bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical switching due to whispering gallery modes in dielectric microspheres coated by a Kerr material
Authors: Haraguchi M. , Fukui M. , Tamaki Y. , Okamoto T. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe numerically evaluated the optical responses of a nonlinear microsphere put on prisms, i.e. in prism‐coupling geometry where the incident light excites the WGM through near‐field coupling. As numerical calculations, we employed the finite‐difference time‐domain method taking into account Kerr nonlinearity. The sphere was coated by a Kerr material with 160 nm thick. The third‐order nonlinear susceptibility of the Kerr material χ(3) was assumed to be 7 × 10−14[m2 V−2]. The diameter of the sphere was assumed to be 1 µm. The numerical results have shown that the control and/or the signal lights can induce the optical switching‐like variation in the reflectance. Such a nonlinear response of the sphere has been interpreted by the variation in the dielectric constant of the sphere due to a Kerr nonlinearity.
Magneto‐optical near‐field microscopy of ultrathin films in ultrahigh vacuum
Authors: MeYer G. , CreCelius T. , BaUer A. , WeGner D. , MaUch I. , KaIndl G. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe demonstrate that magnetic domains of ultrathin films can be imaged in situ in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) by scanning near‐field optical microscopy in combination with a Sagnac interferometer (Sagnac‐SNOM). In the present set‐up, the Sagnac interferometer is not only used for measuring the magneto‐optical Kerr effect but also for tip‐to‐sample distance control. The high sensitivity of the instrument enabled us to study the magnetization reversal processes in externally applied magnetic fields in ultrathin films of Fe and Ni grown on Cu(100) single crystals.
A method for controlling the spins of atoms using optical near‐fields
Authors: Shojiguchi A. , Kitahara K. , Kobayashi K. , Ohtsu M. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryOn the basis of the procedure for controlling the spins of atoms using circularly polarized evanescent light proposed by Hori et al.[(1996) Abstracts of the 1st Asia‐Pacific Workshop on Near‐field Optics] we discuss the influence of boundary conditions on the probability of spontaneous emission and thus on the spin polarization efficiency, which was not considered in the Hori et al. study. Using the Carniglia–Mandel mode expansion of electromagnetic fields, we derive the spontaneous emission and spin polarization probabilities of atoms near a dielectric surface, and show the atom–surface distance dependence and refractive index dependence. Numerical evaluation for the 6P1/2–6S1/2 transition of a Cs atom indicates an increase in the efficiency of spin polarization by 30%.
Apertureless near‐field Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang J. J. , Smith D. A. , Batchelder D. N. , Saito Y. , Kirkham J. , Robinson C. , Baldwin K. , LI G , Bennett B. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe report on the tip‐enhanced Raman spectra of C60 obtained on a custom‐built apertureless scanning near‐field optical microscope. A commercial atomic force microscope tip coated with 100 nm thickness of gold was used to enhance locally the Raman signal and permit topographic and spectral information to be acquired simultaneously. We present preliminary data which demonstrate the tip enhancement effect using C60 as a test sample.
Systematic variation of polymer jacketed fibres and the effects on tip etching dynamics
Authors: Wei P.‐K. , Chen Y.‐C. , Kuo H.‐L. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryUsing a chemically etched fibre probe through a plastic jacket provides a simple way to smooth a tip's surface. Convection flow in the plastic tube and lateral diffusion with fixed meniscus height has been proposed to explain such improvement. Fibres with additive thin polymer layers and bare fibres with thick untapered/tapered plastic layers have been prepared to verify the dominant mechanism. The additive layers greatly change the tip's geometry and bare‐fibres with untapered plastics cannot form tips. This confirmed that lateral diffusion dominates the etching process. Based on our investigation, we propose a new non‐meniscus end‐etching method by using tapered plastics. Unlike etching methods with meniscus, the end‐etching method can regularly form very smooth tips. It is insensitive to vibrations and temperature drifts and also suitable for most fibres.
Near‐field nano‐ellipsometer for ultrathin film characterization
Authors: Zhan Q. , Leger J. R. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe describe a near‐field ellipsometer for accurate characterization of ultrathin dielectric films. Optical tunnelling mimics the absorption in metallic films, enabling accurate measurement of the refractive index of ultrathin dielectric film. A regression model shows that a refractive index resolution of 0.001 for films as thin as 1 nm is possible. A solid‐immersion nano‐ellipsometer that incorporates this near‐field ellipsometric technique with a solid‐immersion lens is constructed to demonstrate the viability of this technique. Such a nano‐ellipsometer can accurately characterize thin films ranging in thickness from subnanometre to micrometres with potential transverse resolution of the order of 100 nm.
Near‐field observation of carrier diffusion in GaAs quantum structures under high magnetic fields
Authors: Tokizaki T. , Onuki T. , Tsuchiya T. , Yokoyama H. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryPhotoluminescence from a two‐dimensional electron‐gas system in GaAs single hetero‐structures was investigated using a scanning near‐field optical microscope (SNOM) operated at cryogenic temperatures under high magnetic fields. The local intensity of the luminescence increased 600‐fold that at 0 T as the magnetic field was increased up to 6 T. The enhancement depended on the spatial resolution of the SNOM. These characteristics are explained by the suppression of the diffusion of photocarriers caused by the Lorentz force in magnetic fields.
Characterization of a 35‐kDa carbohydrate larval antigen (CarLA) fromTrichostrongylus colubriformis; a potential target for host immunity
Authors: Harrison G. B. L. , Pulford H. D. , Hein W. R. , Severn W. B. , Shoemaker C. B. 
Published: June 2003

