bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Irrigation Level and Nitrogen Levels on Economics, Quality and Water Productivity of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.)
Authors: Sharma Nupur , Kumar Yadav Vinod , Jangir Manisha
Published: February 2023

A field experiment was conducted at krishi vigyan kendra, Sawaimadhopur, Rajasthan in two consecutive years of 2018-19 and 2019-20 on “Effect of irrigation level and nitrogen levels on economics, quality and water productivity of chandrasur (L. sativum)”. The highest economics net return was found with three irrigations [25, 50 & 75 days after sowing (DAS)] I3  (57517 Rs ha-1) which was at par with I2 with two irrigations (25 & 50 DAS) in the pooled data of both years. Highest benefit-cost (B/C) ratio was also found under three irrigations (25, 50 & 75 DAS) I3 (2.60) which was at par with (I2) two irrigations (25 & 50 DAS) in the pooled data of both years. Highest net return and B/C ratio was found with application of 80 Kg N ha-1 (57628 Rs ha-1) and (2.65) which was at par with 60 Kg N ha-1. In terms of oil yield Kg ha-1 highest oil yield was found with (I2) two irrigations (25 & 50 DAS) and 60 Kg N ha-1. Water productivity (kg m-3) was found lowest in the treatment (25, 50 & 75DAS) (I3) and 80 Kg N ha-1 which was at par with (I2) two irrigations (25 & 50 DAS) and 60 Kg N ha-1 .
Biological Management of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) Fusarium wilt by Using the Potential Pseudomonas Isolates
Authors: Chaurasiya Dilip Kumar , Sahni Sangita , Prasad Bishun Deo , Kumar Birendra
Published: February 2023

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is also known as "massoor". A member of the Leguminaceae family is known for their high protein and nutrient content. Wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis can result in significant yield losses upto 50% for lentil farmers. Chemical management through fungicides reduces crop losses significantly but has some environmental drawbacks and conflicts on the human health instead other methods of control such as the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a bio-inoculant which gaining attention as a sustainable approach to manage plant diseases. PGPR are soil bacteria that live in the rhizosphere of plants and promote growth. The use of PGPR-based agents has increased in agriculture in recent years. In this study, isolation and evaluation of novel pseudomonad isolates were performed from various soil sources and exploited for controlling lentil wilt caused by F. oxysporum f.sp. lentis and assess their in-vitro ability to inhibit the pathogen.
Sensitivity of Strains of Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Isolated from Bacterial Infections in the District of Abidjan
Authors: Dibolou Sandrine Louah , Eric Joël Tahou , Fernique Konan , Kouadio Nathalie Guessennd , Assanvo Simon-Pierre N’guetta
Published: February 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent human pathogens causing a wide range of bacterial infections. Since the introduction of methicillin as a treatment option, the emergence and subsequent spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains has become a global concern. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of MRSA isolated from bacterial infections in Abidjan as well as their resistance profile to certain antibiotics. One hundred and twenty-four (124) strains of Staphylococcus aureus from the University Hospital of Cocody and various clinics isolated from various biological products were included in our study. The antibiogram on Mueller-Hinton agar was repeated by testing cefoxitin for the revelation of MRSA. Several other families of antibiotics have also been tested with the aim of observing resistance associated with MRSA. Among the one hundred and twenty-four strains of Staphylococcus aureus analyzed, 75 present, after phenotypic interpretation, a profile of resistance to methicillin (MRSA strains), i.e. 60.48%. These MRSA were isolated from blood culture (26.67%), purulent secretions (44%), urine (14.67%), sperm culture (1.33%), wound (4%), pleural fluid (4%), stool (1.33%) and tip of urinary catheter (4%); and came from neonatology, surgery, pneumology, pediatrics, outpatient, medicine, emergency, rheumatology, ENT, neurology, traumatology and gastroenterology departments. A variable proportion of MRSA strains express resistance to other families of antibiotics including aminoglycosides (23.32%), ﬂuoroquinolones (85.33%), erythromycin (27.64%), clindamycin (24.19%) and tetracycline (20.73%). The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, limiting the therapeutic options available against this pathogen, has become an issue of concern worldwide. Thus, the establishment of a relevant resistance monitoring policy to better control the circulation of multi-resistant strains is necessary.
Evolutionary Trend in Passiflora Species Revealed by RAPD-PCR, Gene Specific ITS and rbcl Markers
Authors: D. Lade Bipin , S. Patil Anita
Published: February 2023

Background: The present study represents a preliminary analysis of genetic diversity among Passiflora species using amplified genotypic data of specific ITS and rbcL sequences and non-specific RAPD-PCR markers for investigation of the molecular phylogeny.

Methods: The PCR-RAPD uses ten primers for polymorphic DNA, which are compiled on NTSYS software to construct dendrogram.  The gene specific ITS and rbcL primers are used for specific amplification from genomic. The amplified ITS and rbcL markers assembled using Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Maximum likelihood (ML) methods. The BLAST, CLUSTAL W, and MEGA 6.0 have been used to conclude final genetic relation tree.

