bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Development of a Poultry Litter Raking Machine for Small Farms
Authors: Sunil V. G. , Sooraj V. , Suresh K. S. Swathy , Benny Asish
Published: December 2022

Poultry industries are one of the profitable agro-industries that can effectively tackle the growth of the economic sector. One of the more promising sources of biomass is poultry manure, which has the potential to be utilised as a green substitute for fossil fuels as well as a natural fertiliser and fuel for the production of biogas. The present paper discusses the developmental process of a new machine for poultry farms. The new machine can be used to rake the poultry litter on the floor bed of poultry farms at periodic intervals with ease of use and minimum disturbance to birds. The device or machine or arrangement, or apparatus can be used on poultry farms of all sizes under all seasons by people of all age groups. The paper also represents the steps followed in the identification of the need for the machine to the final level of commercialisation of the innovation. Experimentation has been carried out to compare the raking process both manually and using a litter raking machine.
Viewpoints of Students towards Cyber Counselling
Authors: Asamoah-Gyawu Joseph , Amoako Mathew , Yeboah Grace , Ntoaduro Afua , Dadebo Augustina Atkinson , Attila Frank Lamadoku
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The use of technology has altered the appearance and operations of numerous professions, including that of the counsellor. However, cyber counselling, a recent form of counselling, is a relatively recent phenomenon in Ghana. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the perspectives of students at the University of Cape Coast on the use cyber counselling.

Methods: Using a sample of 600 undergraduates from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, a descriptive survey was conducted. The male to female ratio was 3:2. A questionnaire with a four-point Likert scale was utilised to collect the data. Means and standard deviations provided answers to the two study research questions that guided the survey. In addition, the two hypotheses were analysed using independent samples t-test.

Results: The survey discovered that respondents had either positive and negative viewpoints or opinions regarding the use of cyber counselling. In addition, both males and females showed affinity to cyber counselling. However, males were somewhat more hostile towards cyber counselling than females.

Recommendations: It was suggested that counsellors should increase their use of cyber therapy in their work with adolescents, as they have learned the skills and knowledge to utilise the internet and are comfortable with cyber counselling or e-counselling.
Association between Iron & Other Trace Elements Deficiency and Febrile Seizure in Children
Authors: Dash Gargy , Sachan Deepak , Tiotia Rahul , Singh Dhirendra Pratap
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure in children occurring in 2-5 % of them with a peak incidence in 16-18 months. Various factors have been described in the pathophysiology of febrile seizures like susceptibility of the immature brain to temperature, an association between interleukins, circulating toxins, and trace elements deficiency.

Aim: To study the association between serum levels of trace elements (Iron, zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium) in children with febrile seizures.

Study Design: An observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics of PGIMER, Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi between November 2016 and March 2018.

Methodology:  This study was conducted at a tertiary care centre and enrolled 75 children of which 55 were febrile seizures and 20 patients were controls. The serum specimen was collected with all aseptic techniques, and all due precautions were taken for the blood sample to protect them from sunlight exposure, haemolysis and contamination. Then samples were centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes and were stored at -20 c until the final assay. Serum Iron, Zinc, Copper and Magnesium levels were measured using a fully automated chemistry analyser (AU400). Data was entered in MS Excel spreadsheets and analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21.0. 

Results: Children with febrile seizures (cases) were found to have significant iron deficiency (higher TIBC, higher UIBC and lower Ferritin) than the controls (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium, and ionized calcium in the two groups. There was no difference in serum levels of trace elements in cases with simple or complex febrile seizure.

Conclusion: Children with febrile seizures showed significant iron deficiency (higher TIBC, higher UIBC and lower Ferritin) in cases than those with controls. But, there was no significant association between other serum trace elements (zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium) and febrile seizure. However, further large multi-centric trials are required to suggest any association between them.
Is Portable Cardiopulmonary Ultrasound the Future of Heart Failure Diagnosis?
Authors: Meriem EL Mousaid , Amine Errami , Abdessamad Couissi , Meryem Haboub , Rachida Habbal
Published: December 2022

Aim of the Study: Heart failure is a major problem of public health in Morroco , pulmonary congestion is a key sign which can be easly detected by pulmonary sonography via interlobular septal thickening.

The aim of this study was to establish a link Between kerley B lines in the lung and signs of pulmonary congestion. In addition to assess the evolution of these parameters in response to diuretic treatment.

Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluate 118 patients who presented to the emergency of IBN Rochd Hospital in Casablanca with sensation of breathlessness at baseline, 7 days, one month and 3 months for kerley B lines, NYHA Class of dyspnea and the levels of NT pro bnp. the duration of this study was 4 months.

Results: Kerley B lines were present in 87.4% of patients initially, 67.6% had elevated levels of NT-probnp and 53%,30%,16% had dyspnea Class II, III and IV respectively. Diuretic treatment have shown a similar improvement of kerley B lines, levels of NT pro bnp and the class of dyspnea . In deed after a follow up of 3 month : only 7 % of patients had persistant kerley b lines, NT pro bnp levels were high in only 7.6% these findings were concordant with the clinical symptomatolgy. Hence only 7% of our patients suffered from dyspnea at moderate efforts at the end of the study.