SUMMARYIn an accompanying paper we show that antibodies in intestinal mucus that recognize a 35‐kDa antigen from the surface of the L3 stage of the sheep intestinal nematode parasite,Trichostrongylus colubriformis,are strongly associated with immune rejection of L3 in a truncated infection model of immunity in sheep. Monoclonal antibody PAB‐1 was used to immunopurify this antigen fromT. colubriformisL3.The antigen is resistant to digestion with a range of proteases including proteinase K and does not stain on gels or blots treated with protein‐detecting reagents but does stain with carbohydrate‐detecting reagents. The antigen is also resistant to degradation by the action of lipases and is not soluble in organic solvents, suggesting that lipid components are not present or not accessible. Treatment with glycosidases does not affect the antigen, indicating either that sialic acid and N‐linked or O‐linked sugars are not present or that they are not accessible to enzyme attack. The antigen is not destroyed by harsh alkaline degradation with up to 8 mNaOH with or without borohydride reducing agent, or by extensive hydrazinolysis. Strong acid hydrolysis with trifluoroacetic acid or boiling in hydrochloric acid for 20 min does destroy the antigen. The antigen migrates as a poorly defined high molecular weight complex on native electrophoresis gels, but is detected as a major band at 35 kDa on SDS PAGE either by carbohydrate staining or by immunoblotting with antibody from immune sheep intestinal mucus and with mAb PAB‐1. Proteinase K digestion and alkaline degradation of extracts from L3 of 10 other parasitic nematode species revealed that L3 of each species contained a carbohydrate staining molecule which can be detected by mAb PAB‐1 and by mucus antibody from immune sheep. Because antibodies in intestinal mucus are directed against these antigens and may be responsible for protective immunity, carbohydrate larval antigens (CarLA) could represent a new family of molecules with potential as targets for stimulating host immunity.
Prospect for an Entamoeba histolytica Gal‐lectin‐based vaccine
Authors: Gaucher Denis , Chadee Kris 
Published: June 2003

SUMMARYEntamoeba histolytica is the aetiological agent of invasive amoebiasis, the third leading parasitic cause of mortality in the world. The disease can be easily cured by chemotherapy; however, prevention, mainly in the form of vaccination, could greatly decrease the incidence of the disease, and possibly help in its eradication. The parasite's surface galactose and N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine‐inhibitable adherence lectin (Gal‐lectin) is highly antigenic and is the most promising subunit vaccine candidate. We have generated a Gal‐lectin‐based DNA vaccine and tested its immunogenicity in mice. Although further optimization will probably be required, this vaccine could help in the generation of an amoebiasis DNA vaccine for use in humans.
Chemotherapy‐induced, age‐related changes in antischistosome antibody responses
Authors: Mutapi Francisca , Hagan Paul , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , Mduluza Takafira , Ndhlovu Patricia D. 
Published: June 2003