Results: The PCR-RAPD primers translate 133 random amplified polymorphic DNA. NTSYS dendrogram placed P. vitifolia from Ramdaspeth and Shankar Nagar Nagpur, India in same clade (similarity coefficient 0.609) confirming same origin  Nagpur India. Moreover, P. foetida from England is not coming in same clade with Indian P. foetida showing geographically intra-specific variation. In addition, the change in a constructed tree was observed with respect to change in phylogeny methods MS/ML. The ITS MP consensus tree is supported by strong 100 bootstrap value, clusters P. vitifolia (HNI and RNI) and P. foetida (UAI and UGI) in equivalent clade. However, no single species have been recovered using rbcL in MP and ML method. Thus, it is inference that rbcL have tendency to differentiate Passiflora species not allowing clustering around same species in same clade and the ITS region having parsimony informative sites that provide valid resolution and identification at inter-intra species level.

Conclusions: The evaluation of properties of RAPD indicates 100% PCR success, sometimes with low rate of amplification. The ITS region found to be best for identification at inter-intra species, On the contrary, rbcL region is good to distinguished inter species, making it best as local DNA barcode for marking a Passiflora species in phylogenetic community.
Antibiogram and Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Indices of Bacterial Isolates from Urine of Diabetics and Nondiabetics Attending Some Hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Asikiya Huldah Hanson, , Nedie Patience Akani, , Janet Olufunmilayo Williams, , Tonye Sampson,
Published: February 2023

There is an increase in the number of cases of antimicrobial resistance with a paucity of data from developing nations. This study is aimed at determining the antibiograms of uropathogens isolated from diabetics and non-diabetic subjects in three hospitals in Rivers State Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion procedure was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the uropathogens with the following antibiotics: vancomycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, imipenem, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, amoxiclav and ofloxacin. The results show that S. aureus (20%), E. coli (9%), K. aerogenes (8%), and K. ascobata (7%) were the most prevalent bacterial isolates. Data showed the isolates were sensitive to imipenem (18.6%), ofloxacin (13.8%) and ceftazidime (12.3%). On the other hand, the antibiotics with the highest resistance were cefotaxime (9.5%), tetracycline (14.1%), erythromycin (18.4%), and vancomycin (21.1%). The diabetic subjects showed a significantly (P < 0.0001) lower prevalence of bacteria with MAR indices below 0.2 but a significantly (P = <0.0001) higher prevalence of bacteria showing MAR indices ≥0.2. In the analyses of MAR indices ≥0.2 bacterial isolates according to location. Abonnema had the highest percentage distribution, with higher number of diabetics (81%) to non-diabetics (19%), with P <0.0001. This was followed by Mgbundukwu, which had a higher number of diabetics (77%) to non-diabetics (23), with P < 0.0001, and then Eleme, with a higher number of diabetics (80%) to non-diabetics (20%), with P = <0.0001. This indicates a high level of antibiotic abuse hence resistance to antibiotics among diabetic patients.
Generalized Friedrich Numbers
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we define and investigate the generalized Friedrich sequences and we deal with, in detail, two special cases, namely, Friedrich and Friedrich-Lucas sequences. We present Binet's formulas, generating functions, Simson formulas, and the summation formulas for these sequences. Moreover, we give some identities and matrices related with these sequences. Furthermore, we show that there are close relationsbetween Friedrich, Friedrich-Lucas and third order Jacobsthal, modified third-order Jacobsthal, third order Jacobsthal-Lucas numbers.
Cyclic Fatigue Fracture Resistance Evaluation of Three NiTi Rotary Multiple File Systems: An in-vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Sharma Kartik , Goel Aditi , Shah Khushnuma
Published: February 2023

Background: This in-vitro study used cyclic fatigue testing device to compare the cyclic fatigue fracture resistance of three rotary multiple file system; Neoendo flex, Hanu Dent and Hero Gold.

Place and Duration of Study: Between November 2022 and January 2023 in Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at the Institute of Dental Sciences Sehora in Jammu, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Methodology: In this research three rotary nickel titanium systems Neoendo flex, Hanu Dent and Hero Gold; Micromega of size #25 with 4% taper were subjected to cyclic fatigue testing. Each system contained ten files which were 25 mm long. Each experimental file had EDTA gel applied to it before being put into endodomotor handpiece with rubber stopper. The dental hand piece was attached to portable device making it easy to insert each instrument inside the artificial canal. The files were working in the artificial canal as long as fracture occurred. The number of cycles until fracture was then calculated using the time. NCF = Number of rotations per minute x Time to fracture.

Results: Hero Gold was followed by Hanu Dent in terms of mean values for the number of seconds to fracture. When utilized in curved canals, Neoendo Flex showed least resistance to cyclic fatigue fracture.

Clinical Significance: To endodontists, the choice of file systems in cleaning and shaping of root canal is a mystery. This in vitro study investigated the choice of rotary root canal preparation file systems. NiTi endodontic files that have undergone heat treatment have dramatically enhanced the cyclic fatigue résistance extending the average life of file systems.
The Use of Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Extract Cream to Prevent Decreasing of Total Collagen in the Skin of Wistar Rats Exposed to Ultraviolet-B Light
Authors: Indryani Fauhan Kania , Ehrich Lister I. Nyoman , Fachrial Edy
Published: February 2023

Aims: The study aimed to prove that the cream of Rosella flower extract (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) could prevent a decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light.