Conclusion: We demonstrated in this study a positive correlation between kerley b lines and levels of NT pro-bnp. These findings may facilitate the orientation of patients within the emergency department and help to initiate heart failure treatment rapidely.
Fertility Status of Rice Growing Soils of Gadchiroli Tehsil of Maharashtra, India in Relation to Available Macronutrients and Soil Chemical Properties
Authors: Das Brishmrita Mahanta , Raut Maya , Badge Shalini , Mareddy Nirmitha , Bhoyar Kajal
Published: December 2022

The present study was undertaken to assess the status of available macronutrients, viz., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) in relation to soil chemical properties for delineating the fertility status of rice growing soils of Gadchiroli tehsil, Maharashtra. For this, fifteen villages were selected and soil samples were collected from the rice growing fields (0-20 cm depth) after the harvest of crop during the year 2020-21. The soils were found to be slightly acidic to neutral in reaction (pH 5.64 to 6.97), non-saline (EC 0.02 to 0.18 dS m-1) and non-calcareous (CaCO3 0.05 to 1.15 %), with low contents of soil organic carbon (2.1 to 5.4 g kg-1). The available N and S were also low, with ranges varying from 87.81 to 269.70 kg ha-1 for available N and 5.48 to 15.34 mg kg-1 for available S. The available P2O5 content was moderate in the soils, ranging from 23.17 to 41.98 kg ha-1. The available K2O content, however, was found to be very diversified ranging from 123.54 to 465.71 kg ha-1. Correlation studies revealed a highly significant positive correlation between the macronutrients and the soil OC and EC. While, pH and free calcium carbonate showed a negative correlation with the macronutrients, except for potassium, which showed a positive and significant correlation with pH of the soil.
Physico-chemical Properties of Cotton Growing Soils in Uppununthala Mandal, Nagarkurnool District, Telangana, India
Authors: Mareddy Nirmitha , Kuchanwar Ommala D. , Mairan Nishigandha R. , Das Brishmrita M. , Gund Hrushikesh B. , Kausadikar Padmaja H.
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is the evaluation of soil fertility in the Uppununthala mandal of the Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. In total, fifty surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were analysed for various soil fertility parameters, viz., pH, EC, organic carbon, available N, P, K, S by standard procedures. The results revealed that, the pH of the soils of the study area were neutral to slightly alkaline (7.14 - 8.30) in nature. The electrical conductivity (0.14 to 0.55 dS m-1) was within safe limits. Organic carbon ranged from low to medium (1.9 - 7.9 g kg-1) in the soils. The data on nutrient status showed that, the available nitrogen (125.44 - 291.64 kg ha-1) was low, while available phosphorus (9.7 - 26.2 kg ha-1) was low to medium and potassium (123.20 - 360.64 kg ha-1) were medium in range. The available sulphur content ranged in medium level (10.56 to 20.62 mg kg-1).
Histopathological and Haematological Changes Observed in Adult Wistar Rats Administered with Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) Aqueous Leaf Extract
Authors: Solomon Benard A. , Akinbo Frederick O.
Published: December 2022

This research work was carried out to investigate the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Momordica charantia on some hematological parameters and ovaries of adult Wistar rats.  Twenty five adult Wistar rats were grouped in to five  (Control and A,B,C,D) and fed with saline, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of  aqueous leaf extract of the plant respectively for 30 days.  Blood was collected for packed cell volume, PCV, white blood cell count, WBC, red blood cell count, RBC and platelet count while ovaries were harvested for histopathological studies. This study was carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Universityy of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria between October and December 2020. The results of the work showed that there was significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count (RBC) compared with the control (p<0.05) while dilation of blood vessels and thickening of tunica media of arteries were observed in ovaries of the rats. It was concluded that aqueous leaf extract of Momordica charantia has haematological and histomorphological effects on adult Wistar rats which could lead to anaemia and likely infertility.
Cloning and expression of human neutrophil lipocalin cDNA derived from bone marrow and ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Bartsch Stefan , Tschesche Harald
Published: July 2002

Human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) cDNA was amplified by PCR technology in combination with deoxyinosine containing oligonucleotides for cloning, sequencing and production of the recombinant protein in E. coli. The primers were targeted to the corresponding DNA backtranslate of the mature protein resulting in a PCR amplified 534 bp cDNA from different reverse transcripts of ovarian cancer cell line and bone marrow cell mRNAs. Sequence analysis revealed that two different cDNAs from ovarian cancer and bone marrow cells could be obtained. Cloning and expression of HNL cDNAs were performed in E. coli strain HMS 174 [DE3] using the pET system yielding in two recombinant proteins with a molecular weight of 21 kDa which is consistent with an 178 amino acid residues containing sequence of the mature HNL protein. N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the expression products showed an identical polypeptide sequence missing the E. coli processed starting methionine.
High expression of a novel carnitine palmitoyltransferase I like protein in rat brown adipose tissue and heart: isolation and characterization of its cDNA clone
Authors: Yamazaki Naoshi , Shinohara Yasuo , Shima Atsushi , Terada Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

To characterize energy metabolism in rat brown adipose tissue (BAT), we carried out differential screening of a cDNA library of BAT with a cDNA probe of white adipose tissue (WAT) and isolated one cDNA clone. It contained a single open reading frame of 2,316 bases which encodes a protein of 88.2 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence showed the highest homology (62.6%) with that of rat carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI). The transcript corresponding to this cDNA was found to be abundantly expressed in BAT and heart. Therefore, the isolated clone is concluded to encode a CPTI like protein expressed in BAT and heart.
Mono‐, di‐ and trimeric binding of a bis‐netropsin to DNA
Authors: Zasedatelev A.S. , Borodulin V.B. , Grokhovsky S.L. , Nikitin A.M. , Salmanova D.V. , Zhuze A.L. , Gursky G.V. , Shafer R.H.
Published: July 2002

