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Apoptosis during engraftment and inflammation induce poor islet xenograft survival. We aimed to determine whether overexpression of human heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) or soluble tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor type I with human IgG1Fc (sTNF‐αR‐Fc) in porcine islets could improve islet xenograft survival. Adult porcine islets were transduced with adenovirus containing human HO‐1, sTNF‐αR‐Fc, sTNF‐αR‐Fc/HO‐1 or green fluorescent protein (control). Humanized mice were generated by injecting human cord blood–derived CD34+stem cells into NOD‐scid‐IL‐2Rγnullmice. Both HO‐1 and sTNF‐αR‐Fc reduced islet apoptosis under in vitrohypoxia or cytokine stimuli and suppressed RANTES induction without compromising insulin secretion. Introduction of either gene into islets prolonged islet xenograft survival in pig‐to‐humanized mice transplantation. The sTNF‐αR‐Fc/HO‐1 group showed the best glucose tolerance. Target genes were successfully expressed in islet xenografts. Perigraft infiltration of macrophages and T cells was suppressed with decreased expression of RANTES, tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6 in treatment groups; however, frequency of pig‐specific interferon‐γ–producing T cells was not decreased, and humoral response was not significant in any group. Early apoptosis of islet cells was suppressed in the treatment groups. In conclusion, overexpression of HO‐1 or sTNF‐αR‐Fc in porcine islets improved islet xenograft survival by suppressing both apoptosis and inflammation. HO‐1 or sTNF‐αR‐Fc transgenic pigs have potential for islet xenotransplantation. In an adult pig islet to humanized mouse transplantation model, overexpression of human HO–1 or sTNF–α–Fc in porcine islets improves islet xenograft survival by suppressing both early apoptosis of islet cells and inflammation.

Apoptosis during engraftment and inflammation induce poor islet xenograft survival. We aimed to determine whether overexpression of human heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor type I with human IgG1Fc (sTNF-αR-Fc) in porcine islets could improve islet xenograft survival. Adult porcine islets were transduced with adenovirus containing human HO-1, sTNF-αR-Fc, sTNF-αR-Fc/HO-1 or green fluorescent protein (control). Humanized mice were generated by injecting human cord blood–derived CD34+stem cells into NOD-scid-IL-2Rγnullmice. Both HO-1 and sTNF-αR-Fc reduced islet apoptosis under in vitrohypoxia or cytokine stimuli and suppressed RANTES induction without compromising insulin secretion. Introduction of either gene into islets prolonged islet xenograft survival in pig-to-humanized mice transplantation. The sTNF-αR-Fc/HO-1 group showed the best glucose tolerance. Target genes were successfully expressed in islet xenografts. Perigraft infiltration of macrophages and T cells was suppressed with decreased expression of RANTES, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 in treatment groups; however, frequency of pig-specific interferon-γ–producing T cells was not decreased, and humoral response was not significant in any group. Early apoptosis of islet cells was suppressed in the treatment groups. In conclusion, overexpression of HO-1 or sTNF-αR-Fc in porcine islets improved islet xenograft survival by suppressing both apoptosis and inflammation. HO-1 or sTNF-αR-Fc transgenic pigs have potential for islet xenotransplantation.