Study Design: This type of research is experimental, using a post-test-only control group design by giving 20% Rosella flower extract cream.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of North Sumatra. The research was conducted in 2020.

Methodology: The study consisted of two groups with a total sample of 12 male Wistar rats in each group. The P0 group, namely the control group, was exposed to UVB rays and smeared with cream with the essential ingredients. The P1 group was exposed to UVB rays and 20% Rosella flower extract cream. UVB exposure is given for 5 weeks with exposure capacities, namely: 40 mJ/cm2 (the week I), 60 mJ/cm2 (week II), 80 mJ/cm2 (week III), 100 mJ/cm2 (week IV) and 120 mJ/ cm2 (week V), then a biopsy was performed to examine the amount of collagen calculated through histopathological examination of skin tissue after staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E).

Results: The results showed that the average amount of collagen in the P0 group was 49,899±5,89%. The mean of the P1 group was higher by 56.358±6.81%. The comparison test results with the independent t-test obtained a t-value of 2.485 and a p-value of 0.021 (p <0.05). The findings explained a significant collagen amount difference between the P0 group and the P1 group.

Conclusion: The conclusion was that administration of 20% Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) flower extract cream prevented a decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light. It is recommended that further research is needed that examines the same topic as the study but with a combination of Rosella flower extract>20%.
Dynamic Cell Seeding of Polymer Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Obradovic Bojana , Martin Ivan , Bursac Predrag M. , Langer Robert , Freed Lisa E.
Published: July 2002

Cell seeding of three‐dimensional polymer scaffolds is the first step of the cultivation of engineered tissues in bioreactors. Seeding requirements of large scaffolds to make implants for potential clinical use include: (a) high yield, to maximize the utilization of donor cells, (b) high kinetic rate, to minimize the time in suspension for anchorage‐dependent and shear‐sensitive cells, and (c) high and spatially uniform distribution of attached cells, for rapid and uniform tissue regeneration. Highly porous, fibrous polyglycolic acid scaffolds, 5–10 mm in diameter and 2–5 mm thick, were seeded with bovine articular chondrocytes in well‐mixed spinner flasks. Essentially, all cells attached throughout the scaffold volume within 1 day. Mixing promoted the formation of 20–32‐μm diameter cell aggregates that enhanced the kinetics of cell attachment without compromising the uniformity of cell distribution. The kinetics and possible mechanisms of cell seeding were related to the formation of cell aggregates by a simple mathematical model that can be used to optimize seeding conditions for cartilage tissue engineering.
Antioxidant enzyme levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal human oral epithelium
Authors: Yang J. , Lam E. W. N. , Hammad H. M. , Oberley T. D. , Oberley L. W.
Published: July 2002

Background:  The antioxidant enzymes (manganese‐ and copper‐zinc‐containing superoxide dismutases, catalast and glutathione peroxidase) limit cell injury induced by reactive oxygen species. The purpose of the study was to determine whether human oral squamous cell carcinomas have altered antioxidant enzyme levels. This study is the first to undertake this task in human oral mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods:  Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry was used to examine 26 archived oral squamous cell carcinoma biopsies. Fourteen well‐differentiated and 12 poorly differentiated tumors were examined, as were 12 specimens of oral mucosa. All sections were reviewed by two oral and maxillofacial pathologists, and image analysis of the immunostained sections was performed using NIH Image. Antioxidant enzyme staining intensities were compared in the different groups by Duncan's multiple range test.

Results:  In general, mucosal basal cells displayed lower antioxidant enzyme levels than spinous cells, and primary tumor cells displayed lower antioxidant enzyme staining intensities than did their normal cell counterparts. Moreover, poorly differentiated tumor cells showed lower antioxidant enzyme staining intensities than well‐differentiated tumor cells. Manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase staining intensities were, however, higher in well‐differentiated oral squamous cell carcinomas than their normal cells of origin.

Conclusions:  Detection of antioxidant enzymes may be a useful future marker in the molecular diagnosis of the oral cancer. Moreover, it may be possible to not only monitor the effectiveness of chemopreventitive and therapeutic strategies in oral cancer using these enzymes, but to monitor tumor recurrence.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene effect on CETP activity and plasma high‐density lipoprotein in European populations
Authors: Gudnason V. , Kakko S. , Nicaud V. , Savolainen M. J. , Kesäniemi Y. A. , Tahvanainen E. , Humphries S. , On Behalf Of The EARS group
Published: July 2002

Background

Variation at the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene locus has been implicated in determining the levels and activity of CETP, apoAI and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma concentration and the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Study design

The effects of two common polymorphisms of CETP, TaqIB in intron 1 and isoleucine 405 to valine (I405 → V) in exon 14, were examined in a sample of 822 men age 18–28 years from 11 countries in Europe who had participated in a study (the European Atherosclerosis Research Study II) of the offspring of myocardial infarction sufferers before the age of 55 years and age‐matched control subjects.