SUMMARYHumoral responses directed against Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen were studied in Zimbabwean children before and after treatment with either praziquantel (PZQ) or oxamniquine (OXAM). Treated children showed a significant increase in the proportion producing IgE and IgG3 and in mean levels of IgE, IgM, IgG3 six weeks post‐treatment. At 18 weeks post‐treatment, the proportion of treated children producing IgA, IgE, and IgG3 increased while the proportion producing IgG1 and IgG4 decreased. Mean levels of IgA, IgE, and IgG3 were higher than pre‐treatment levels while levels of IgG1, IgG4 and IgM were lower. Statistical analyses showed that the magnitude of change in levels of IgE, IgM and IgG3 at 6 weeks post‐treatment and of IgE, IgG3 and IgG4 at 18 weeks post‐treatment was significantly greater in treated compared to untreated children, and there were no significant differences in immune responses between children treated with praziquantel and those treated with oxamniquine. The magnitude of change in IgE at 6 and 18 weeks, IgM at 6 weeks and IgG3 at 18 weeks post‐treatment were significantly associated with age in treated but not in untreated children, with the change being greater in younger children. This suggests that treatment induced a change in the age‐antibody relationship for these isotypes, and that the age‐antibody relationship is not robust to chemotherapy. Pre‐treatment infection levels were significantly associated (positive correlation) with the magnitude of change for IgE and IgG3 at 18 weeks post‐treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that the age‐antibody relationship observed in these children is due, at least in part, to cumulative host experience of parasite antigens and not host age alone.
Abomasal lymph node responses toHaemonchus contortusintestinal antigens established in kid goats by infection or immunization with intestinal antigens
Authors: Jasmer Douglas P. , Karanu Francis , Davis William C. , Mcguire Travis S. 
Published: June 2003

SUMMARYImmune responses toHaemonchus contortusintestinal antigens were evaluated using abomasal lymph node (ALN) lymphocytes from kid goats protected against challenge infection by immunization with parasite intestinal antigen, and from kids that were challenged after immunization with ovalbumin. ALN lymphocytes from the intestinal antigen‐immunized group produced significantly higher antibody levels against intestinal antigens than the ovalbumin group, supporting the theory that immunization contributed to that ALN response. In contrast, intestinal lysates and membrane enriched preparations from intestinal cells stimulated significant proliferation of ALN lymphocytes in both groups. The proliferation was antigen‐dependent, since intestinal antigens failed to stimulate proliferation in ALN lymphocytes from unimmunized and uninfected kids. For both the intestinal antigen and ovalbumin immunized groups, CD4+ T lymphocytes predominated in ALN lymphocytes that were stimulated to proliferate by intestinal antigens. The results indicate thatH. contortusinfection alone can induce ALN lymphocyte responses to intestinal antigens. In contrast to ALN lymphocyte responses, serum antibody against intestinal antigens was generally low to undetectable in ovalbumin‐immunized kids following infection. Abomasal mucus from anH. contortusinfected lamb was probed with a monoclonal antibody that binds to a periodate sensitive determinant on numerousH. contortusintestinal membrane and secreted proteins. Numerous bands of reactivity were detected, indicating that multiple parasite intestinal antigens were released into abomasal mucus during infection. The results, challenge the general concept thatH. contortusintestinal antigens are ‘hidden’ from the host immune system during an infection. On the contrary, parasite intestinal proteins may be relatively abundant antigens presented to the host during infection. In addition, ALN T lymphocytes appear to provide a more sensitive measure than serum antibody to detect presentation of these antigens to the host immune system.
Purification and some properties of Papaya meleira virus, a novel virus infecting papayas in Brazil
Authors: Maciel‐Zambolim E. , Kunieda‐Alonso S. , Matsuoka K. , De Carvalho M. G. , Zerbini F. M. 
Published: June 2003