An unusual 3:1 stoichiometry for complex formation between an elongated bis‐netropsin compound and its binding site on DNA has been observed. Circular dichroism measurements distinguish two types of complexes formed between this bisnetropsin and poly[d(A‐T)] · poly[d(A‐T)]. The first type is characterized by a 1:1 saturating ratio of bound molecules per ten base pairs. Formation of the second type results from the cooperative binding of two additional bis‐netropsin molecules to the first type of complex. In contrast to these results observed for binding to the alternating polynucleotide, only the 1:1 type of complex is formed when this ligand binds to the homopolymer poly(dA) · poly(dT).
Increased intracellular calcium is required for neurite outgrowth induced by a synthetic peptide ligand of NCAM
Authors: Rønn Lars C.B. , Dissing Steen , Holm Arne , Berezin Vladimir , Bock Elisabeth
Published: July 2002

We have recently identified a synthetic peptide, termed C3, capable of binding the first immunoglobulin‐like module of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) by means of combinatorial chemistry and shown that this NCAM ligand promotes neurite outgrowth. By means of single cell calcium imaging using the calcium‐sensitive probe fura‐2‐acetomethyl ester, we here show that the C3‐peptide induced an increase in intracellular calcium in primary hippocampal neurons and PC12‐E2 cells, presumably requiring mobilization of calcium from both extracellular and intracellular stores. We further observed that C3‐induced neurite outgrowth was inhibited by antagonists of voltage‐dependent calcium channels as well as by an inhibitor of intracellular calcium mobilization, TMB‐8. These findings demonstrate at the single cell level that a synthetic NCAM ligand directly can induce an increase in intracellular calcium and suggest that NCAM‐dependent neurite outgrowth requires calcium mobilization from both extracellular and intracellular calcium stores. Thus, the C3‐peptide may be regarded as a useful tool for the study of NCAM‐dependent signal transduction. Furthermore, the peptide may be of considerable therapeutical interest for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Structural and Functional Stabilization of L‐Asparaginase via Multisubunit Immobilization onto Highly Activated Supports
Authors: Balcão Victor M. , Mateo Cesar , Fernández‐Lafuente R. , Malcata F. Xavier , Guisán José M.
Published: July 2002

A new protocol for the stabilization of the quaternary structure of multimeric enzymes has been attempted using as model enzyme (tetrameric) L‐asparaginase from Escherichia coli. Such strategy is based upon multisubunit covalent immobilization of the enzyme onto activated supports (agarose‐glutaraldehyde). Supports activated with different densities of reactive groups were used; the higher the density of groups, the higher the stabilization attained. However, because of the complexity of that enzyme, even the use of the highest densities of reactive groups was not enough to encompass all four subunits in the immobilization process. Therefore, a further chemical intersubunit cross‐linking with aldehyde‐dextran was pursued; these derivatives displayed a fully stabilized multimeric structure. In fact, boiling the modified enzyme derivative in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and β‐mercaptoethanol did not lead to release of any enzyme subunit into the medium. Such a derivative, prepared under optimal conditions, retained ca. 40% of the intrinsic activity of the free enzyme and was also functionally stabilized, with thermostabilization enhancements of ca. 3 orders of magnitude when compared with its soluble counterpart. This type of derivative may be appropriate for extracorporeal devices in the clinical treatment of acute leukemia and might thus bring about inherent advantages in that all subunits are covalently bound to the support, with a longer half‐life and a virtually nil risk of subunit release into the circulating blood stream.
Purification of κ‐Casien Glycomacropeptide from Sweet Whey with Undetectable Level of Phenylalanine
Authors: Nakano Takuo , R. Silva‐Hernandez Eryck , Ikawa Noriaki , Ozimek Lech
Published: July 2002

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) found in sweet whey is a biologically active compound released from κ‐casein by the action of chymosin during cheese making. This study was undertaken to purify GMP from sweet whey as a research chemical on a laboratory scale. Glycomacropeptide was isolated from proteins and other non‐GMP compounds by deproteinization with trichloroacetic acid and gel chromatography on Sephacryl S‐200. The purified GMP accounted for 0.12% of dry sweet whey powder and contained 107.0, 50.9, 61.2 and 4.3 μg, respectively, of sialic acid, galactose, galactosamine and phosphorus per mg dry weight. The GMP was of high purity, with its amino acid composition showing undetectable levels of phenylalanine, tyrosine and arginine, the amino acids that do not occur in bovine GMP. On gel electrophoresis, the GMP showed a single broad band with an average mobility faster than that of carbonic anhydrase (molecular weight = 31 kDa). The purified GMP may be used as a standard glycopeptide in chromatography and electrophoresis and may also be used to test various known or unknown properties and biological activities of this compound.
Low‐Cost Serum‐Free Medium for the BTI‐Tn5B1–4 Insect Cell Line
Authors: Donaldson Michael S. , Shuler Michael L.
Published: July 2002

