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Analyzes observations on the effect of heat pulses on the precipitation of oxygen in single-crystal silicon. Description of the two-step precipitation sequence; Assessment on experiments with thermal pulses; Conclusions.

Deals with a study which presented a numerical model for the analysis of the defect site competition for metal atoms in intrinsically gettered silicon. Details of numerical calculations; Precipitation of metal atoms; Percentage of metal atoms that remain free to diffuse after the anneal varies with the sticking probabilities.

Presents a study which simulated by a Monte Carlo method the grain and grain-boundary diffusion of impurities in thin films. Numerical model; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Presents a study that observed the sensitivity below the band gap of arsenic-silicon in all cases. Information on the photographic sensitivity in the metal-chalcogenide system silver-arsenic-silicon; Use of photoemission model; Discussion on photon energy.

Reports on the measurement of the sensitivity of the silver-photodoping process as a function of photon energy. Wafers used; Experimental results.

Presents a study which measured the boron concentration on the surface of silicon wafers using thermal neutron depth profiling. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Presents the results of Monte Carlo calculations of the first moments of the boron (B) ion distribution for several silicide targets. Use of the computer program TRIM to follow the trajectories of the B ions; Projected ranges and standard deviations for B implants into silicon; Occurrence of the discrepancy for other ion and target combinations.

Background Paediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD) is a major public health concern given the recent increase in its prevalence and link to obesity and other metabolic comorbidities. Current treatment strategies involve lifestyle changes. Other surgical and pharmacologic interventions have been proposed; however, limited randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the paediatric population restrict their use. Aim To review the current management of paediatric NAFLD, including lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions, and to formulate recommendations for study design for future studies. Methods A MEDLINE, Pubmed and Cochrane Review database search used a combination of keywords, including NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH), paediatric, treatments, lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, orlistat, metformin, thiazolidinediones, vitamin E, cysteamine bitartrate, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, pentoxyfylline, farnesoid X receptor agonist and toll-like receptor modifiers. The articles were selected based on their relevance to the review. Results Lifestyle interventions involving diet and exercise remain first-line treatment for paediatric NAFLD. Bariatric surgery, orlistat, insulin sensitisers and UDCA have been evaluated but are not recommended as first or second-line therapy. Medications such as cysteamine bitartrate, probiotics, polyunsaturated fats and pentoxyfilline share beneficial effects in trials, however, there is a paucity of adequately powered RCTs in which liver histology is evaluated. Vitamin E has been shown to be effective and safe in improving NASH histology in children. Conclusions Lifestyle intervention should be first-line treatment for paediatric NAFLD. Vitamin E should be considered for those with biopsy-proven NASH or borderline NASH failing first-line therapy. Other therapeutics show promising results but require larger RCTs with convincing endpoints. Improved screening techniques, objective validated inclusion criteria and outcome measures as well as rigour in study design are necessary for propelling therapeutic discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a correction to the study 'Monte Carlo Treatment of Impurity Diffusion in Polycrystalline Thin Films,' by J.P. Lavine and D.L. Losee, which appeared in the 1985 issue of the 'Journal of Applied Physics.'

Comments on the article previously published in the periodical 'Chest,' concerning the subject of chicken soup as a discipline of Jewish Medicine. Folk remedies used by Jews to cure diseases; Maimonides' main focus in medicine.

