. Using separate multivariate analyses, partialR2values for leg power and leg strength were compared, demonstrating that leg power accounted for 2% to 8% more of the variance with all measures of physical performance.

CONCLUSION:

Leg power is an important factor influencing the physical performance of mobility‐limited older people. Although related to strength, it is a separate attribute that may exert a greater influence on physical performance. These findings have important implications for clinicians practicing geriatric rehabilitation.J Am Geriatr Soc 50:461–467, 2002.
Differential effects of subcutaneous injection of formalin and bee venom on responses of wide‐dynamic‐range neurons in spinal dorsal horn of the rat
Authors: You Hao‐Jun , Chen Jun
Published: July 2002

By using extracellular single unit recording technique, the effects of subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of formalin and bee venom on responses of wide‐dynamic‐range (WDR) neurons in the spinal dorsal horn were investigated in pentobarbital anaesthetised rats. Similar to the previous results, s.c. formalin injection into the cutaneous receptive field (RF) of WDR neurons produced a biphasic increase in spike response; however, s.c. bee venom injection into the RF produced a prolonged, monophasic increase in spike discharges over the background activity, suggesting that the two tonic pain models may have different underlying neural mechanisms.
Update on Boron in Higher Plants ‐ Uptake, Primary Translocation and Compartmentation
Authors: Dannel F. , Pfeffer H. , Römheld V.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: This review focuses on the uptake and primary translocation of boron (B), as well as on the subcellular compartmentation of B and its role in cell walls of higher plants. B uptake occurs via passive diffusion across the lipid bilayer, facilitated transport through major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), and energy‐dependent transport through a high affinity uptake system. Whereas the first two represent passive uptake systems, which are constitutively present, the latter is induced by low B supply and is able to establish a concentration gradient for B between the root symplasm and the external medium. At high B supply, a substantial retention of B can be observed at xylem loading, and passive processes are most likely responsible for that. At low B supply, another energy‐dependent high affinity transport system for B seems to be induced which establishes an additional concentration gradient between root symplasm and the xylem. The possible significance of all these processes at various B supplies is discussed. The role of soluble B complexes in uptake and primary translocation of B has been evaluated, but the few data available do not allow comprehensive conclusions to be drawn. In any case, there are no indications that soluble B complexes play a major role in either uptake or primary translocation of B. The subcellular compartmentation of B still remains a matter of controversy, but it is unequivocally clear that B is present in all subcellular compartments (apoplasm, cell wall, cytosol and vacuole). The relative distribution of B between these is dependent on plant species and experimental conditions and may vary greatly. Recent results on the well‐established role of B in cell walls are summarized and their physiological significance discussed.
Interdiffusion in a symmetrically strained Ge/Si superlattice
Authors: Chang S. J. , Wang K. L. , Bowman R. C. , Adams P. M.
Published: July 2002

The x-ray diffraction technique is used to measure the interdiffusion coefficients of a symmetrically strained Ge/Si superlattice consisting of alternating Ge and Si layers grown on a Ge0.4Si0.6 buffer layer. The buffer layer was 200 nm thick and was grown on a Si (100) substrate in order to symmetrize the strain, and thus maintain pseudomorphic growth of the superlattice. After the sample was annealed at different temperatures with various times, the interdiffusion coefficient Dλ was determined by monitoring the intensity decay of the low-angle x-ray diffraction peak resulting from the superlattice structure. The activation energy is calculated to be 3.1±0.2 eV in the annealing temperature range of 640–780 °C.
Homogeneous and interfacial heat releases in amorphous silicon
Authors: Donovan E. P. , Spaepen F. , Poate J. M. , Jacobson D. C.
Published: July 2002