The BTI‐Tn5B1–4 insect cell line, commercially available as the High Five cell line (Invitrogen), supports higher levels of recombinant protein production compared to existing insect cell lines. Proprietary serum‐free media such as ExCell 405 (JRH Biosciences), Express Five (Life Technologies), IS BAC (Irvine Scientific), and CCM3 (HyClone) are available which were developed specifically for a suspension culture of High Five cells. While these media are highly optimized, a lower cost alternative is desirable for large‐scale protein production which is also serum‐free and supports good cell growth (>5 × 106 cells/mL) and recombinant protein production (>50 mg/L of secreted protein). The amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism of the Tn5B1–4 cells was first examined. It was found that asparagine was nearly depleted during batch growth in Ex‐Cell 405, without limitations in glutamine, other amino acids, or glucose. Alanine also accumulated to about 35 mM during growth. We then extended the formulation techniques for medium development used for Spodoptera cell lines to the Tn5B1–4 cell line. A medium based on IPL‐41 basal medium, Hy‐Soy protein hydrolysate (Quest, International), yeastolate ultrafiltrate, a lipid−sterol emulsion, and Pluronic F‐68 was developed. Dextran sulfate (100 μg/mL) was used to induce a single cell suspension culture. This medium is denoted as ISYL and performs best when supplemented with a 2.5% lipid−Pluronic F‐68 mixture. Supplementation with additional aspargine in a 1.5% lipid−Pluronic F‐68 mixture did not improve growth, suggesting that a lipid was growth‐limiting and not an amino acid. Ex‐Cell 405 and ISYL with 2.5% lipid−Pluronic F‐68 supplement supported virtually identical growth rates, extent of growth (ca. 6.0 × 106 cells/mL) in an 80% oxygen atmosphere, and supported production of SEAP (secreted human alkaline phosphatase) at a volumetric level of about 65−70 mg/L. Thus, the less expensive ISYL medium can deliver acceptable performance and may be suitable for large‐scale insect cell cultures.
The clinical relevance of epithelial dysplasia in the surgical margins of tongue and floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma: an analysis of 37 patients
Authors: Weijers M. , Snow G. B. , Bezemer P. D. , Van Der Wal J. E. , Van Der Waal I.
Published: July 2002

Background:  The clinical relevance of the presence of epithelial dysplasia in the margins of surgically removed oral squamous cell carcinoma is still unclear.

Method:  In a retrospective study, the presence of mild or moderate epithelial dysplasia in the surgical margins of tongue and floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma was examined histologically. Patients with tumor cells within 0.5 cm of the surgical margins were excluded. Also patients with severe dysplasia were excluded, as this is usually regarded as carcinoma in situ. Patients that received postoperative irradiation were also excluded. Only patients who completed a follow‐up period of five years were included. All together, a total number of 37 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Results:  Epithelial dysplasia was observed in 7 out of the 37 patients. Five of these patients, and two of the 30 patients with no dysplasia, had a local recurrence (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  The presence of mild or moderate epithelial dysplasia in the margins of surgically removed oral squamous cell carcinoma carries a significant risk for the development of local recurrence. However, it should be noted that this study was of a retrospective nature and that the group of patients with epithelial dysplasia in the surgical margins was rather small. On the other hand, the inclusion criteria were somewhat strict, by limiting the oral subsite to tongue/floor of mouth, by excluding patients in whom tumors cell were found within 0.5 cm of the surgical margins and by excluding patients who received postoperative radiotherapy, amongst others.
The structure of the carbohydrate backbone of the lipopolysaccharide from Acinetobacter baumannii strain ATCC 19606
Authors: Vinogradov Evgeny V. , Duus Jens Ø. , Brade Helmut , Holst Otto
Published: July 2002

The chemical structure of the phosphorylated carbohydrate backbone of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Acinetobacter baumannii strain ATCC 19606 was investigated by chemical analysis and NMR spectroscopy of oligosaccharides obtained after deacylation or mild acid hydrolysis. From the combined information the following carbohydrate backbones can be deduced:

where R1= H and R2 = α‐Glcp‐(1→2)‐β‐Glcp‐(1→4)‐β‐Glcp‐(1→4)‐β‐Glcp‐(1 as major and R1 = Ac and R2= H as minor products.

All␣monosaccharides are d‐configured. Also, smaller oligosaccharide phosphates were identified that are thought to represent degradation products of the above structures.
Mediterranean landscape changes: evidence from old postcards
Authors: Debussche Max , Lepart Jacques , Dervieux Alain
Published: July 2002

Recent, rapid and often underestimated landscape changes have occurred over large areas in Mediterranean Europe. They are the result of major rural depopulation. Old photographs of landscapes taken at the beginning of the twentieth century (i.e. old postcards) and present‐day photographs taken at the same places were compared in a 2500‐km2 area of southern France. Vegetation changes were analysed using transition matrices. During the 80‐year study period, land uses and vegetation changed dramatically. Woodland cover and tree height increased; but in contrast, the extent of cropped lands and rangelands decreased. Forest spread was heterogeneous, depending on initial composition of the vegetation, and locally dominant ecological and socio‐economic conditions. Our data show that a Mediterranean forest can re‐establish under humid climatic conditions and spread within a century, despite severe prior exploitation over several decades. These dramatic changes are liable to have biological and ecological consequences (e.g. spread of woodland species, threat against open habitat species, fire regime modification, deterioration in water resources), some of them being already perceptible.
Description and measurement of handicap caused by vision impairment
Authors: Keeffe J E , McCarty C A , Hassell J B , Gilbert A G
Published: July 2002