Genetic parameters associated with yearling weight, carcass traits, and primal-cut yields of male Hanwoo cattle were investigated using univariate and bivariate animal models. The mean yearling weight (YWT), carcass weight (CWT), longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) were 352.47 ± 0.40 kg, 337.39 ± 0.64 kg, 78.28 ± 0.13 cm2, 8.45 ± 0.05 mm, and 3.25 ± 0.03, respectively. Total primal-cut yield (TPC) was 78.95 ± 0.10% of CWT, of which 42.3% was contributed by the forequarters (chuck, CHK; shoulder, SLD; ribs, RIB; and brisket and flank, BAF). Loins, top round (TRND), and round (RND) were associated with yields of 13.57%, 5.45 ± 0.01%, and 8.87 ± 0.02%, respectively. The largest cut studied was ribs (15.67 ± 0.03%). The estimated heritabilities (h2) of YWT, CWT, LMA, BFT, and MS were 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.29 ± 0.04, 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.45 ± 0.05, and 0.62 ± 0.07, respectively. Shoulder yield was highly heritable in Hanwoo steers (0.83 ± 0.13), followed by the yields of round (0.66 ± 0.12), striploin (0.64 ± 0.12), top round (0.62 ± 0.12), sirloin (0.60 ± 0.12), and total primal-cut yield (0.52 ± 0.11). The h2values of CHK, BAF, RIB, and tenderloin (TLN) ranged from 0.19 ± 0.09 to 0.41 ± 0.11. Generally, the genetic CV was low for most traits (2.33%–6.15%), except for CHK, BFT, and MS. The genetic correlation (rg) was strong between YWT and CWT (0.77 ± 0.06). The greatest positive and negative rgamong carcass traits were those between LMA and CWT (0.52 ± 0.08) and between LMA and BFT (-0.30 ± 0.09), respectively. The correlation between CHK and SLD (0.81 ± 0.14), and those between SLD, TLN, TRND, and RND, were mostly strong (0.77–0.87), but the rgbetween RIB and other traits were strongly negative. The TPC yield showed moderate to high rgwith most primal cuts. The YWT, CWT, and LMA correlated notably with CHK, SLD, and loin yields, especially LMA. However, BFT and MS were negatively correlated with many primal cuts but RIB. Those rgestimates were also opposite of that of LMA and CWT with primal cuts. Phenotypic correlations (rp) were generally weaker than rgestimates. The rpof YWT, CWT, and LMA were either zero or moderately negative compared to those of the BFT and MS with primal cuts. Most primal cuts yielded positive rpestimates among them, except for RIB. Our results suggest that direct selection for YWT, various carcass traits, and primal-cut yields may increase the carcass value of Hanwoo males.

In this study we investigated the effects of SF6and CF4plasma pretreatments on the adhesion and junction leakage characteristics of the selective CVD W films by SiH4reduction of WF6on the Si substrate. The SF6plasma pretreatment performed in situ prior to W deposition to remove the polymer films in contact holes results in enhancement of the adhesion of W films to the Si substrate but degradation of junction leakages due to vertical and lateral Si consumptions. The CF4plasma pretreatment performed as the last step of the reactive ion etching for contact window opening produced the W/Si contacts of good adhesion, low contact resistances and low junction leakages for thin W films, while it produced the W/Si contacts of poor adhesion and high contact resistances for thick W films. The selective CVD W films deposited by the three step process of SiH4reduction/ in situ annealing / SiH4reduction was found to have both good adhesion and low junction leakage characteristics.

Three threatened black cockatoos inhabit the Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata-Marri Corymbia calophylla forest of southwestern Australia: Baudin’s Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Carnaby’s Cockatoo C. latirostris, and Forest Redtailed Black Cockatoo C. banksii naso [FRTBC]. Their local ecology in relation to anthropogenic disturbance is poorly known, hampering effective conservation management. Therefore we studied their group size, site occupancy patterns, habitat use, and food plants at a mine-site and its surrounds in the eastern forest over three years. FRTBC showed similar group sizes and occupancy across seasons, suggesting year-round residency and no marked seasonality in movements and grouping patterns. In contrast, Carnaby’s Cockatoos were up to twice as abundant in spring and summer, indicating migrating or transient flocks and some year-round residents. Few Baudin’s Cockatoos were present in summer, but their abundance increased at other times. All three cockatoos were observed in modified or humanmade habitats such as mine-site rehabilitation, farm paddocks, and pine plantations. Carnaby’s Cockatoos used the broadest habitat range. We documented feeding on 16 plant species, with Carnaby’s Cockatoos eating at least 10. Examination of feeding residues as well as observations of behaviour were essential to obtain a complete picture of feeding. Current mine-site rehabilitation protocols provide food for all three black cockatoos within a decade and should continue to do so long-term if Marri is maintained in the seed mix. However, because climate change scenarios predict declining rainfall over much of southwestern Australia, the plant species used to revegetate mine-sites and other landscapes may need to be reconsidered. For areas that do not specify restoring a jarrah forest landscape, the selective use of exotic or non-endemic flora better adapted to lower rainfall conditions may be an option.