Results

The frequency of the rare TaqIB allele (B2) and the rare V405 allele was 0.44 and 0.28 respectively and was the same in different regions of Europe. There was a moderate linkage disequilibrium between the two polymorphisms in all the regions (D′ = +0.31, P < 0.001), explained by the preferential association between the two common alleles, B1 and I405. There was a statistically significant association of the rare alleles for both the polymorphisms with lower activity of CETP (P < 0.001), 11.2% lower for the TaqIB and 7.0% lower for the I405→V polymorphism. The TaqIB polymorphism explained 9.1% (P < 0.001) and I405→V explained 3.7% (P < 0.001) of the variance in CETP activity, and in combination these genotypes explained 12.0% of the variance (P < 0.001). Overall, subjects whose fathers had had an early coronary heart disease had 2.4% higher plasma CETP activity than those without such family history, which became statistically significant when adjusted for the effect of the genotypes (P = 0.015), but the significance disappeared after adjustment for the effect of lipids. There was a statistically significant effect of the TaqIB polymorphism on both plasma HDL cholesterol and apoAI level (P < 0.001), with those homozygous for the rare B2 allele having the highest level. Those individuals homozygous for the rare V405 allele had the highest HDL and apoAI levels, although these effects only reached statistical significance for HDL (P < 0.03).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the TaqIB and I405→V polymorphisms represent two independent functional variations in the CETP gene that may affect the activity of CETP and thus plasma levels of HDL.
Hind Limb Skeletal Lesions in 12‐Month‐Old Bulls of Beef Breeds
Authors: Dutra F. , Carlsten J. , Ekman S.
Published: July 2002

In the present study, right hind limb bones from 46 12‐month‐old bulls with no clinical signs were examined to identify and describe lesions that could predispose the stifle and tarsal joints to osteoarthritis. The bulls came from a performance testing station and were slaughtered due to a low index at the end of the testing period 1996–97. Differences in frequency of lesions among breeds as well as the relationship between lesions and growth rate were evaluated. Forty‐five (97.8 %) of the 46 bulls had lesions in the joints and/or growth plates. Prevalence of lesions was 100 % in the Charolais (22/22), the Hereford (8/8), and the Limousin (4/4) breeds, and 85.7 % (6/7) in the Simmental breed. The stifle was affected in 37, the tarsus in 33, and the growth plates in 34, of the 46 bulls. Lesions found in the stifle joint were: osteochondrosis of the articular‐epiphyseal cartilage complex (AECC) (25), subchondral bone cyst of the distal femur (1), fragmentation of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia (20), cleft in the distal part of the patellar groove (28), and an avulsion fracture of the lateral condyle together with a partial tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (1). Lesions found in the tarsal joint were: osteochondrosis of the AECC (23), ulcerative lesions of the articular cartilage of the talus (25), and fracture of the medial malleolus (4). Twenty‐eight bulls had lesions of osteochondrosis at the AECC and 37 at the growth plates. When osteochondrosis at the AECC and thickening of the growth plates were combined, 44 of the 46 bulls had at least one lesion at the AECC and/or the growth plate.

Prevalence of bulls with at least one lesion was similar between breeds, but the number of lesions per bull was significantly higher in Charolais followed by Simmental, Hereford, and Limousin. Number of lesions per bull was significantly correlated with daily weight gain, carcase weight, and the width of the proximal tibial epiphysis. Lesions were statistically independent, indicating that local biomechanical factors within the joints are important in the pathogenesis.

In conclusion, we suggest that the high incidence of hind limb osteoarthritis reported in the Swedish beef bull population can be explained by the high prevalence of skeletal lesions found in the present material. The lesions appeared to be related to high growth rate and to the breed.
Relationship of the eye to the bony orbit, with clinical correlations
Authors: Md R A Goldberg , Ba A Relan , Md J Hoenig
Published: July 2002

Purpose: To examine normal anatomic relationship of the globe to the bony orbit, and relate variations in this relationship to clinical parameters.

Methods: Seventy‐nine axial and sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the globe and orbit were studied. Any patients with pathology, as reported by the radiologists’ findings, were excluded. Measurements were made on the images to determine the position of the globe relative to the bony orbit and to describe the configuration of the anterior face of the maxillary sinus. Clinical measurements were performed on photographs of 36 patients who underwent MRI scans. An independent observer rated these photographs for two clinical findings: inferior scleral show and tear trough deformity.

Results: Correlations were found in the following sets of variables. (i) Corneal projection from infraorbital rim and corneal projection from lateral rim; (ii) corneal projection from supraorbital rim and corneal projection from lateral rim; (iii) scleral show and corneal projection from lateral orbital rim; and (iv) tear trough deformity rating and angle of anterior face of maxillary sinus. There were no significant correlations found in the other data variables.