To develop an instrument to describe and quantify handicap caused by vision impairment an item pool was derived from focus groups and from a review of vision‐related quality‐of‐life questionnaires. Only items related to handicap were included and grouped into five subscales. The 76‐item ‘Impact of Vision Impairment’ was administered to 95 people who were vision impaired. Content validity was established by consultation with professionals and with people with impaired vision. Forty‐six items remained after the elimination of those found to be irrelevant and others with inter‐item correlation coefficients of ≥ 0.7. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed an association between visual acuity and type and degree of handicap on subscales, except emotional reaction to vision loss, which is related to cause of vision impairment. The instrument is responsive to the level of vision loss and discriminates the different performances of people with different causes of vision loss.
Intralesional granulocyte‐monocyte colony‐stimulating factor followed by subcutaneous interleukin‐2 in metastatic melanoma: a pilot study in elderly patients
Authors: Ridolfi L , Ridolfi R , Ascari‐Raccagni A , Fabbri M , Casadei S , Gatti A , Trevisan G , Righini MG
Published: July 2002

Aim and background

Recent data in the literature indicate that antigen‐presenting cells (APC) are inactive in tumour tissue because of local immunosuppression. Tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) signal activation transducing mechanisms are also seriously impaired. Administration of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) may lead to APC recovery and interleukin (IL)‐2 may restore local TIL activation. Moreover, IL‐2 increases the systemic lymphocyte population, an event that seems to correlate with a better prognosis.

Study design

The present phase I–II study was carried out to examine whether intralesional injection of GM‐CSF followed by subcutaneous IL‐2 would induce a clinical response in advanced, pretreated elderly melanoma patients.

Methods

Sixteen patients over 60 years of age received intralesional GM‐CSF (150 ng per lesion on day 1), generally divided between the two largest cutaneous lesions, followed by perilesional subcutaneous IL‐2 (3 000 000 IU) for 5 days (days 3–7 inclusive) every 3 weeks.

Results

Four clinical responses [two partial (PR) and two minimal (MR)] (25%), which also involved lesions that had not been directly treated, and nine cases of stable disease were observed. The response duration for PR and MR was 9, 4, 4 and 2.5+ months, respectively. Stable disease (56%) recorded in the nine patients was short‐term (3–6 months). Three patients rapidly progressed after two, two and one therapy cycles, respectively. The patient who reached the best PR had a fairly high absolute lymphocyte count (1600–2400/mm3). The second one, who reached complete remission after subsequent locoregional chemotherapy and hyperthermia, however, had a low absolute lymphocyte count that had doubled by the end of treatment. Blood lymphocyte values in the other patients were too varied to allow any correlation with clinical response. Therapy was well tolerated and only mild fever was observed, with the exception of one patient who had grade 3 fever, with muscle pain and arthralgia.

Conclusions

Considering the very low toxicity observed, this treatment might be indicated in elderly patients for whom systemic therapy is no longer a viable option. Improved scheduling and timing could result from further studies.
Risk Factors for Hospitalized Gastrointestinal Bleeding Among Older Persons
Authors: Kaplan Robert C. , Heckbert Susan R. , Koepsell Thomas D. , Furberg Curt D. , Polak Joseph F. , Schoen Robert E. , Psaty Bruce M. , For The Cardiovascular Health Study Investigators
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES: We sought to estimate the incidence of hospitalization for upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding among older persons and to identify independent risk factors.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: The Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS).

PARTICIPANTS: 5888 noninstitutionalized men and women age 65 years or older in four U.S. communities enrolled in the CHS.

MEASUREMENTS: Gastrointestinal bleeding events during the period 1989 through 1998 were identified using hospital discharge diagnosis codes and confirmed by medical records review. Risk‐factor information was collected in a standardized fashion at study baseline and annually during follow‐up.

RESULTS: Among CHS participants (mean baseline age 73.3 years, 42% male), the incidence of hospitalized gastrointestinal bleeding was 6.8/1000 person‐years. In multivariate analyses, advanced age, male sex, unmarried status, cardiovascular disease, difficulty with daily activities, use of multiple medications, and use of oral anticoagulants were independent risk factors. Compared with nonsmokers, subjects who smoked more than half a pack per day had a multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22–3.75) for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and a multivariate‐adjusted HR of 0.21 (95% CI = 0.03–1.54) for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Aspirin users did not have an elevated risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.52–1.11), and users of other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs had a HR of 1.54 (95 % CI = 0.99–2.36). Low ankle‐arm systolic blood pressure index was associated with higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding among subjects with clinical cardiovascular disease but not among those without clinical cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, such as disability, that may be amenable to modification. The findings will help clinicians to identify older persons who are at high risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.
New negative differential resistance device based on resonant interband tunneling
Authors: Söderström J. R. , Chow D. H. , McGill T. C.
Published: July 2002

We propose and demonstrate a novel negative differential resistance device based on resonant interband tunneling. Electrons in the InAs/AlSb/GaSb/AlSb/InAs structure tunnel from the InAs conduction band into a quantized state in the GaSb valence band, giving rise to a peak in the current-voltage characteristic. This heterostructure design virtually eliminates many of the competing transport mechanisms which limit the performance of conventional double-barrier structures. Peak-to-valley current ratios as high as 20 and 88 are observed at room temperature and liquid-nitrogen temperature, respectively. These are the highest values reported for any tunnel structure.
Reduction of metal oxides by mechanical alloying
Authors: Schaffer G. B. , McCormick P. G.
Published: July 2002

