bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Docking, Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Some Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Entandrophragma congoënse for Antiplasmodial Activity
Authors: Ahmed Sikiru Akinyeye , Happi Gervais Mouthé , Soh Désiré , Salau Shina
Published: July 2022

As a follow-up to earlier reported works on the phytochemical study of some isolated bioactive compounds from the root and bark of Entandrophragma congoënse as potent anti-plasmodium drugs (Happi et. al.2005), some of the isolated compounds were tested in vitro for antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity but no insight was given into the binding affinities of these compounds, the ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity), drug-likeness studies as well as molecular dynamics simulation of some of the isolates. Hence, a total of 21 compounds including 19 isolates and 2 standard drugs were computationally studied for antimalarial activity against the target receptor with Protein Data Bank code (PDB code: 5TBO), but only 4 of the isolated compounds (L1, L2, L4 and L15) showed promise potent hits against Plasmodium. The results of molecular docking, ADMET studies and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that compound L15, when isolated, can alone, or together with other qualified compounds such as L1, L2 and L4 provide a better inhibition rating compared to Chloroquine® (L21) the FDA-approved drug for the treatment of malaria.
Effect of Nanochitosan and Biocapsules on Growth, Yield and Quality of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. ) Var. Kashi Lalima
Authors: Deo Shanika Raghvendra , Bahadur Vijay , Kerketta Anita , Prasad V. M.
Published: July 2022

An experiment on okra was conducted throughout August to Nov 2021, in Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, and Technology & Sciences Prayagraj (U.P) India. The results of the investigation, concerning the performance of Nanochitosan and Biocapsule within the 9 treatment of Red Okra i.e. t0 control (NPK): 100:50:50 Kg/ha, T1 Biocapsule 250 ppm, T2 Biocapsule 500 ppm, T3 Nanochitosan 50 ppm, T4 Nanochitosan 100 ppm, T5 Nanochitosan 50 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm, T6 Nanochitosan 50 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm, T7 Nanochitosan 100 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm, T8 Nanochitosan 100 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm. The seed was obtained from source of IIVR Varanasi. To find out the best performance in terms of growth, yield and quality the experiment was conducted in randomized block design, where each treatment replicated thrice. The results from the current investigation concluded that the treatment T6 (Nanochitosan 50ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm) was recorded with maximum number of fruits (20.37 fruits/plant), with average fruit weight (14.22 gm), and also average fruit yield (143.13 q/ha) with Benefit cost ratio of 2.88 whereas in terms of quality the treatment T8 (Nanochitosan 100ppm and Biocapsule 500 ppm) was recorded with maximum TSS (3.94⁰Bx) and the treatment of T7 (Nanochitosan 100 ppm and Biocapsule 250 ppm) was recorded with maximum Ascorbic acid (21.38 mg/10 0g).
Performance of Gluconate and Lactate Based Formulations on Plant Growth and Yield Attributes in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kumar B. Prasanna , Gouthami B. , Joseph B. , Reddy A. Raja , Reddy N. Sreerama , Prathiksha G. , Lavanya N. , Ramohan N. , Sparjanbabu D. S.
Published: July 2022

Aim: To check the efficacy of gluconate and lactate based formulations on plant growth and yield characteristics of maize.

Place and Duration of Study: School of Agricultural Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, spring 2021.

Methodology: The experiment was laid-out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with Maize hybrid (DHM-117) spacing adopted (60 x 20 cm) with 4 replications. The treatments viz; T1: Control (No fertilizer), T2:100% RDF, T3: 75% RDF + 25% Sahasra Organic Formulations (SOF), T4:50% RDF + 50% SOF, T5: 25% RDF + 75% SOF, T6: 100% SOF. The RDF (N:72-80; P:24; K:20 kg/acre).

Results: The yield attributes were recorded intermittently and maximum grain yield (7,649.8 kg               ha-1) and Stover yield (8,859.87 kg ha-1) were recorded with T2 (100% RDF), followed by T3 (75% RDF + 25% Sahasra Organic Formulations). Similarly gross returns (₹ 123606.5 ha-1), net returns (₹ 87116.49 ha-1) and B: C (3.4) ratio was also recorded highest in T2 followed by T3 (75% RDF + 25 % SOF), while the lowest were recorded with T1 (control).

Conclusion: Adoption of gluconate and lactate based formulations enhanced soil fertility, soil organic carbon and yield in Maize crop. The study concluded that the integrated approach i.e., T3 (75% RDF + 25% SOF) has realized the highest net returns (₹ 82466.8 ha-1) and B: C ratio (3.4) in comparison to the 100% RDF treatment thus reducing the cost of fertilizers and benefiting the net returns to the farmers.
Pharmacognostic, Acute Toxicity Profile and Comparative Leaf Characteristics of Desmodium velutinum, Mallotus oppositifolius and Synedrella nodiflora
Authors: Onyeka Ifeanyi Peter , Onyegbule Felix Ahamefule , Ibe Chioma Ifeoma , Ifebi Hope Morris , Ezugwu Christopher Obodike
Published: July 2022