Conclusions: The data show that abnormal relationships between the globe and the bony orbit can have clinical consequences. Inferior scleral show is shown to be related to relative globe prominence, measured from either the lateral or the inferior orbital rims. The tear trough deformity is correlated with a sloping maxillary face. The results provide a rational basis for surgeries designed to normalize these relationships.
Screening for Type 2 diabetes: an exploration of subjects’ perceptions regarding diagnosis and procedure
Authors: M. C. Adriaanse , F. J. Snoek , J. M. Dekker , H. M. Van Der Ploeg , R. J. Heine
Published: July 2002

Aim To explore the psychological impact of a stepwise population‐screening project for Type 2 diabetes.

Methods As part of a stepwise population screening project for Type 2 diabetes in the Hoorn region, The Netherlands, an explorative interview study was conducted. The psychological impact of screening was studied using semistructured interviews in 40 subjects: 20 who were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and 20 subjects who were at increased risk of having diabetes but who did not meet criteria for diabetes. Transcripts were analysed using techniques of content analysis.

Results Newly diagnosed subjects reported limited understanding of their elevated blood glucose levels. None, with the exception of one, was alarmed by the diagnosis. Having Type 2 diabetes was not experienced as severe and no concerns were expressed. Adjusting diet was perceived as a major change by some. All newly diagnosed subjects had informed close relatives and friends of the diabetes, who were in general not alarmed by the news. Both groups positively judged the screening procedure. In general the screening procedure was considered as useful and not experienced as burdensome.

Conclusions This explorative study suggests that the psychological impact of screening in newly diagnosed subjects is limited. Both those who were and those who were not diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes judged the screening procedure positively.

Diabet. Med. 19, 406–411 (2002)
Changes in endometrial thickness, width, length and pattern in predicting pregnancy outcome during ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization
Authors: Bassil S.
Published: July 2002

Objective

To determine whether the clinical features of the endometrium as observed by transvaginal high resolution sonography are predictive of pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization cycles.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and forty‐five patients undergoing in vitro fertilization were included in this prospective controlled study. Endometrial thickness, width, length, growth and pattern during the follicular and early luteal phases of stimulated cycles were assessed using transvaginal ultrasound by an operator who was blinded to the protocol of stimulation and to the type of assisted reproductive technology treatment. The relationship between these findings and embryo implantation and pregnancy outcome was examined.

Results

There were no significant differences in endometrial thickness, width, length, growth and pattern in conception compared to non‐conception cycles. The endometrial growth and its pattern transformation during the stimulation did not influence the pregnancy outcome.

Conclusion

The endometrial features as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound do not provide significant prognostic information with regard to the outcome of in vitro fertilization. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Death at Home Following a Targeted Advance‐Care Planning Process at Home: The Kitchen Table Discussion
Authors: Ratner Edward , Norlander Linda , McSteen Kerstin
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether home health agency patients' preferences to die at home can be honored following a structured, professionally facilitated advance‐care planning (ACP) process provided in the home.

DESIGN: A case series of patients who were identified by their home health agency nurses as having a life‐limiting illness and then referred for social service assessment, followed for at least 6 months, with median follow‐up of 191 days.

SETTING: A large, urban, home health agency owned by a not‐for‐profit integrated healthcare system.

PARTICIPANTS: Eighty‐four adult patients (median age 75, range 37–94) receiving home care services other than hospice.

INTERVENTION: Formally structured social work visits at patients' homes to discuss end‐of‐life issues, with communication of results to home health nurses and attending physicians. Social workers performed standard psychosocial assessments, obtained patient and family preferences regarding end‐of‐life care, and provided education about hospice services.

MEASUREMENTS: Acceptance of the ACP process, preferences for location of end‐of‐life care, location of care at the end of life, adequacy of timing of intervention as measured by length of life after ACP, and use of hospice services.

RESULTS: Eighty‐three of 84 participants (99%) were willing to complete an ACP process in the home setting. Of the 54 patients expressing a clear preference for location of end‐of‐life care, 46 (82%) wanted this care to be at home. Thirty‐nine (46%) of the participants died within 90 days of ACP; 58 (69%) died by the end of the study. Forty‐three (75%) of these deaths occurred at home or in a hospice residence. Fifty‐one (61%) patients used home, residential, or nursing home–based hospice services during the study.

CONCLUSION: In this series of seriously ill home health patients, most preferred to die at home and virtually all were willing to participate in a home‐based ACP process. Facilitating ACP among such patients and their families was associated with end‐of‐life care at home. Use of hospice services was common following ACP in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:778–781, 2001.
Differential Effects of Premorbid Physical and Emotional Health on Recovery from Acute Events
Authors: Ostir Glenn V. , Goodwin James S. , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Balfour Jennifer , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES:

Emotional health may have an important effect on disease onset, but there has been little work evaluating premorbid emotional health on recovery from disability that results from acute medical events. The aim of this study is to determine whether premorbid emotional health is predictive of recovery in functional ability 1 year after reporting a stroke, heart attack, or hip fracture (event).

DESIGN:

A prospective cohort study of an older population‐based sample from 1986 to 1992.

SETTING:

Data are from baseline and six annual follow‐ups of the North Carolina Established Population for Epidemiological Study of the Elderly.