The chemical reduction of metal oxides by mechanical alloying with a strong reducing element has been investigated. Using x-ray diffraction to follow the reaction it was found that the mechanical alloying of CuO and Ca using toluene as a processing lubricant resulted in the formation of Cu. The mechanical alloying of CuO and ZnO together with Ca resulted in the formation of β′ brass.
Integration of 1.3 μm wavelength lasers and optical amplifiers
Authors: Koren U. , Miller B. I. , Raybon G. , Oron M. , Young M. G. , Koch T. L. , DeMiguel J. L. , Chien M. , Tell B. , Brown-Goebeler K. , Burrus C. A.
Published: July 2002

We describe integration of lasers and optical amplifiers at 1.3 μm wavelength. The effects of the residual mirror reflectivity at the amplifier front facet are discussed. Using photonic integration techniques very high coupling efficiency of light from the laser to the amplifier sections was observed, with current transfer efficiency (ratio of photocurrent to drive current) as high as 33%. The output light current characteristics of the laser have a slope efficiency higher than 2 mW/mA. This device may be used for digital modulation with very low rf power drive requirements. Modulation at 2 Gbit/s has been demonstrated.
Growth of YBa2Cu3O7 thin films on MgO: The effect of substrate preparation
Authors: Moeckly B. H. , Russek S. E. , Lathrop D. K. , Buhrman R. A. , Li Jian , Mayer J. W.
Published: July 2002

We discuss the results of a study of the effect of substrate preparation on the microstructure and superconductive properties of YBa2Cu3O7 thin films formed by laser ablation on (001) MgO substrates. Thermal annealing of the substrates is found to be highly effective in producing at fairly low growth temperatures (670 °C), epitaxial, c-axis normal films with good superconductive properties. Alternative surface treatments result in the formation of large angle tilt boundaries and inferior superconductive properties.
Structural perfection of Y-Ba-Cu-O thin films controlled by the growth mechanism
Authors: Ramesh R. , Chang C. C. , Ravi T. S. , Hwang D. M. , Inam A. , Xi X. X. , Li Q. , Wu X. D. , Venkatesan T.
Published: July 2002

For crystalline advanced materials, such as the high transition temperature oxide superconductors, the growth of defect-free crystals is often the most sought after desideratum because it opens the doors to fundamental studies and the development of practical applications. We report the observation of YBa2Cu3O7−x(123) thin films having unprecedented structural perfection, at temperatures near 700 °C on [001] LaAlO3. The film’s c axis is in the surface plane, unlike films grown at higher temperatures. This orientation has important advantages for device applications and fundamental studies. The Tc,0 is only 70 K, presumably due to oxygen deficiency caused by thermal stresses; if so, it should be possible to raise the Tc,0 by relieving these stresses.
Modulational instability in nonlinear periodic structures: Implications for ‘‘gap solitons’’
Authors: Winful Herbert G. , Zamir Ron , Feldman Sandra
Published: July 2002

A nonlinear periodic structure can convert an input continuous wave beam into a train of pulses. This modulational instability implies that the nonlinear spatial resonance (‘‘gap solitons’’) of distributed feedback structures are generally unstable. Stability is assured only for low coupling strengths or large detunings from the Bragg condition.
High electron mobility GaN/AlxGa1−xN heterostructures grown by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Khan M. Asif , Van Hove J. M. , Kuznia J. N. , Olson D. T.
Published: July 2002

In this letter we report the first observation of enhanced electron mobility in GaN/AlxGa1−xN heterojunctions. These structures were deposited on basal plane sapphire using low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The electron mobility of a single heterojunction composed of 500 Å of Al0.09Ga0.91N deposited onto 0.3 μm of GaN was around 620 cm2/V s at room temperature as compared to 56 cm2/V s for bulk GaN of the same thickness deposited under identical conditions. The mobility for the single heterojunction increased to a value of 1600 cm2/V s at 77 K whereas the mobility of the 0.3 μm GaN layer alone peaked at 62 cm2/V s at 180 K and decreased to 19 cm2/V s at 77 K. A 18-layer multiple heterojunction structure displayed a peak mobility of 1980 cm2/V s at 77 K.
High temperature (≳150 °C) and low threshold current operation of AlGaInP/GaxIn1−xP strained multiple quantum well visible laser diodes
Authors: Katsuyama T. , Yoshida I. , Shinkai J. , Hashimoto J. , Hayashi H.
Published: July 2002

High temperature and very low threshold current operation of a separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) AlGaInP/GaxIn1−xP (x=0.43) strained multiple quantum well (SMQW) lasers has been achieved. Continuous wave (cw) operation was observed up to at least 150 °C with an output power of more than 7 mW, which is the highest cw operating temperature ever reported for devices operating in the visible wavelength region. The characteristic temperature between 20 and 80 °C was 130 K. The threshold current and threshold current density at 25 °C were 13.9 mA for a 5×160 μm device and 430 A/cm2 for a 80×770 μm device.
Microstructure and growth mechanism of thin sputtered films of YBa2Cu3O7 on MgO substrates
Authors: Raistrick Ian D. , Hawley Marilyn , Beery Jerome G. , Garzon Fernando H. , Houlton Robert J.
Published: July 2002