Plant leaf parameters such as stomatal index, stomata type, leaf microscopic features, and leaf powder microscopy are important taxonomic parameters used to properly identify species and to differentiate one species from another and these is a vital keys in the pharmacognostic study of the medicinal plants because leaf parameters play a vital role in distinguishing crude drugs even when they are fragmented or powdered. Also, extractive index, retention factor, ash value, and phytochemical parameters are vital in the standardization of crude drugs for the establishment of pharmacopeia and monograms. Therefore, the study seeks to validate the use of the phytochemistry and molecular systematics among Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fabaceae to support their circumscription and therefore evaluated the pharmacognostic profile of Desmodium velutinum, Synedrella nodiflora and Mallotus oppositifolius folklorically used in South East Nigeria using standard laboratory protocols. The result of the leaf microscopy showed that Desmodium velutinum, Synedrella nodiflora, and Mallotus oppositifolius all had irregular shaped leaf epidermis, and stomata was present only in the abaxial surface respectively. The result showed both D. velutinum and S. nodiflora powder showed the presence of lignin, starch, cystoliths, tannin, and Oil body while calcium oxalate was absent whereas, Mallotus oppositifolius showed the presence of lignin, starch, tannin, and Oil body while calcium oxalate, and cystoliths were absent. Also the result of the TLC showed that M. oppositifolius had 3 visible spots with retention factors (RF) of  0.363, 0.425, and 0.5 in that order  respectively, D. velutinum had 4 visible spot with retention factor (RF) of  0.425, 0.5, 0.550 and 0.66 in that order  respectively  while S. nodiflora had 6 visible spot with retention factor (RF) of  0.255, 0.363, 0.438, 0.538, 0.600 and 0.688 in that order  respectively. The result also showed that methanol exhaustible extracted the phytochemicals in the crude dried plant. The acute toxicity studies showed that Desmodium velutinum, Synedrella nodiflora and Mallotus oppositifolius individually had LD50 greater than 5000mg/kg. This study validates the claim that leaf parameters such as stomatal index, stomata type, leaf powder microscopy are important parameters used for the identification of crude drugs.
Effect of Crop Geometry and Seaweed (Kappaphycus & Gracilaria) Extract on Growth and Yield of Baby corn (Zea mays)
Authors: Gumpula Pavan Kumar , Dawson Joy
Published: July 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), organic carbon (0.74%), available N (273.57 kg/ha), available P (31.97 kg/ha), and available K (335 kg/ha). The treatments comprised of crop geometry and foliar application of Seaweed Extract (Kappaphycus alvarezii & Gracialria). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice. The results showed that viz: Plant height (166.30 cm), plant dry weight (115.82 g/plant) were recorded significantly higher in Spacing 45 x 25 cm along with foliar application of 10% (K. sap + G.sap) spray. Number of cobs per plant (1.39), cob length with husk (22.32 cm), cob length without husk (8.34 cm), cob girth with husk (7.78 cm), cob girth without husk (5.15 cm), cob weight with husk (67.48 g), cob weight without husk (24.92 g), cob yield with husk (15.50 t/ha), cob yield without husk (5.28 t/ha), green fodder yield (30.35 t/ha) were recorded significantly higher. Thus, crop geometry with foliar application of seaweed extract (Kappaphycus alvarezii) could be a promising option for yield enhancement in baby-corn.
Phytochemical Screening, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, GC-MS and Antibacterial Activities of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Rhizome Extracts
Authors: Momoh Johnson Oshiobugie , Manuwa Adefunmilayo Alaba , Bankole Yakub Olawale
Published: July 2022

Aim: The study evaluates the phytochemical screening, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and antibacterial activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).    

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out for six months in 2020 in Biochemistry

Laboratory, Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Basic Sciences, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH),  Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methodology: The phytochemical screening, GC-MS and AAS were determined using standard methods. Antibacterial activities were evaluated by disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using standard procedures. 

Results: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome showed the presence of phytochemicals like tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, reducing sugar and saponin. Mineral composition analysis shows that the plant contains Na, Ca, Mg, K and Fe. Nineteen compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis of turmeric with a R-Turmerone being the most abundant with peak area of 50.05%. The results revealed that at 250 and 500 mg/mL for both aqueous and methanolic root extract of C. longa were sensitive to both organism, with zone of inhibition of 22.29±2.35, 29.56±2.23, 21.79±1.04 and 29.95±1.83 against E. coli and 22.31±1.59, 28.67±1.42, 22.96±0.96 and 30.13±1.94mm against S. aureus respectively. Azithromycin has zone of inhibition values that ranges from 19.35±1.02 to 32.03±1.23 mm for both organisms tested at 12.50 and 25.00 mg/mL respectively. E. coli and S. aureus were susceptible to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, roceplin, and streptomycin and resistant to chloramphenicol and septrin for only S. aureus. The MIC of the aqueous and methanolic root extract of turmeric on E. coli and S. aureus were 62.50, 31.25, 31.250 and 15.625 mg/mL while their MBC values were 250.00, 62.500, 62.500 and 31.2500 mg/ml respectively. MBC/MIC values show that both extracts had bactericidal effects.

Conclusions: Curcuma longa has essential minerals, phytochemicals, antibacterial activity and may prevent pathogenic diseases caused by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Effect of Lactoferrin Administration on Serum Iron Status of Children on Regular Hemodialysis
Authors: Turky Marwa Abd El-Salam Ibrahim , Saad Amal Said El-Bendary , Badraia Ibrahim Mohammed , El-Hafez Maher Ahmed Abd
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lactoferrin administration on serum iron status of children on regular hemodialysis.