PARTICIPANTS:

Two hundred forty whites and blacks aged 65 and older who reported a stroke, heart attack, or hip fracture during one of the first five follow‐up interviews and had an increased level of disability at that follow‐up.

MEASUREMENT:

Improvement in disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) 1 year postevent.

RESULTS:

High depressive symptoms at baseline showed a significant association with poorer recovery in functional ability 1‐year postevent after adjustments were made for sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, ADLs at time of event, cognitive status, and prior history of disease. Compared with nondepressed subjects, depressed subjects had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.38 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.16‐0.94) for recovery 1 year after reporting a stroke, heart attack, or hip fracture. Additionally, among subjects who reported low depressive symptoms, high positive affect was significantly associated with increased odds of recovery (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.10–6.68), adjusting for the same variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

Emotional health, independent of other baseline measures, is associated with recovery in functional ability 1 year after a major health event. Our findings suggest that reducing premorbid levels of depressive symptoms or increasing positive affect may help the recovery process. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:713–718, 2002.
Neuronal inhibitory effects of methadone are predominantly opioid receptor mediated in the rat spinal cord in vivo
Authors: Carpenter Katherine J. , Chapman Victoria , Dickenson Anthony H.
Published: July 2002

This study aims to assess whether the antinociceptive actions of methadone are mediated solely through opioid mechanisms, or whether its reported affinity for NMDA receptors has physiological relevance in vivo. Methadone is a μ‐opioid receptor agonist reported to relieve pain unresponsive to other opioids. It is a racemic mixture comprising d ‐ and l ‐optical isomers; the d ‐isomer has a lower affinity for opioid receptors, and both also exhibit NMDA receptor binding, likely to indicate antagonist activity. d ‐Methadone is antinociceptive in behavioural studies via non‐opioid mechanisms, which could include functional NMDA receptor‐blocking activity. Here we investigate the ability ofd ‐ and dl ‐methadone to inhibit noxious and innocuous electrically‐evoked responses of dorsal horn neurones in the anaesthetized rat.

Racemic methadone (5, 25, 50, 250 μg) applied spinally, dose‐relatedly inhibited the C‐fibre evoked response, input and wind‐up of the neurones, with a profile resembling that of morphine. d‐Methadone (5, 25, 50, 250, 500 μg) was also inhibitory, although less potent by a factor of between 13 and 48 depending on the neuronal measure; its profile of inhibition resembled that of the racemic mixture rather than an NMDA receptor antagonist. Both compounds had minimal effects on Aβ‐fibre‐evoked activity. The inhibitory effects of both d ‐ and dl ‐methadone on noxious‐evoked activity were naloxone reversible. The naloxone reversibility of d ‐methadone inhibitions is best interpreted as indicative of a purely opioid mechanism of action. However, the ability of naloxone to reverse the effects of d ‐methadone may also reflect a degree of synergy between weak NMDA antagonist and opioid agonist activity. Copyright 2000 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain
Incidence angle effect of a hydrogen plasma beam for the cleaning of semiconductor surfaces
Authors: Suemune I. , Kunitsugu Y. , Kan Y. , Yamanishi M.
Published: July 2002

Incidence angle effect of a hydrogen plasma beam with an ion energy of about 20 eV was observed in a cleaning process for GaAs and Si surfaces for the first time. An atomically flat (001) GaAs substrate surface which was observed by clear Laue spots was prepared with a glancing angle of incidence. Similar improvement of smoothness was observed with the glancing angle of incidence on a Si surface when it was compared with perpendicular incidence. The mechanism is discussed considering momentum transfer parallel to the surface in the collision process and the resultant migration enhancement on the surface.
Suppression of lateral silicide formation in submicron TiSi2 ohmic contacts to heavily doped p-type silicon
Authors: Perera A. H. , Krusius J. P.
Published: July 2002

A lateral silicidation problem has been found in the conventional self-aligned titanium disilicide (TiSi2) process for making ohmic contacts to heavily doped p-type (p+) silicon in the submicron domain. Two solutions curtailing the lateral Si migration and the resulting lateral silicide formation are presented: an additional low-temperature nitrogen anneal and an interfacial carbon layer. Excellent ohmic contacts with a minimum area of 0.06 μm2 and a spacing of 0.2 μm are demonstrated with both solutions.
Modulation-doped AlInAs/InP heterostructures grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Aina Leye , Mattingly Mike , Potter Bob
Published: July 2002

We have grown modulation-doped AlInAs/InP heterostructures with two-dimensional electron gases. Hall measurements and Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations observed in these heterostructures yield electron mobilities as high as 26000, 9000, 2300 cm2/V s at 2, 77, and 300 K, with electron concentrations as high as 1.5×1012 cm−2. These results demonstrate the potential of the AlInAs/InP heterostructure for power microwave applications.
Oscillations up to 712 GHz in InAs/AlSb resonant-tunneling diodes
Authors: Brown E. R. , Söderström J. R. , Parker C. D. , Mahoney L. J. , Molvar K. M. , McGill T. C.
Published: July 2002