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of liver disease in children. Hepatic fat accumulation and oxidative stress contribute to its pathogenesis. Cysteamine bitartrate readily traverses cellular membranes and is a potent antioxidant. Aim To evaluate the safety and efficacy of enteric-coated (EC) cysteamine in children with NAFLD. Method Children, aged ≥10 y, meeting screening criteria with biopsy-proven NAFLD and serum ALT ≥60 IU/ L, received twice-daily EC-cysteamine for 24 weeks. Monthly ALT, AST, body mass index (BMI) and gastrointestinal symptom scores were measured. Subjects with >50% reduction or normalisation of ALT achieved the primary endpoint. Results Of the 13 children enrolled (mean age 14.0 years), 11 completed EC-cysteamine therapy (mean dose 15.2 mg/ kg / day) and were included in the final analysis. For these 11 subjects, the mean ALT levels at baseline and 24 weeks were 120.2 and 55 IU/L respectively (P = 0.002), and the AST levels were 60 and 36 IU/ L respectively (P = 0.007). The primary endpoint was reached in 7 and normalisation (≤≥40 IU/ L) of ALT in 5. After 24 week therapy, mean adiponectin levels increased (P = 0.009) and CK-18 fragment levels decreased (P = 0.013), insulin levels remained unchanged (P = 0.99). Mean leptin levels were decreased in responders (P = 0.044). Mean BMI was 34.5 at baseline and 34.2 kg /m2 after treatment (P = 0.35). Mean symptom scores at baseline (1.1) and at 24 weeks (0.7) were similar. No major adverse events were reported. Conclusions Enteric-coated cysteamine reduces ALT and AST levels in children with NAFLD without reduction in body mass index. Further studies will evaluate optimal cysteamine therapeutic dose and effect on liver histology in NAFLD (Clinicaltrials.gov protocol ID: 07-1699). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of paediatric liver disease. Similar to NAFLD in adults, NAFLD in children is associated with obesity and insulin resistance and requires liver histology for diagnosis and staging. However, significant histological differences exist between adult and paediatric NAFLD to warrant caution in extrapolation of adult data. Aim To review the available data on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of paediatric NAFLD. Methods Relevant articles were identified by Medline searches using the keywords: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, obesity and children. Results The rise in childhood obesity has been accompanied by an increase in paediatric NAFLD. Age, gender and race/ethnicity are significant determinants of risk, and sex hormones, insulin sensitivity and adipocytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of paediatric NAFLD. There is no consensus for treatment of NAFLD; however, data suggest that diet, exercise and some pharmacological therapies may be of benefit. Conclusions To evaluate and effectively treat paediatric NAFLD, the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease should be clarified and non-invasive methods for screening, diagnosis, and longitudinal assessment developed. Randomized, controlled, double-blind trials of pharmacological therapies in children with biopsy-proven disease are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are insulin-resistant and metformin has been proposed as a potential therapy. However, paediatric safety and efficacy data are absent.: To test the hypothesis that metformin therapy will safely improve markers of liver disease in paediatric non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.: Single-arm open-label pilot study of metformin 500 mg twice daily for 24 weeks in non-diabetic children with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.: Ten obese children (mean body mass index 30.4) enrolled and completed the trial. Mean alanine aminotransferase andaspartate aminotransferase (AST) improved significantly (P < 0.01) from baseline (184, 114 U/L) to end of treatment (98, 68 U/L). Alanine aminotransferase normalized in 40% and AST normalized in 50% of subjects. Children demonstrated significant improvements in liver fat measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (30–23%,P < 0.01); insulin sensitivity measured by quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.294–0.310,P < 0.05); and quality of life measured by pediatric quality of life inventory 4.0 (69–81,P < 0.01).: Open-label treatment with metformin for 24 weeks was notable for improvement in liver chemistry, liver fat, insulin sensitivity and quality of life. A large randomized-controlled trial is needed to definitively determine the efficacy of metformin for paediatric non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of over-the-counter antacids has increased in children under the age of 12 years, and has been followed by an apparent increase in the use of over-the-counter histamine-2 receptor antagonists. However, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of over-the-counter histamine-2 receptor antagonists in the paediatric population are largely unknown. Aim: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of the over-the-counter histamine-2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine, 75 mg, in children with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Methods: Children aged between 4 and 11 years with symptoms of heartburn suspected to be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were recruited at six clinical centres. Following a single dose of either oral ranitidine, 75 mg (n =19), or placebo (n =10), recording of intragastric pH and serial blood sampling were carried out for 6 h. Results: The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters of ranitidine, 75 mg, were as follows: the median C max value of 477 ng/mL occurred within a median of 2.5 h after dosing, and the median half-life was 2.0 h. The intragastric pH began to rise approximately 30 min after dosing with ranitidine to a peak of pH 4. The pH in the ranitidine group remained higher than that in the placebo group throughout the 6-h evaluation period. Adverse events were generally mild. Conclusions: Ranitidine, 75 mg, significantly increased the intragastric pH in children aged 4–11 years. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were similar to those in adults. Ranitidine, 75 mg, appears to be effective for the control of intragastric acidity for 5–6 h in children aged 4–11 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two interline, 30 frames/second, high-resolution image sensors are described that use two-phase charge coupled device (CCD) technology. One is a two-megapixel, interlaced high-definition television sensor, and the other is a 1-megapixel, progressives-can sensor for machine vision applications. These sensors include features such as dual-horizontal CCD readout, antibiooming protection, electronic shutter capability, low smear, and no lag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes sera from HIV-infected patients for evidence of hepatitis B to examine the relationship between serologic evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the presence of AIDS. Information on the HBV infection; Description of the overall prevalence of HBV markers; Relationship between HBV infection and AIDS.