The microstructures of very thin sputtered films of YBa2Cu3O7 deposited on (100) faces of single-crystal MgO, have been investigated using scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopies. By a thickness of 10 nm, the substrate is completely covered by a fine-grained layer of the superconductor. The average grain size is about 100 nm. Many of these grains show evidence of a spiral growth mechanism. In somewhat thicker films (20 nm), the grain size has increased considerably (to about 200 nm), and this trend continues as the thickness is increased. The small grain size close to the interface suggests a possible origin for widely observed ion-beam dechanneling in this region of the film.
All fiber, low threshold, widely tunable single-frequency, erbium-doped fiber ring laser with a tandem fiber Fabry–Perot filter
Authors: Park Namkyoo , Dawson Jay W. , Vahala Kerry J. , Miller Calvin
Published: July 2002

An all fiber, widely tunable, single-frequency, erbium-doped fiber ring laser was constructed with a threshold pump power as low as 10 mW. Tuning over more than 30 nm was obtained by applying 0 to 17 dc V to an intracavity fiber Fabry–Perot filter. Threshold pump power versus wavelength data showed low variation over the tuning range. Mode hopping suppression with a tandem fiber Fabry–Perot filter is proposed and demonstrated. Stable single-frequency operation was demonstrated with side mode suppression higher than 35 dB.
Y2O3 single crystalline substrate for epitaxial growth of high T
C superconducting thin films
Authors: Oishi A. , Teshima H. , Ohata K. , Izumi H. , Kawamoto S. , Morishita T. , Tanaka S.
Published: July 2002

The c-axis oriented YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO) film has been epitaxially grown on Y2O3 (001) substrates by in situ processing for the first time to our knowledge. The in-plane orientation relationship between YBCO and Y2O3 is 〈110〉YBCO∥〈100〉Y2O3. The film exhibits, as deposited, T0C=86.2 K, ΔT=1.2 K; JC=1.4×107 and 2.0×106 A/cm2 in a magnetic field of 0 and 5 T at 5 K, respectively. Moreover, the interface between the YBCO and Y2O3 is very sharp and chemically stable.
Enhanced current density J
c and extended irreversibility in single-crystal Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 via linear defects from heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Thompson J. R. , Sun Y. R. , Kerchner H. R. , Christen D. K. , Sales B. C. , Chakoumakos B. C. , Marwick A. D. , Civale L. , Thomson J. O.
Published: July 2002

Large enhancements in the critical current density Jc were produced in single crystals of the high-temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 by irradiation with high energy Sn ions. In addition, the irreversibility line was moved to considerably higher magnetic fields. In contrast with analogous studies on Y1Ba2Cu3O7, there was little, if any, selective pinning when the magnetizing field was applied parallel to the linear, ion-damage-produced tracks.
Solubility of hydrogen in silicon at 1300 °C
Authors: McQuaid S. A. , Binns M. J. , Newman R. C. , Lightowlers E. C. , Clegg J. B.
Published: July 2002

The incorporation of hydrogen in boron doped Czochralski silicon heated to 1300 °C in H2 gas has been studied. The anneal was terminated by a rapid quench to room temperature giving rise to an unknown hydrogen-related defect as well as H-B close pairs. All the hydrogen in the crystal can be driven into such pairs by a low temperature (200 °C) anneal, after which the values of [H-B] [D-B] are in agreement with the total deuterium concentration, measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The estimated solubility of 1.5×1016 cm−3 is not affected by the isotopic mass of the hydrogen nor by the presence of boron or oxygen impurities.
Enhanced transport critical current at high fields after heavy ion irradiation of textured TlBa2Ca2Cu3Oz thick films
Authors: Tkaczyk J. E. , DeLuca J. A. , Karas P. L. , Bednarczyk P. J. , Christen D. K. , Klabunde C. E. , Kerchner H. R.
Published: July 2002

Spray pyrolyzed T1(1223) films deposited on polycrystalline YSZ substrates are characterized before and after heavy ion irradiation. A factor of 2 decrease in zero field critical current is observed. However, significantly improved critical current is found at fields above 1 T, where intragranular effects dominate. The irreversibility line at 5 T is shifted by ∼20 K to higher temperatures. Scaling of the data before and after irradiation and at different temperatures is modeled by an expression which interpolates between single vortex pinning and collective creep.
Ultrafast scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Weiss S. , Ogletree D. F. , Botkin D. , Salmeron M. , Chemla D. S.
Published: July 2002

We have measured the response of the tunneling gap of a scanning tunneling microscope to excitation by a subpicosecond electrical pulse. Combining ultrashort laser pulses techniques with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we have obtained simultaneous 2-ps time resolution and 50-Å spatial resolution. This is a 9 orders of magnitude improvement in the time resolution currently attainable with STM. The potential of this powerful technique for studying ultrafast dynamical phenomena on surfaces with atomic resolution and mesoscopic electronic device physics is discussed.
Characterization of atomic force microscope tips by adhesion force measurements
Authors: Thundat T. , Zheng X-Y. , Chen G. Y. , Sharp S. L. , Warmack R. J. , Schowalter L. J.
Published: July 2002