‘Meleira’, or ‘sticky disease’, is currently the most damaging papaya disease in the mid‐eastern Brazilian growing regions. Consistent disease transmission via latex injection, presence of similar isometric particles in the laticiferous vessels of diseased plants, and detection of double‐stranded DNA in naturally and experimentally infected papaya trees suggest that a virus is the causal agent. Conclusive evidence for viral aetiology was previously lacking, mostly because every attempt to purify the putative virus from infected papayas had failed. Following the successful purification and partial characterization of the meleira virus, healthy papaya seedlings injected with purified virus particles later developed typical symptoms of the disease. Negatively stained, isometric, full and ‘empty’ purified virus particles measured 42 and 38 nm, respectively. The viral genome was a single dsRNA molecule of about 12 kbp. Several capsid proteins, ranging in size from 14·4 to 45 kDa, were consistently revealed by PAGE. Papaya meleira virus (PMeV) appears to represent a novel group of viruses, with no known similar counterpart among known plant‐, vertebrate‐, invertebrate‐ or prokaryote‐infecting viruses.
Genetic diversity, presence of the syrB gene, host preference and virulence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains from woody and herbaceous host plants
Authors: Scortichini M. , Marchesi U. , Dettori M. T. , Rossi M. P. 
Published: June 2003

A total of 101 Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains, obtained from international culture collections or isolated from diseased tissues of herbaceous and woody plant species, were assessed by repetitive PCR using the BOX primer, and for the presence of the syrB gene. Representative strains were also tested for pathogenicity to lilac, pear, peach, corn and bean, as well as for virulence to lemon and zucchini fruits. The unweighted pair‐group method using arithmethic averages analysis (UPGMA) of genomic fingerprints revealed 17 different patterns which grouped into three major clusters, A, B and C. Most of the strains (52·4%) were included in patterns 1–4 of group A. These patterns comprised strains obtained from either herbaceous or woody species, and showed four fragments of similar mobility. Genetic variability was ascertained for strains isolated from apple, pear, apricot, Citrus spp. and cereals. No clear relationship was observed between host plant and bacterial genomic fingerprint. Variability was also observed in pathogenicity and virulence tests. The inoculation of pear leaves discriminated strains isolated from pear as well as the very aggressive strains, whereas inoculation of lilac, peach and corn did not discriminate the host plant from which the strains were originally isolated. Lemon fruit inoculation proved very effective for P. syringae pv. syringae virulence assessment. The syrB gene was present in almost all strains.
Could ectoparasites act as vectors for prion diseases?
Authors: Lupi Omar 
Published: June 2003

AbstractPrion diseases are rare neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals with a lethal evolution. Several cell types found on the human skin, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts and lymphocytes, are susceptible to the abnormal infective isoform of the prion protein, which transforms the skin to produce a potential target for prion infection. Iatrogenic transmission of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease was also recognized after corneal transplants in humans, and scrapie was successfully transmitted to mice after ocular instillation of infected brain tissue, confirming that these new routes, as well as cerebral inoculation and oral ingestion, could be important in prion infections. Animal prion infections, such as scrapie (sheep) and “mad cow disease” (cattle), have shown a pattern of horizontal transmission in farm conditions and several ectoparasites have been shown to harbor prion rods in laboratory experiments. Fly larvae and mites were exposed to brain‐infected material and were readily able to transmit scrapie to hamsters. New lines of evidence have confirmed that adult flies are also able to express prion proteins. Because ocular and cerebral myiases and mite infestation are not rare worldwide, and most cases are caused by fly larvae or hay mites that usually affect sheep and cattle, it is important to discuss the possibility that these ectoparasites could eventually act as reservoirs and/or vectors for prion diseases.
Comparison of nickel patch test reactivity in phases of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Tamer Emine , Ikizoglu Güliz , Toy Gunes Gur , Alli Nuran 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackground In earlier studies, it has been shown that severity of some diseases varies with menstrual cycle. Severity of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, infections due to herpes virus, urticaria and acne were also reported to increase in the premenstrual phase. Effect of estradiol on the cellular immune system was investigated and it was found to depress the cellular immune response. In our study, we investigated whether nickel patch test reactivity was different during phases of the menstrual cycle and whether there was an increase in sensitivity to nickel during the premenstrual cycle in nickel‐sensitive women.Methods The study consisted of 30 women who had a history of nickel sensitivity. Finn Chamber nickel patch test was applied to all 30 women by dividing them into two groups of 15 and applying the test first on days 7–10 and then on days 20–24 of the menstrual cycle or vice versa.Results The reactions of both the groups on days 20–24 were more severe than those on days 7–10 even though the results were not statistically significant.Conclusions Estrogens not only impair the skin barrier but also have a negative impact on the immune system. Estradiol has been proved to suppress cellular immunity. In a few studies conducted to date, the relationship between phases of the menstrual cycle and the severity of patch test reactivity has been examined with equivocal results. In our study, we observed that the presence of reactions due to nickel sensitivity was independent of the phases of the menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, we would like to point out the fact that the reactions seen in the second phase of the menstrual cycle were more severe than those seen in the first phase.
Anaphylaxis due to burdock
Authors: Sasaki Yoshinori , Kimura Yutaka , Tsunoda Takahiko , Tagami Hachiro 
Published: June 2003