Methods: This case-controlled study was carried on 60 children with end stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis and 30 healthy children served as a control group. Patients were classified into 2 groups, group A: 30 patients received oral lactoferrin supplementation 100 mg for 3 months and group B: 30 patients received oral lactoferrin supplementation plus oral iron 5mg/kg/day for 3 months. Serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), serum hepcidin and IL6 were measured before and after supplementation

Results: Serum ferritin was significantly higher in patient groups compared to controls before the supplementation (P <0.001) but significantly decreased after supplementation (P= <0.001). No significance difference between patient groups in serum ferritin levels before or after the supplementation (P=0.778, P=0.763) respectively. TSAT was significantly lower in patients groups compared to controls before the supplementation (p<0.001) but showed significant decrease after supplementation in group A (P=0.036) and significant increase in group B after the supplementation (P<0.001). TSAT was significantly increased in group B compared to group A (P<0.001). Serum hepcidin and serum interleukin 6 levels were higher in patients than controls before supplementation but significantly decreased at the end of the study in patient groups. . There were positive correlations between serum hepcidin and interleukin 6, CRP, and ferritin levels but a negative correlation with hemoglobin and TSAT. There was a positive correlation between serum IL-6 and both CRP and ferritin but a negative correlation between IL-6 and both Hb and TSAT.

Conclusions: Oral lactoferrin was not able to maintain iron status in HD children while Lactoferrin plus oral iron was effective in treating iron deficiency in HD patients.
Reversible Heavy Premature Ventricular Contraction Burden without Electrophysiology Intervention: Two Case Reports
Authors: AlSultan Nada , AlSulaiman Sarah , AlNaim Malak , AlTaweel Muneera , AlMukhaylid Sarah
Published: July 2022

PVCs, or premature ventricular complexes, are prevalent diagnoses in the general population and frequently show up incidentally in people. The sense of "skipped beats" might be brought on by PVCs emanating from ectopic ventricular nuclei. People with underlying cardiovascular illness,  and electrolyte abnormalities such as hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and Vitamin D deficiency, as well as elderly adults, were shown to have a greater prevalence of PVC. We represent two instances of PVCs, one in a 33-year-old male and one in a 50-year-old woman, both of whom attended with sensations of palpitations, risk factors were determined, medically appropriately controlled, and the PVCs burden was diminished without intervention. Mitigating the use of antiarrhythmic medications and averting unnecessary electrophysiology procedures can be accomplished.
Study of the Physico-Chemical, Functional, Granulometric, Mineral and Antioxidant Properties of Three (3) Flours FS, F40, F50 OF Young Shoots of Roan (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) According to the Drying Method
Authors: Michel Niamke Arthur , Justine Assanvo Bomo , Taloute Rouamba , Joseph Djaman Allico
Published: July 2022

The young shoot of roan (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) is cultivated and consumed in the cities of central Côte d'Ivoire such as Dimbokro. However, it has conservation problems, its nutritional value is not well known by the population and it is little processed by local industries. This study is a valorization of the young shoots of roan. In this study, the young shoots were dried respectively in the sun, at 40°C, at 50°C and then crushed to give respectively the FS, F40, F50 flours. The study of the physico-chemical properties gave, according to the flours, 6.47 to 7.17% for moisture; 5.71 to 6.07 for pH; 130.39 mg/100g on average for the reducing sugar content; 2.42 to 3.94% for total sugars; 0.53 to 1.07% for lipids; 6.23 to 7.57% for protein content; 2.19% on average for ash; 2.72 to 3.21% for fibre; 82.56 to 84.07% for total carbohydrates; 365.65 to 369.69 Kcal/100g for the energy value The study of functional properties revealed 60.55 to 63.63% for dispersibility; 0.70 to 0.75 g/ml for tapped density; 143.08% on average for water absorption capacity; 118.67 to 128% for oil absorption capacity; 18.17 to 25.66% for foaming capacity. The granulometry showed that all three (3) flours are composed of grains whose size is lower than 1mm. In addition 62.7%, 52.9%, 47.8% of the grains of the FS, F40, F50 flours have sizes in the interval ]250 µm, 125 µm]. The young shoots flours contain 243.45 to 280.44 mg/100g polyphenols; 68.46 to 83.03 mg/100g flavonoids; 45.47 to 59 mg/100g tannins. The mineral contents are 0.04 to 0.11 mg/kg for sodium; 0.02 mg/kg on average for phosphorus; 0.07 to 0.18 mg/kg for potassium; 0.11 mg/kg on average for calcium; 0.04 to 0.07 mg/kg for iron. The three (3) flours FS, F40, F50 of young shoots contain macronutrients, high energy value, fibre, interesting functional and granulometric properties, antioxidants, minerals that are beneficial for local populations and can be used by the food industries.
Computational Study of DC Glow Discharge and the Effect of Voltage on the Parameters of the Resulting Plasma
Authors: Jawad Mohammed H. , Abdulameer Mohammed R.
Published: July 2022

Recently, the computational procedure has become the best and low-cost tool for various studies, both theoretically and practically, due to its ability to process huge data in a short time. In this research, a computer study was conducted in two dimensionsof the DC glow discharge, where a noble reactive gas, argon gas was used to study the effect of voltage on the parameters of the resulting plasma. The particle flow was approximated using the diffusion approximation based on the fluid model, excited and neutral types where it was found that the density of electrons, the temperature of the electrons, the electric potential, and the density of ions will increase with the increase ofthe applied voltage.
TFIIA–TAF regulatory interplay: NMR evidence for overlapping binding sites on TBP
Authors: Bagby Stefan , Mal Tapas K. , Liu Dingjiang , Raddatz Elaine , Nakatani Yoshihiro , Ikura Mitsuhiko
Published: July 2002