The resolution limit in an atomic force microscope image usually is attributed to the finite radius of the contacting probe. Here, it is shown that this assumption is valid only when adhesion forces are minimal. Relative to the tip-imposed geometrical limit, the resolution and contrast in AFM images can be degraded by increasing adhesion forces. The large adhesion forces observed for some tips at low humidity conditions are shown to be due to tip contamination or poorly formed tip apexes. Methods to determine and to reduce the extent of tip contamination are described. Cleaning carried out using UV-ozone or oxygen-plasma etching were found to significantly reduce the minimum adhesion force.
Shallow Pb3+ hole traps in lead zirconate titanate ferroelectrics
Authors: Robertson John , Warren William L. , Tuttle Bruce A. , Dimos Duane , Smyth Donald M.
Published: July 2002

A combination of electron paramagnetic resonance and band structure calculations is used to show that the Pb2+ ions in lead zirconate titanate materials can act as shallow hole traps to give Pb3+ centers. The Pb3+ centers are created by optical illumination and are found to be metastable at room temperature. Their decay kinetics follow a stretched exponential function which suggests dispersive transport. The traps have the same character as the upper valence band which is formed from the hybridization of Pb s and O p states.
Polycrystalline La0.5Sr0.5CoO3/PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3/ La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 ferroelectric capacitors on platinized silicon with no polarization fatigue
Authors: Dat R. , Lichtenwalner D. J. , Auciello O. , Kingon A. I.
Published: July 2002

Pulsed laser ablation-deposition is used to produce fatigue-free La0.5Sr0.5CoO3(LSC)/ PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT)/LSC ferroelectric capacitors on oxidized (100) Si substrates coated with a bilayer of Pt/Ti. These capacitors utilize a unique bottom electrode combination of LSC on Pt, where the LSC (a conducting oxide) acts as a template to promote the ferroelectric perovskite phase of PZT and to minimize polarization fatigue, while Pt is used for its high electrical conductivity and high temperature stability. We have used the hybrid Pt/LSC electrode discussed in this letter to integrate PZT-based capacitors with Si substrates. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the PZT film is polycrystalline and is entirely perovskite phase. Devices show no significant degradation of the switchable polarization after 3×1010 switching cycles. Aging tests show that the rate of loss of switchable polarization may allow useful memory retention for times up to 1010 s.
Blue-green luminescence from porous silicon carbide
Authors: Matsumoto Takahiro , Takahashi Jun , Tamaki Teruyuki , Futagi Toshiro , Mimura Hidenori , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: July 2002

Porous silicon carbide has been fabricated using single crystal 6H-SiC that has a wider indirect band gap than silicon crystal. Intense blue-green luminescence has been observed at room temperature. The peak wavelength is around 460 nm, below the band gap of crystalline SiC. The luminescence intensity is about 100 times stronger than that of crystalline 6H-SiC. These results not only clarify the origin of luminescence in porous Si but also point to the possibility of the use of this new material for an intense blue-green luminescent source.
Self-holding photochromic polymer Mach–Zehnder optical switch
Authors: Ebisawa Fumihiro , Hoshino Mitsutoshi , Sukegawa Ken
Published: July 2002

A self-holding and optical–optical 2×2 switch using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with a thermally irreversible photochromic (PC) guest/host polymer cladding is reported. The device was fabricated using a silica-based integrated optic Mach–Zehnder interferometer with a PC cladding polymer. Cross-bar switching was achieved by using ultraviolet (313 nm) and visible (≳500 nm) light. The switching state was self-holding in the dark. Switching was observed with a crosstalk ratio of −12 dB and an excess loss of 7 dB at 1.55 μm.
Pd induced lateral crystallization of amorphous Si thin films
Authors: Lee Seok-Woon , Jeon Yoo-Chan , Joo Seung-Ki
Published: July 2002

A thin palladium layer (∼40 Å) was selectively formed on top of amorphous silicon films before annealing and the effects of palladium layer on the crystallization behavior of the amorphous silicon films were investigated. It was observed that the amorphous silicon right under the Pd layer could be crystallized to grain sizes of several hundred angstroms by annealing at 500 °C. In addition, the area between the Pd thin pads, patterned by lithography, was found to be crystallized to grain sizes of a few tens of microns in length by the same annealing. Such lateral crystallization was found to reach more than 100 μm in some cases. The lateral crystallization phenomenon might be useful for the fabrication of low temperature polycrystalline-Si thin film transistors, providing large-grained Si films.
Construction, calibration, and testing of a four-detector photopolarimeter
Authors: Azzam R. M. A. , Masetti E. , Elminyawi I. M. , Grosz F. G.
Published: July 2002

A computer-controlled four-detector photopolarimeter (FDP) has been constructed using four windowless planar-diffused Si photodiodes, operational amplifiers, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, and a personal computer with peripherals. A nonplanar light path is selected with incidence angles at the first three detectors of ∼65° and with rotations of ∼45° between the successive planes of incidence. The last detector, which is coated for minimum reflectance, intercepts the beam at a small angle and the residual light it reflects is dumped. A 1-mW He–Ne laser beam (λ=632.8 nm) passes through the polarizing optics of an ellipsometer to provide the polarization states needed for calibration and testing. With an optimum set of calibration states, the instrument matrix A is determined. The FDP is subsequently tested and found to correctly measure the normalized Stokes parameters of a large number of states with an average absolute error of ∼0.01, which is attributed to imperfections in the calibration optics. This first prototype instrument has a precision of ∼0.2%.