A 53‐year‐old Japanese man, with a history of developing urticaria (once after consuming mackerel and 10 times after consuming boiled burdock, carrot, curry, and rice), presented with redness over his entire body and dyspnea 1 h after eating boiled burdock. Physical examination revealed a low blood pressure of 64/29 mmHg and stridor, together with striking redness of the whole body; he was diagnosed to be in anaphylactic shock.He recovered from the anaphylactic shock with subcutaneous injection of epinephrine (1 mg) and an intravenous drip of lactate Ringer's solution containing hydrocortisone (100 mg) and dexamethasone (8 mg).Laboratory examination and skin prick test were performed 3 weeks after his first visit. The total immunoglobulin E (radioimmunosobent test) level was 190 IU/mL, and specific immunoglobulin E for mackerel and carrot was found to be negative. Skin prick test was performed on the volar forearm with burdock, carrot, and turmeric after he had not taken any medication for 1 week. It was also conducted in normal healthy persons at the same time. A skin prick was made with a PRICK‐LANCETTER® (made in Sweden) using 1% histamine chloride solution and 0.9% saline solution as positive (3+) and negative (–) controls, respectively. For skin prick tests, burdock and carrot were employed in their boiled and raw conditions. Turmeric powder was diluted to 1% and 10% in petrolatum. Skin prick tests were judged according to the recommendations of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Shono M. The skin test learned in Finland. Hifubyou‐Shinryoh 1999; 25 (3): 255–269; Bernstein IL. Proceedings of the task force on guidelines for standardizing old and new technologies used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988; 82: 487–526). The results of the skin prick tests (Table 1) were positive for raw and boiled burdock and carrot, but negative for turmeric (Fig. 1). Two normal healthy controls showed negative responses to all substances.

Results of skin prick test

Wheal size (mm)
Score

Boiled burdock
3 × 4
(3+)

Boiled carrot
3 × 3
(3+)

Raw burdock
3 × 4
(3+)

Raw carrot
3 × 3
(3+)

1% turmeric diluted with petrolatum
0 × 0
(–)

10% turmeric diluted with petrolatum
0 × 0
(–)

1% histamine chloride
4 × 4
(3+)

Normal saline
–
(–)

Skin prick tests performed on the flexor surface of the forearm (left: 1, boiled burdock; 2, boiled carrot; 3, raw burdock; 4, raw carrot; right: 5, 1% turmeric; 6, 10% turmeric; 7, histamine chloride; 8, normal saline)imageThis is the first case report of anaphylaxis due to burdock.
Chemotherapy induced transverse leukonychia in children
Authors: Yoruk Asim , Yukselgungor Handan 
Published: June 2003

Transverse white nail banding can be inherited or caused by various diseases and medications, including cancer chemotherapeutic agents, retinoids, tetracyclines, antimalarials, sulfonamides, pilocarpine, cortisone and zidovudine. Neither a specific drug nor classes of cancer chemotherapeutics were associated more frequently than the other with acquired transverse leukonychia in patients with cancer.Here we report transverse leukonychia in four children with cancer receiving different chemotherapeutic agents.