TATA box binding protein (TBP)–promoter interaction nucleates assembly of the RNA polymerase II transcription initiation complex. Transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) stabilizes the TBP–promoter complex whereas the N‐terminal domain of the largest TAFII inhibits TBP–promoter interaction. We have mapped the interaction sites on TBP of Drosophila TAFII230 and yeast TFIIA (comprising two subunits, TOA1 and TOA2), using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and also report structural evidence that subdomain II of the TAFII230 N‐terminal inhibitory domain and TFIIA have overlapping binding sites on the convex surface of TBP. Together with previous mutational and biochemical data, our NMR results indicate that subdomain II augments subdomain I‐mediated inhibition of TBP function by blocking TBP‐TFIIA interaction.
Complete Deoxygenation from a Hemoglobin Solution by an Electrochemical Method and Heat Treatment for Virus Inactivation
Authors: Huang Yubin , Takeoka Shinji , Sakai Hiromi , Abe Hideki , Hirayama Junichi , Ikebuchi Kenji , Ikeda Hisami , Tsuchida Eishun
Published: July 2002

Hemoglobin (Hb) has been widely studied as a raw material for various types of oxygen carriers. In the purification of Hb from red blood cells including virus inactivation and denaturation of other proteins and the long‐term storage of Hb vesicles (HbV), a deoxygenation process is one of the important processes because of the high stability of deoxygenated Hb to heating and metHb formation. Though an oxygenated Hb solution can be deoxygenated with an artificial lung, it is difficult to reduce the oxygen partial pressure of the Hb solution to less than 10 Torr. We developed an electrochemical system for complete deoxygenation of the Hb solution at the cathode compartment using hydrogen containing nitrogen gas at the anode compartment. Oxygen in the Hb solution was reduced to OH− at the cathode compartment within several minutes at a potential value of −1.67 V and was finally converted to water by neutralization with H+ from the anode in the whole system. The resulting completely deoxygenated Hb could tolerate heat treatment at 62 °C for 10 h with no denaturation of deoxygenated Hb. The metHb formation rate of reoxygenated Hb at 37 °C was not changed after heat treatment. Furthermore, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) could be inactivated at an inactivation degree of more than 5.96 log by heat treatment.
Transformation of Thiodiglycol by Resting Cells of Alcaligenesxylosoxydans PGH10
Authors: García‐Ruiz Vicente , E. Martín‐Otero Luis , Puyet A.
Published: July 2002

A new strain of Alcaligenes xylos oxyd ans able to aerobically cometabolize thiodiglycol, the primary hydrolysis product of sulfur mustard, was isolated and tested in a laboratory scale stirred tank reactor. The strain, named PGH10, cannot use TDG as sole carbon and energy source for growth, but resting cells previously grown on either rich broth or defined mineral media efficiently metabolize this compound through [(2‐hydroxyethyl)thio]acetic acid and thiodiacetic acid as intermediates. Degradation of TDG by PGH10 is shown to take place at late exponential and stationary phase but is not triggered by carbon exhaustion. Cultures pregrown to saturation for 48 h in the absence of TDG can be stored and used for degradation of TDG, reducing significantly the time required to achieve the reduction of the compound concentration to undetectable levels. Degradation can take place in buffered media with no carbon source added, although best results were obtained in mineral media supplemented with citrate or fructose. Oxidation to [(2‐hydroxyethyl)thio]acetic acid and thiodiacetic acid was proposed to be catalyzed by a butanol‐dehydrogenase activity. Inhibition of TDG transformation in the presence of several alcohols is also shown.
THE INCREASED INCIDENCE OF CANCER OF THE PANCREAS: IS THERE A MISSING DIETARY FACTOR? CAN IT BE REVERSED?
Authors: Stephens Frederick O.
Published: July 2002

There has been a disturbing increase in the incidence of pancreas cancer, especially in Western countries, during the present century. The only well‐established aetiological factor of well‐documented significance is the greater incidence of this cancer in tobacco smokers of all communities. Otherwise the reason for the increased incidence is not known but the pattern of increase has some similarities to the increased incidence of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men in Western communities. There is now well‐documented evidence that the increase in breast and prostate cancers is at least partly related to diet. Typical modern Western diets have a low content of the naturally occurring plant hormones, the phyto‐oestrogens, that are still plentiful in traditional diets of Asians and other communities with a low incidence of both breast and prostate cancer. This paper presents evidence to support the hypothesis that the increased incidence of pancreas cancer in Western communities may also be related to the relatively low dietary content and protective qualities of the naturally occurring plant hormones and related compounds. This paper presents evidence to support that hypothesis.
Correlations between metabolic indices and visual parameters in diabetic patients
Authors: Woolley M. L. , Gilchrist J. , Pope R. , Dhanasha U. , Young S. , Elliott D. B.
Published: July 2002

Aim: To explore associations between metabolic, haematological, renal and visual parameters in diabetics.

Methods: 131 patients were recruited from the diabetic clinics at Airedale General Hospital. Those with proliferative DR or cataract were excluded from the study. Blood pressure was measured at rest and the measurements of plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and microalbuminuria were taken. Fundus photography was used to classify the extent of DR and ophthalmoscopic examination of the macula was performed. Visual function assessments included the measurement of refractive error, logMAR visual acuity, contrast sensitivity using gratings at three spatial frequencies and the Pelli‐Robson letter chart and hue discrimination using the Arden Colour Contrast Sensitivity apparatus. An assessment of the relationship between the metabolic indices and visual function was performed using the Kendall Tau Correlation Test.