Amorphous Si layers prepared by MeV Si implantation of (100) wafers have been studied by scanning and isothermal calorimetry. A homogeneous heat release of 5.1±1.2 kJ/mole and an interfacial heat release, due to crystallization, of 13.4±0.7 kJ/mole have been measured. Isothermal measurements unambiguously demonstrate the occurrence of the homogeneous release. The heat released isothermally at each temperature is between 6% and 8.5% of the total homogeneous release, and the time constants are only very weakly temperature dependent.
Collisional cooling and ablation product dynamics observed by resonant ionization spectroscopy of nascent carbon monoxide from 193 nm laser ablation of polyimide
Authors: Goodwin P. M. , Otis C. E.
Published: July 2002

Rotational and vibrational energy distributions of carbon monoxide, which is liberated during the 193 nm excimer laser ablation of polyimide, have been measured using mass-resolved resonant multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. Using 150 mJ/cm2 fluence (1000 Å removed per pulse), the rotational temperature is seen to decrease monotonically from 1150 to 650 K from beginning to end of the ablation plume. Additionally, the vibrational temperature is measured to be 3400 K and is constant over time. When using 6 mJ/cm2 to ablate (0.1 Å removed per pulse), the rotational and vibrational temperatures are measured to be 700 and 900 K, respectively. The influence of collisional perturbations and high ablation fluences on the measured rotational and vibrational temperatures is discussed.
Strong magnetic field dependence of the critical currents correlated to the microstructure of YBaCuO ceramics
Authors: Dai Uri , Deutscher Guy , Lacour Claude , Laher-Lacour Francine , Mocaër Philippe , Laguës Michel
Published: July 2002

Critical currents of YBaCuO ceramics were measured at 77 K by transport measurements in an applied magnetic field H. A hysteretic behavior between 10 and 10 000 G was observed. For decreasing fields, the critical current Jc obeys a power law H−n with n ranging between 0.6 and 2.8. The exponent n is correlated with the microstructure and the average grain size of the ceramic. This power law behavior is discussed in terms of modified flux creep and flux flow regimes related to the microstructure.
Plasma oxidation of SO2
Authors: Sardja I. , Dhali S. K.
Published: July 2002

We report the results of an experimental investigation of plasma-assisted oxidation of SO2 to SO3. A coaxial dielectric-barrier discharge is used to generate atomic oxygen to carry out the reaction. The dielectric-barrier discharge, which is an interrupted discharge, is very efficient in producing atomic oxygen and requires a simple form of excitation. We have observed a significant reduction (up to 90%) in the SO2 concentration using this technique. The results of varying the gas composition, the gas pressure, and the gas flow are also reported.
Antiphase domain free growth of GaAs on Ge in GaAs/Ge/GaAs heterostructures
Authors: Strite S. , Biswas D. , Kumar N. S. , Fradkin M. , Morkoç H.
Published: July 2002

GaAs/Ge/GaAs heterostructures have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates with nominally (100) and (100) tilted 4° towards [01̄1] orientations. High-energy electron diffraction is used to study the antiphase boundaries of the GaAs grown on epitaxial Ge. We have observed the annihilation of GaAs antiphase boundaries on Ge grown on (100) GaAs substrates. GaAs on Ge grown on tilted substrates is observed to be free of antiphase domains.
Application of selective epitaxy to fabrication of nanometer scale wire and dot structures
Authors: Lebens John A. , Tsai Charles S. , Vahala Kerry J. , Kuech T. F.
Published: July 2002

The selective growth of nanometer scale GaAs wire and dot structures using metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy is demonstrated. Spectrally resolved cathodoluminescence images as well as spectra from single dots and wires are presented. A blue shifting of the GaAs peak is observed as the size scale of the wires and dots decreases.
Photoreflectance and the electric fields in a GaAs depletion region
Authors: Sydor Michael , Engholm James R. , Manasreh M. O. , Stutz C. E. , Liou L. , Evans K. R.
Published: July 2002