Oscillations have been obtained at frequencies from 100 to 712 GHz in InAs/AlSb double-barrier resonant-tunneling diodes at room temperature. The measured power density at 360 GHz was 90 W cm−2, which is 50 times that generated by GaAs/AlAs diodes at essentially the same frequency. The oscillation at 712 GHz represents the highest frequency reported to date from a solid-state electronic oscillator at room temperature.
Guest-host polymer fibers for nonlinear optics
Authors: Kuzyk M. G. , Paek U. C. , Dirk C. W.
Published: July 2002

We report on the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nonlinear optical fibers with dye-doped cores. The dye-doped cores have an elevated refractive index that defines a waveguiding region with a large third-order susceptibility and with single-mode dimensions. The measured third-order susceptibility of a squarylium-doped PMMA film material and the measured optical loss of the dye-doped fiber core results in a figure of merit that is suitable for all-optical device applications at λ=1.3 μm. The impact of further improvements in PMMA loss and chromophore nonlinearity are also discussed.
Noncontact mobility measurements with a laser/microwave photoconductance technique: Temperature dependence
Authors: Buczkowski A. , Katayama K. , Rozgonyi G. A. , Shimura F.
Published: July 2002

Minority carrier conductance mobility was measured in a noncontact fashion using a laser excitation/microwave reflection photoconductance technique. The mobility was obtained from the surface component of recombination lifetime via measurements of effective lifetime on sample pairs which consist of an oxidized wafer, which is subsequently damaged by lapping, or two lapped wafers with different thicknesses. The experimental temperature dependence of mobility was compared with theoretical predictions given by semiempirical formulas. A good agreement between experimental data and theoretical calculations for both measurement algorithms and n- and p-type conductivity silicon material was obtained.
Ion bombardment energy distributions in a radio frequency induction plasma
Authors: Hopwood J.
Published: July 2002

Ion bombardment energy distributions to a grounded substrate in a low pressure, rf induction plasma source are measured. The plasma source consists of a planar, spiral coil driven at 13.56 MHz which is separated from a low pressure discharge vessel by a quartz vacuum window. Ion bombardment spectra were determined using a differentially pumped retarding grid energy analyzer which samples the plasma through an 80 μm diam grounded, conducting orifice. The ion flux was found to be nearly monoenergetic for heavier ionic species such as Ar and oxygen. A double-peaked distribution was observed in water vapor plasmas where the sheath transit time of light ions is much less than the rf period. The average ion energy follows the average plasma potential and the width of the ion energy distribution correlates with the rf component of the floating probe potential, which is typically 2–6 Vp–p.
Self-assembled alkane monolayers on MoSe2 and MoS2
Authors: Cincotti S. , Rabe J. P.
Published: July 2002

Highly ordered monolayers of a long-chain molecule, dotriacontane (C32H66), have been obtained by self-assembly at the interface between an organic solution and the basal planes of two semiconductors, MoSe2 and MoS2. Scanning tunneling microscopy in situ at the solid–fluid interfaces revealed that the adsorbate lattices are close packed and oriented relative to the substrate lattices, but that they are not simply commensurate. The results indicate that for flexible chain molecules, which interact only weakly with the surface of a solid substrate, a high degree of order in the adsorbed monolayers is induced by the atomical flatness of the substrate, while the coincidence of lattice parameters and the specific surface chemistry play only a minor role. Details of the packing, including the symmetry of the adsorbate unit cell, depend on the particular substrate. The results imply that atomical flatness is a key factor for the fabrication of highly ordered organic/inorganic heterostructures.
Growth and characterization of buckybundles
Authors: Wang X. K. , Lin X. W. , Dravid V. P. , Ketterson J. B. , Chang R. P. H.
Published: July 2002

Buckybundles (bundles of buckytubes), approximately 50 μm in diameter and 1 cm in length, have been observed in a deposited carbon rod on the cathode electrode of a dc arc. Scanning electron microscopy images clearly show an evenly spaced array of parallel buckybundles. High resolution electron microscopy reveals that each buckybundle consists of closely packed buckytubes with their axes parallel to the bundle axis. Within each bundle it is estimated that there are about 107 buckytubes with diameters in the range (20–300 Å). We have measured the deposited rod growth rate as a function of the He gas pressure and have evaluated the influence of the graphite feed rod diameter on the yield of buckybundles. The magnetic susceptibilities parallel and perpendicular to the bundle axes were measured. The results show that the bundles have anisotropic diamagnetic properties.
Second-order nonlinear optical susceptibility in p-doped asymmetric quantum wells
Authors: Li Shaozhong , Khurgin J.
Published: July 2002

The possibility of the surface-emitting second-harmonic generation (SHG) based on intersubband transitions in multiple quantum-well (QW) structures is examined theoretically. The critical role of valence band mixing is demonstrated. The off-diagonal SHG coefficients, necessary for the surface-emitting SHG, are evaluated for the transitions between the valence subbands in GaAs/AlAs QW structures are found to be comparable in magnitude to the diagonal SHG coefficients reported in literature.
Ring-distribution of oxygen precipitates in Czochralski silicon revealed by low-temperature infrared absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Ono Haruhiko , Ikarashi Taeko
Published: July 2002