Results and conclusions: The only meaningful correlation between a clinical optometric test and a metabolic parameter was between refractive error and glycosylated haemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). As HBA1C levels increased refractive error tended towards myopia. The normal hypermetropic shift with age was observed. Rx changes may be indicative of poor long‐term metabolic control. There were little/no associations between any other renal, metabolic, haematological or visual parameters contrary to other studies. This may be due to the strict exclusion criteria.
A new contrast sensitivity test for young children‐‐The Cardiff Contrast Test
Authors: Barbareza Rahim , Woodhouse Margaret , Oduwaiye Kola
Published: July 2002

We have developed a new contrast sensitivity (CS) test (similar in design to the Cardiff Acuity test) for use with children aged from 1‐3 years. It consists of a set of 42 multi‐orientational pictures all of one target size (car, boat, fish, house, train and duck) at 14 contrast levels (3 cards at each level).

Results from tests performed on 23 adults (aged from 15–44 years) gave contrast sensitivity measurements in agreement with measurements made using the Pelli‐Robson Letter Chart. We tested 138 visually normal children (between 12–66 months) monocularly and binocularly to establish norms. The results from the children indicate that CS increases up to approximately 2 years of age after which it attains adult values.

These results suggest that the Cardiff Contrast Test provides an effective measurement technique for the determination of contrast sensitivity in infants.
SCHWANN CELL APOPTOSIS IN TISSUE CULTURE FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRO‐INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES
Authors: Scarpini E. , Conti G. , Bava L. , Bussini S. , Baron P. , De Pol A. , Vaccina F. , Scarlato G.
Published: July 2002

In immune‐mediated demyelination of the nervous system, glial cell apoptosis has been observed recently; however, the relevance of the phenomenon and the characterization of the involved molecules are still controversial. Cytokines are secreted by many cells, including inflammatory and glial cells, and appear to play a relevant role in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) immuno‐mediated demyelination, being active in promoting the damage to Schwann cells, myelin, and axons. Even though the exact role of the different cytokines is at present uncertain, they have a sequential different expression in PNS immune‐mediated demyelination and could induce apoptotic death of Schwann cells in the vicinity of the inflammatory reaction via the expression of CD95 (Apo1/Fas). This study has been designed to detect in rat primary Schwann cell tissue cultures whether the administration of IL‐1B and IFN‐y can induce cell death. Identification of apoptotic Schwann cell was performed by morphological, immunohistochemical, and electron‐microscopy analysis. Our results show that Schwann cells stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1B and IFN‐y show morphological evidence of nuclear chromatin condesation at the DAPI staining and are TUNEL positive. The same features of apoptotic cell death were observed by electron microscopy. These findings provide evidence to support the hypothesis that cytokines can directly damage Schwann cells in disorders of the PNS.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION IN POST‐TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD DISEASE
Authors: Mariani E. , Attolini R. , Bava A. , Borghi C.M.
Published: July 2002

Aim of the Study: Amplify neurological balance in patients with recent vertebral spinal cord disease to establish the extension and gravity of damage on anterior horn cells, motor and sensory roots and the presence of entrapment neuropathies.

Materials and Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients (13 males and 1 female), mean age: 42.9 years (range 24–65), an interval of time from lesion>1 and < 3 months with cervical lesions in nine cases and lumbosacral lesions in five cases. Central and peripheral nervous system and/or systemic diseases preceding trauma were excluded. Besides neurological evaluations and vertebral NMR/CT, standard EMG were performed: motor (M) and sensory (S) nerve conductions (NC), F‐wave study, and extensive muscular needle study differentiated in relation to cervical or lumbosacral side of lesion.

Results: In cervical traumas 5 subjects showed complete medullar transversal lesion (C8‐T1 in 4 cases, C7 in 1 case) and 4 subjects incomplete lesion. EMG data: show amplitude CMAP in 5 subjects, MNC reduction in 4 patients, F‐Wave absence in 1 case. Normal SNC in 7 cases. No observed relation between gravity of clinical palsy and EMG alterations. At needle examination frequently presence of alterations often also over and under clinical level spinal cord lesion. In lumbar trauma we verified 3 cases with complete medullar palsy and 2 cases cauda equina syndrome as clinical aspects. EMG data: extreme MNC alterations in 2 of 3 cases with medullar palsy (normal in 1 case). In 2 cases with cauda equina syndrome we observed strict concordance between clinical and EMG aspects.

Conclusions: EMG can usefully propose as systematically associated investigation in patients with post‐traumatic spinal cord diseases in order to define the localization and the gravity of neurological lesion and the contribution of lower motor neuron lesion to clinical palsy.
Das Lymphödem in Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Werner G. T.
Published: July 2002