We present results which may resolve the recently reported discrepancy between the experimental and the calculated electric fields in the depletion region of undoped GaAs. The photoreflectance theory reportedly underestimates the electric field by nearly a factor of 2. We have found that changes in photoreflectance with laser pump penetration reveal the full character of the electric field over the entire depletion zone. It is often assumed that the built-in surface potential produces a uniform electric field throughout a thin (100 nm) undoped layer of GaAs grown on top of a heavily doped energy pinning underlayer. Instead, it appears that the heavily doped underlayer provides a potential step at the interface. The step is separated from the surface depletion zone by a region of low electric field which is characteristic of the low fields found in thick, undoped GaAs with (2–4)×1014/cm3 of unintentional impurities.
Optical and electronic properties of doped silicon from 0.1 to 2 THz
Authors: van Exter Martin , Grischkowsky D.
Published: July 2002

Using a source of freely propagating subpicosecond pulses of THz radiation, we have measured the absorption and dispersion of both N- and P-type, 1 Ω cm silicon from 0.1 to 2 THz. These results give the corresponding frequency-dependent complex conductance over the widest frequency range to date. The data provide a complete view on the dynamics of both electrons and holes and are well fit by the simple Drude relationship.
Room-temperature oxidation of silicon catalyzed by Cu3Si
Authors: Harper J. M. E. , Charai A. , Stolt L. , d’Heurle F. M. , Fryer P. M.
Published: July 2002

We demonstrate remarkably rapid oxidation of (100) silicon at room temperature catalyzed by the presence of Cu3Si. Thermal oxidation of Si is normally carried out at temperatures above 700 °C. Oxidation of many metal silicides occurs more rapidly than that of Si, but under controlled conditions results in a surface layer of SiO2. In contrast, the oxidation process described here produces a thick layer of SiO2 underneath the copper-rich surface layer. The SiO2 layer grows spontaneously to over 1 μm in thickness in several weeks in air at room temperature. Analysis by Rutherford backscattering, Auger electron spectroscopy, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy reveals the presence of Cu3Si at the buried SiO2/Si interface, epitaxially related to the underlying Si substrate. Catalytic action by this silicide phase appears responsible for the unusual oxidation process.
Explanation of low-frequency relative intensity noise in semiconductor lasers
Authors: Su C. B. , Schlafer J. , Lauer R. B.
Published: July 2002

For the first time, the enhanced low-frequency relative intensity noise characteristics of semiconductor lasers is explained. It is shown, by multimode rate equation analysis, that the enhanced low-frequency noise is caused by coupling between longitudinal modes which can renormalize the resonance frequency of the individual modes to very low values. It is further shown that a single-mode laser will also exhibit enhanced low-frequency noise unless the side-mode suppression is high.
Cathodoluminescence observation of extended monolayer-flat terraces at the heterointerface of GaInAs/InP single quantum wells grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Nilsson S. , Gustafsson A. , Samuelson L.
Published: July 2002

High quality, GaInAs, single quantum wells lattice matched to InP barriers, have been grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy at reduced pressures and with the application of short growth interruptions at both heterointerfaces. The occurrence of multiple peaks in the 25 K cathodoluminescence spectrum of a sample containing nominally two single quantum wells is caused by terraces differing by one monolayer in thickness, ≊ 2.93 Å, in the same quantum well. For their observation as well defined excitonic emission peaks, the terraces must be larger in lateral extent than the free exciton Bohr diameter, namely, ≊ 350 Å. This number sets the lower boundary of the size of the terraces. Cathodoluminescence images were formed for the individual emission peaks and the contrast fluctuations observed with a lateral extent up to ≊ 2 μm give the upper boundary for the extended monolayer-flat terraces. So far this is the first direct observation of such large growth islands at the heterointerface of the GaInAs/InP system.
Optical absorption and modulation behavior of strained InxGa1−xAs/GaAs(100)(x≤0.25) multiple quantum well structures grown via molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Chen Li , Rajkumar K. C. , Madhukar A.
Published: July 2002