The inhomogeneous distribution of oxygen precipitates was investigated in a Czochralski-grown silicon crystal which contained a ring-shaped distribution of oxidation-induced stacking faults. After a two-step anneal the infrared absorption due to two types of oxygen precipitates was mapped along the wafer radius by using Fourier-transform spectroscopy at liquid-He temperature. The low-temperature mapping technique reveals that the generation process of precipitates is different in the ring area from the rest of the wafer.
Phonon-electron scattering in single crystal silicon carbide
Authors: Morelli Donald T. , Heremans Joseph P. , Beetz Charles P. , Yoo Woo Sik , Matsunami Hiroyuki
Published: July 2002

We have measured the thermal conductivity κ of single crystals of hexagonal silicon carbide (6H-SiC) of two different electron densities n. The densities are low such that virtually all of the heat is conducted by lattice vibrations. At low temperatures the thermal conductivity of both samples varies as T2 and scales with the electron density. The calculated phonon mean free path thus varies as T−1 and is consistent with a model of scattering of the heat-carrying phonons by electrons in an impurity band.
Femtosecond measurement of nonlinear absorption and refraction in CdS, ZnSe, and ZnS
Authors: Krauss Todd D. , Wise Frank W.
Published: July 2002

The nonlinear index of refraction and the two-photon absorption coefficient of CdS, ZnSe, and ZnS were measured using the Z-scan technique with 100-femtosecond pulses at 610 nm, 780 nm, and 1.27 μm. The results are in reasonable agreement with measurements made at similar wavelengths with longer pulses. A simple theoretical model accounts for the dispersion of the nonlinearities and confirms their electronic nature.
Nickel atomic diffusion in amorphous silicon
Authors: Kuznetsov A. Yu. , Svensson B. G.
Published: July 2002

In this letter we report on measurements of the diffusion coefficient for Ni in unrelaxed amorphous (α) Si at temperatures between 270 and 435 °C using secondary ion mass spectrometry. A diffusion coefficient of ∼3×10−3 exp[−1.30(eV)/kT] cm2/s is obtained, which is approximately six to eight orders of magnitude lower than that for interstitial diffusion of Ni in crystalline (c) Si. The diffusion process in α-Si is described by a model invoking trap-retarded interstitial migration; the main difference between the diffusion coefficients in α-Si and c-Si is attributed to the presence of intrinsic traps in the amorphous phase with a binding enthalpy of ∼0.83 eV.
Epitaxial growth of B
a
T
i
O3 thin films at 600 °C by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kaiser D. L. , Vaudin M. D. , Rotter L. D. , Wang Z. L. , Cline J. P. , Hwang C. S. , Marinenko R. B. , Gillen J. G.
Published: July 2002

BaTiO3 thin films were grown epitaxially on (100) MgO substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at a temperature of 600 °C. This substrate temperature is the lowest reported temperature for the growth of epitaxial BaTiO3 films by an MOCVD process. The films had a cube–cube orientation relationship with the substrate and were oriented with an a-axis perpendicular to the substrate plane. Nanoscale energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry measurements showed no evidence of interdiffusion between the film and substrate.
New specimen design for studying the growth of small fatigue cracks with surface acoustic waves
Authors: London Blair
Published: July 2002

The study of small surface fatigue cracks in AISI 4140 quenched and tempered steel by a nondestructive surface acoustic wave technique is summarized. A novel cantilevered bending, plate-type fatigue specimen is described that is compatible with the acoustic method. Small cracks are initiated from a 25-μm deep surface pit produced by an electrospark machine. The importance of studying these cracks which closely approximate naturally occurring fatigue cracks is briefly discussed.
Optical output stabilization method for direct current arc lamps
Authors: Oldham Philip B. , Patonay Gabor , Warner Isiah M.
Published: July 2002

A simple, effective technique for stabilizing the optical output of direct current (dc) arc lamps is described. The large output fluctuation due to arc wander in a commercially available lamp and power supply is minimized by the introduction of an alternating current (ac) waveform superimposed on the dc source voltage in conjunction with detector averaging. Arc stability is monitored indirectly by the detection of arc excited fluorescence from a standard sample. The monitored lamp output is typically maintained to within 1% relative standard deviation (RSD) by this method. Data are presented supporting the theory that arc wander is significantly reduced by the addition of an ac component to the dc lamp power. Various methods of ac introduction are discussed along with the design of a controllable oscillator circuit. The effects of variations in ac voltage and frequency on optical output stability are examined.
Theoretical considerations on the hot-wire method applied to solids under pressure
Authors: Pettersson Sune
Published: July 2002

We have examined the theory behind the hot-wire method for determining the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of solids under pressure. Temperature corrections due to finite thermal conductivity of the wire are large but do not influence the determination of the thermal properties of the surrounding solid. The three coupled heat equations for the wire, medium, and the cell wall have been solved and we find that the wall effects are small. The most important correction comes from the temperature dependence of the thermal properties of the solids and it can explain part of the errors observed in experiments.