Die manuelle Lymphdrainage ist eine Sonderform der Massage, die bei Lymphabflussstörungen indiziert ist. Sie muss flankiert sein von Hautpflege, Kompressionsbehandlung, Bewegungstherapie und bestimmten Verhaltensmaßnahmen. Eine solche komplexe physikalische Entstauungstherapie (der Ausdruck wurde von Földi geprägt) versucht den anatomischen und physiologischen Gegebenheiten bei Lymphabflussstörungen gerecht zu werden. Eine diuretische Behandlung von Lymphödemen ist nicht indiziert; eine medikamentöse Therapie (z. B. mit Benzopyronen) hat sich nicht durchgesetzt. Wesentlichster Bestandteil der entstauenden physikalischen Maßnahmen ist die Kompression. Klassische Indikationen für entstauende physikalische Maßnahmen sind primäre und sekundäre Lymphödeme; unterstützend werden sie bei phlebolymphostatischen Ödemen sowie beim Lipödem eingesetzt. Kontraindikationen sind Ödeme anderer Genese (kardiale, renale Ödeme), frische Thrombosen sowie entzündliche Prozesse der Haut (Erysipel). Von den chirurgischen Behandlungsmethoden sind allein Rekonstruktionsverfahren (Replantation körpereigener Lymphgefäße) sinnvoll und haben sich bei bestimmten Indikationen bewährt.
The Impact of Sheep Grazing on Net Nitrogen Mineralization Rate in Two Temperate Salt Marshes
Authors: Kiehl K. , Esselink P. , Gettner S. , Bakker J. P.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Nitrogen mineralization rate was studied in grazing trials with three different stocking rates (0, 3, 10 sheep ha‐1) in two man‐made salt marshes, viz. a Puccinellia maritima‐dominated low salt marsh and a high salt marsh dominated by Festuca rubra. Mineralization rates were derived from the amounts of mineral N which accumulated in situ during six‐week incubation periods in tubes containing undisturbed soil cores from the upper 10 cm soil layer. The annual rates of net N mineralization were significantly higher in the better drained, high salt marsh (71 ‐ 81 kg ha‐1 yr‐1) than in the low salt marsh (39 ‐ 49 kg ha‐1 yr‐1). High amounts of belowground litter accumulated in the low salt marsh due to frequent water logging. Both N mineralization and nitrification rate were negatively correlated with soil water content. In the Puccinellia maritima salt marsh, grazing had neither an effect on N mineralization rates during any of the incubation periods nor on annual mineralization rates. In the Festuca rubra salt marsh, N mineralization rates increased earlier during spring at the intensively grazed site than at the moderately grazed and the ungrazed site. N mineralization and nitrification rates were significantly higher at the ungrazed site than at the intensively grazed site during the period of peak net N mineralization from the end of April until mid‐June. Although sheep grazing affected the seasonal pattern of N mineralization in the high marsh, grazing did not affect the annual rate of net N mineralization.
Picosecond spectra of gain-switched AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum well lasers
Authors: Ketterer K. , Böttcher E. H. , Bimberg D.
Published: July 2002

The temporal waveform of the single longitudinal modes emitted by gain-switched AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum well lasers is analyzed by means of a synchroscan streak camera system coupled to a spectrograph. It is found that only 50% of the number of the longitudinal modes contributing to the time-averaged spectrum are present during the first relaxation oscillation. The time-dependent shift of the envelope of the mode spectrum is quantitatively explained by a spectral shift of the gain maximum as a function of the time-varying charge carrier density. The results demonstrate that, for the analysis of transient multimode spectra of gain-switched injection lasers, inclusion of the energy dependence of the gain and gain compression is mandatory.
Modification of exciton emission energies in InGaAs/AlInAs quantum wells by rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Chi J. Y. , Koteles Emil S. , Holmstrom R. P.
Published: July 2002

A spatially selective technique for modifying exciton energies in quantum wells by employing rapid thermal annealing and silicon dioxide capping is demonstrated in the InGaAs/AlInAs material system. Exciton emission energies in these quantum wells are blue shifted by as much as 60 meV after a 15 s rapid thermal anneal above 800 °C. The dependence of the energy shift on well width and annealing temperature is studied by measuring low-temperature photoluminescence spectra of single quantum wells. In contrast to the GaAs/AlGaAs case, a silicon dioxide film deposited on the surface inhibits the energy shift suggesting that a different mechanism is operating in the present material system.
Simple ion milling preparation of 〈111〉 tungsten tips
Authors: Biegelsen D. K. , Ponce F. A. , Tramontana J. C.
Published: July 2002

Ion milling of single-crystal tungsten 〈111〉 wire results in a steady-state faceted tip which is sharp on a near-atomic scale. The self-limiting nature of the process makes preparation particularly simple and therefore useful for applications such as scanning tunneling microscope tips, focused ion beam sources, etc.
Lasing in a ZnS0.12Se0.88/ZnSe multilayer structure with photopumping
Authors: Suemune I. , Yamada K. , Masato H. , Kan Y. , Yamanishi M.
Published: July 2002

Photopumped lasing in a ZnS0.12Se0.88/ZnSe multilayer structure up to 180 K is reported for the first time. The films were grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on (001) GaAs. The purpose of using the multilayer structure is to prevent the diffusion of the photoexcited carriers to have population inversion sufficient for lasing. The possibility of lasing at the higher temperature is briefly discussed.
Time-dependent self-focusing and a 20 ps delay in laser ablation of polymers
Authors: Kim Hackjin , Postlewaite Jay C. , Zyung Taehyoung , Dlott Dana D.
Published: July 2002

Laser surface ablation of polymethylmethacrylate by ultrafast 0.532 μm pulses is studied using an imaging apparatus with 2 ps resolution. Coherent two-photon absorption rapidly heats the sample, inducing explosive thermal decomposition. Electron microscopy is used to characterize the damaged surface. Ultrafast imaging shows that surface damage is accompanied by the production of a transient optical filament. The intensity dependence shows that self-focusing results from an accumulative, rather than instantaneous, relaxation of the transient refractive index. At all intensities, there is a 20 ps delay before ablation commences.
Indium phosphide on gallium arsenide heteroepitaxy with interface layer grown by flow-rate modulation epitaxy
Authors: Chen W. K. , Chen J. F. , Chen J. C. , Kim H. M. , Anthony L. , Wie C. R. , Liu P. L.
Published: July 2002