We report on the optical absorption and modulation characteristics of strained InxGa1−xAs/GaAs(0.1≤x≤0.25) multiple quantum well (MQW) structures grown on GaAs (100) substrates which also included regions of prepatterned mesas. Sharp excitonic features were realized in samples optimally grown by employing reflection high-energy electron diffraction. High optical quality MQW structures as thick as 1.5 μm are realized. To date, the highest modulation per unit field at low fields (<50 kV/cm) in this system is achieved.
Evidence for anomalous structural relaxation in SiO2 films
Authors: Rendell R. W. , Ngai K. L.
Published: July 2002

Evidence from both thermal oxide films and bulk samples is discussed for whether amorphous SiO2 exhibits the anomalous property that the annealing of volume or refractive index may become more rapid at high densities solely due to structural effects. Unlike typical glasses, volume changes in SiO2 are not governed by free volume but by reorientations of SiO4 tetrahedra. This may be reflected in the larger initial volume changes found in the annealing of bulk SiO2 corresponding to higher initial densities at the same temperature. It is also suggested by an apparent reverse asymmetry between volume expansion and volume contraction which appears to be unique to SiO2 but not previously noted. These features are incorporated into a self-consistent annealing model for an analysis of the Landsberger–Tiller annealing data for thermally grown SiO2 films which is based on structural relaxation and which is compatible with high temperature data.
Magnetic hysteresis in integrated low T
c SQUID gradiometers
Authors: Koch R. H. , Ketchen M. B. , Gallagher W. J. , Sandstrom R. L. , Kleinsasser A. W. , Gambrel D. R. , Field T. H. , Matz H.
Published: July 2002

We have measured the magnetic hysteresis of thin-film superconducting gradiometers. The fractional hysteresis error h was found to be about 10−9–10−11 in several devices.
1.4 ps rise-time high-voltage photoconductive switching
Authors: Motet T. , Nees J. , Williamson S. , Mourou G.
Published: July 2002

We report on the generation of 825 V electrical pulses with 1.4 ps rise time and 4.0 ps duration using a pulse-biased low-temperature-grown GaAs photoconductive switch triggered by an amplified femtosecond dye laser. Dependence of the pulse shape on both electric field and optical energy is observed and discussed.
Electro-optic sampling of poled organic media
Authors: Thackara J. I. , Bloom D. M. , Auld B. A.
Published: July 2002

We report the use of electro-optic sampling techniques in the measurement of the electro-optic frequency response of a poled organic layer, to 20 GHz. The organic material tested was a Disperse Red 1/poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) guest/host system which was deposited and poled on top of a GaAs based coplanar waveguide transmission line. The GaAs substrate also served as the reference electro-optic material in the hybrid structure, which was optically sampled from both sides.
Intense photoluminescence from laterally anodized porous Si
Authors: Jung K. H. , Shih S. , Hsieh T. Y. , Kwong D. L. , Lin T. L.
Published: July 2002

We have studied photoluminescence (PL) from porous Si anodized laterally along the length of the Si wafer. Broad PL peaks were observed with peak intensities at ∼640 to 720 nm. Strong PL intensity could be observed from 550 to 860 nm. Room-temperature peak intensities were within an order of magnitude of peak intensities of AlGaAs/GaAs multi-quantum wells taken at 4.2 K, and total intensities were comparable. A blue shift of peak intensities from ∼680 to 620 nm could be observed after thermal anneal at 500 °C in O2 and subsequent HF dip.
Stress induced shift of the Curie point in epitaxial PbTiO3 thin films
Authors: Rossetti George A. , Cross L. Eric , Kushida Keiko
Published: July 2002

A 50 °C shift in Curie temperature has been observed for c-axis oriented PbTiO3 thin films using x-ray diffraction. An analysis of the electrostrictive strain based on the Devonshire thermodynamic formalism showed that the shift in the Curie point for these films can be plausibly explained by an effective two-dimensional compressive stress of ≊400 MPa. The single-domain, single-crystal dielectric susceptibility (η33) and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) were calculated and found to be relatively unaffected, at room temperature, by a compressive stress of this magnitude.