We have grown and characterized heteroepitaxial films of InP on GaAs. We demonstrate that by using flow-rate modulation epitaxy to grow the interface layer in a two-step process, we can improve the quality of heteroepitaxy films. The full widths at half maximum of the x-ray rocking curve and the 10 K photoluminescence spectrum for a 6.2-μm-thick InP/GaAs are 144 arcsec and 1.28 meV, respectively.
Calibration of scanning tunneling microscope transducers using optical beam deflection
Authors: Wetsel G. C. , McBride S. E. , Warmack R. J. , Van de Sande B.
Published: July 2002

An accurate, sensitive, easily implemented method of calibration of the elastic displacement of piezoelectric transducers used in scanning tunneling microscopes has been developed. The axial displacement for both static and harmonic excitation has been measured using laser beam deflection amplified by an optical magnification system. For harmonic excitation where lock-in amplifier detection can be utilized, displacements as small as 0.03 Å have been measured. Measurements on PZT-5H and PZT-8 transducers over a range of five orders of magnitude in applied voltage demonstrate the power of the method in calibration of displacements from the subangstrom to the nonlinear region with an uncertainty of about 4%.
Lattice defects and flux pinning in crystallized metal-oxide glasses in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system
Authors: Shi Donglu , Chen J. G. , Welp U. , Boley Mark S. , Zangvil A.
Published: July 2002

Large amounts of lattice defects have been observed in the crystallized metal-oxide glasses in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system prepared by the rapid solidification method. The density of such defects has been found to greatly increase as the calcium and copper content of the starting material increases. These lattice defects are formed as a result of supersaturation of calcium and copper in the sample matrix. The intragrain critical current density has been found to increase 30 times in magnitude as the density of the lattice defects is increased in the sample matrix. The corresponding flux pinning mechanisms are discussed.
New emission spectra from oxygen
Authors: Yoshida S. , Tokuda T. , Shimizu K.
Published: July 2002

New emission spectra have been observed from chemically produced excited oxygen. Evidence that the observed visible emission is due to oxygen dimer transitions is presented. Experimental results suggest that the observed oxygen dimer is stable O4 molecule rather than the usually observed Van der Waals-type dimolecular complex. The present system is discussed from the viewpoint of a new laser operating in the visible. The possibility of a similar oxygen-dimer laser operating in the near infrared is also discussed.
Subgap absorption spectra of ion-implanted Si and GaAs layers
Authors: Luciani L. , Marinelli M. , Zammit U. , Pizzoferrato R. , Scudieri F. , Martellucci S.
Published: July 2002

The subgap absorption spectra of ion-implanted Si and GaAs layers are reported and the influence of increasing ion implantation dose is shown. The absorption spectra are shown to depend strongly on the implantation dose in the whole investigated spectrum before the layer amorphization dose is reached. Smaller changes are induced and only in a limited spectral region with further dose increases.
New x-ray source for lithography
Authors: Sprangle P. , Hafizi B. , Mako F.
Published: July 2002

We propose the use of electromagnetic waves as an undulator in order to generate x rays in the wavelength range required for fabrication of integrated circuits. The configuration consists of a quasi-optical maser cavity through which a beam of relativistic electrons is made to propagate, spontaneously emitting x rays of the desired energy. The scaling of the x-ray power with wavelength indicates that the throughput can be increased by using resists which are sensitive to shorter wavelength x rays.
Design analysis of a high T
c superconducting microbolometer
Authors: Hu Qing , Richards P. L.
Published: July 2002

We propose an antenna-coupled microbolometer based on the resistive transition of a high Tc superconducting film as a detector for far infrared and millimeter waves. Such microbolometers can be mechanically stronger, more easily fabricated, and much faster than conventional bolometric infrared detectors. A design analysis shows that a noise equivalent power of 2.5×10−12 W Hz−1/2 is achievable for modulation frequencies up to 10 kHz. The superconducting film must be of high quality with narrow resistive transition and low 1/f  noise.
Origin of inverted-in-sense and constricted near-surface hysteresis loops of magnetic plates
Authors: Tejedor M. , Rubio H. , Fernández A.
Published: July 2002

New types of magnetic hysteresis loops, inverted-in-sense and crossed, have been observed in some directions of the surface of METGLAS 2605SC circular plates (Allied Chemical Corp.) The origin of these kinds of loops and other constricted ones observed in the surface of magnetic plates is explained. They appear because the internal field that acts on surface and inside the sample is mainly determined by the bulk properties of the sample. The validity of this interpretation is tested with additional measurements in METGLAS 2605SC.
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of 3-methyl-4-methoxy-4′-nitrostilbene single crystals
Authors: Bierlein J. D. , Cheng L. K. , Wang Y. , Tam W.
Published: July 2002

Single crystals of the new nonlinear optical material 3-methyl-4-methoxy-4′-nitrostilbene (MMONS) have been grown by a seeded solution growth technique and the linear and nonlinear optic and electro-optic properties determined. MMONS is highly birefringent with nz−nx =0.75 (0.532 μm), has large nonlinear optical coefficients with d33=184 pm/V and d24=71 pm/V (1.064 μm), has large electro-optic coefficients with r33=39.9 pm/V (0.6328 μm), and can be efficiently type II phase matched for Nd lasers emitting ∼1 μm.
Third-order nonlinear optical properties of retinal derivatives
Authors: Sakai T. , Kawabe Y. , Ikeda H. , Kawasaki K.
Published: July 2002

Retinal derivatives were synthesized and their third-order nonlinear optical properties were measured by degenerate four-wave mixing with temporally incoherent nanosecond laser pulses. Fast optical nonlinearities, whose response time was shorter than 30 ps, were observed. The magnitudes of resonant third-order hyperpolarizability were found to be 10−31∼10−29 esu. The large optical nonlinearities were of electronic origin.
Cl2 and HCl radical beam etching of GaAs and InP
Authors: Lishan David G. , Hu Evelyn L.
Published: July 2002

Both the thermally activated and remote plasma activated etching reactions between Cl2 and HCl gases and GaAs and InP substrates are characterized. Though GaAs etches nearly three times faster in Cl2 with a remote plasma operating, the etch rate versus temperature behavior is similar to the plasma-off case. Significant etch rates of GaAs are observed for HCl remotely generated plasma even at room temperature (∼1500 Å/min). InP etching in HCl or Cl2 shows a weak temperature dependence for T>150 °C but changes rapidly below this temperature (EA∼55±15 kcal/mole).
Emission of electrons on switching of the Gd2(MoO4)3 ferroelectric-ferroelastic in electric field
Authors: Rosenman G. I. , Letuchev V. V. , Chepelev Yu. L. , Malyshkina O. V. , Shur V. Ya. , Kuminov V. P.
Published: July 2002

We have revealed an electron emission on the switching of extrinsic gadolinium molybdate ferroelectric-ferroelastic in electric field. Visualization of the electron flow allows directly watching of the domain structure dynamics: formation and growth of tapered domains and lateral movement of the 180° domain wall. We have found that the electron emission contributes substantially to the screening processes in the case of a crystal with free surface.
Spatially resolved ion velocity distributions in a diverging field electron cyclotron resonance plasma reactor
Authors: Trevor Dennis J. , Sadeghi Nader , Nakano Toshiki , Derouard Jacques , Gottscho Richard A. , Foo Pang Dow , Cook Joel M.
Published: July 2002

Electron cyclotron resonance plasma sources are gaining widespread use in plasma processing because they offer high ion flux with controllable energy and thereby high etching and deposition rates with minimal damage. However, it is unclear how ion energy distributions evolve from source to wafer as a function of plasma parameters such as pressure, microwave power, and magnetic field strength. Therefore, we used Doppler broadened and shifted laser-induced fluorescent line profiles to measure Ar+ metastable ion velocity distributions downstream from a divergent magnetic field electron cyclotron resonance source. Spatially resolved distributions, measured at positions above and across a wafer platen, differ markedly from shifted Maxwell–Boltzmann functions. Ions are accelerated along the magnetic field direction by a weak (∼0.5 V/cm), ambipolar electrostatic field. The ion energy component perpendicular to the electric field corresponds to a temperature of only 0.46±0.10 eV. On the edges of the platen, the magnetic and electrostatic fields diverge causing angled acceleration of ions.
Continuous-wave trio upconversion laser
Authors: Xie Ping , Rand Stephen C.
Published: July 2002

We report operation of what we believe is the first continuous-wave laser which relies exclusively on cooperative upconversion by coupled ion trios to achieve population inversion.
Temperature dependence of minority hole mobility in heavily doped silicon
Authors: Wang Chih Hsin , Misiakos Konstantinos , Neugroschel Arnost
Published: July 2002

Temperature dependence of the minority hole mobility μp(ND,T) in heavily doped n+ silicon in the doping range from 1018 to 2.4×1019 cm−3 was investigated. The preliminary measurements show that the mobility is strongly temperature dependent. For temperatures below 200 K the minority-carrier hole mobility increases with increasing doping, in contrast to the opposite dependence for the majority hole mobility in p+ silicon. Analytical fits to the measured data useful for low-temperature modeling for bipolar devices are given.
33 ps optical switching of symmetric self-electro-optic effect devices
Authors: Boyd G. D. , Fox A. M. , Miller D. A. B. , Chirovsky L. M. F. , D’Asaro L. A. , Kuo J. M. , Kopf R. F. , Lentine A. L.
Published: July 2002

We report significant improvement in the optical switching times of symmetric self-electro-optic effect devices due to enhanced tunneling by using a 35 Å barrier versus the previous 60 Å barrier thick multiple quantum well GaAs/AlxGa(1−x)As devices. Also, the voltage required for bistability was reduced from 10 V in the thick barrier devices to 3 V in the thin barrier devices with no apparent degradation in the contrast ratio.
Copper silicide formation by rapid thermal processing and induced room-temperature Si oxide growth
Authors: Setton M. , Van der Spiegel J. , Rothman B.
Published: July 2002

The growth of copper silicide has been studied by rapid thermal processing (RTP) of 500 Å of Cu on Si substrates. Interaction between the diffusing metal and Si starts at 250–300 °C. Annealing at higher temperatures yields complete silicidation to Cu3Si. This leads to strong modifications of the Auger line shapes of both Si and Cu. A plasmon peak located 20 eV below the main peak is the fingerprint in the Cu spectrum. Strong features at 80, 85.6, 89.2, and 93.2 eV as well as a 1 eV shift of the 90.4 eV peak appear in the Si L2,3VV spectrum. Whether for Cu films annealed in nitrogen or in vacuum, exposure of the silicide to air results in the growth of silicon oxide at room temperature and continues until the silicide layer is totally converted. This repeatable and controllable oxidation of silicon is accompanied by changes in resistivity and color reflecting the extent of the process. For Cu/CoSi2/Si structures, the cobalt silicide acts as a transport medium for the growth of the copper silicide and also serves as a cap preventing the oxidation of the final CoSi2/Cu3Si/Si contacts