Prolonged inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio ventilation may have both positive and negative effects on respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during one-lung ventilation (OLV), but definitive information is currently lacking. We therefore compared the effects of volume-controlled ventilation with I:E ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 on respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during OLV. Fifty-six patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomly assigned volume-controlled ventilation with an I:E ratio of 1:1 (group 1:1, n=28) or 1:2 (group 1:2, n=28) during OLV. Arterial and central venous blood gas analyses and respiratory variables were recorded 15 minutes into two-lung ventilation, at 30 and 60 minutes during OLV, and 15 minutes after two-lung ventilation was re-initiated. Peak and plateau airway pressures in cmH2O [standard deviation] during OLV were significantly lower in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 (P P aO2 during OLV between the two groups (OLV30, P=0.856; OLV60, P=0.473). In summary, volume-controlled ventilation with an I:E ratio of 1:1 reduced peak and plateau airway pressures improved dynamic compliance and efficiency of alveolar ventilation, but it did not improve arterial oxygenation in a substantial manner. Furthermore, the associated increase in mean airway pressure might have reduced cardiac output, resulting in a lower central venous oxygen saturation.

Cumulus cell (CC) apoptosis is inversely correlated with embryonic development in vitro. Therefore, inhibition of CC apoptosis is important for proper embryonic development and quality. Retinoic acids (all-transRA and 9-cisRA) are natural components of retinoids, and 9-cisRA is the physiologically active metabolite of retinoic acid in vitro. During in vitro maturation, 9-cisRA enhances oocyte competence through multiple mechanisms affecting the oocyte and preimplantation embryo; however, the effect of 9-cisRA on CC apoptosis has yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 9-cisRA on CC apoptosis and to identify the molecular mechanism underlying that effect. Bovine slaughterhouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were matured in vitro in the absence or presence of 5 nM 9-cisRA. Cumulus cells were collected from immature and matured COC for the detection of apoptosis and gene expression analysis. Results showed that 9-cisRA reduced the number of apoptotic CC by about 2.7 fold (P < 0.023), compared with control. However, apoptosis is rare in CC of immature COC (0.01% ± 0.001). Transcripts involved in the caspase cascade were down-regulated upon exposure to 9-cisRA, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α, 11.1 fold, P < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 (TNFR1, 2.3 fold, P < 0.01), caspase 9 (CASP9, 2.0 fold, P < 0.031), caspase 8 (CASP8, 2.2 fold, P < 0.012), and caspase 3 (CASP3, 2.1 fold, P < 0.006), while antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) transcript was increased (3.1 fold, P < 0.004), compared with control. In addition, 9-cisRA inhibited mitogen activated protein kinase mRNA expression in CC, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1, 2.7 fold, P < 0.02; ERK2, 2.7 fold, P < 0.03), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK, 1.6 fold, P < 0.044), as well as the activator protein-1 (AP1) family members c-jun (1.6 fold, P < 0.041) and c-fos (2.0 fold, P < 0.06). The transcript abundances of TNF-α, TNFR1, CASP9, CASP8, CASP3, ERK1, ERK1, JNK, and BCL2 were increased, while c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression was decreased in the matured CC. On the basis of the data, we suggest that 9-cisRA inhibits CC apoptosis during in vitro maturation of bovine COC.

Retinoic acid (RA; all-transRA and 9-cisRA) enhances embryo developmental competence and quality through multiple mechanisms affecting the oocyte and preimplantation embryo. Folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation are influenced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) via inhibition of aromatase activity and estradiol secretion in granulosa cells. Retinoic acid inhibits TNF-α production in various cell lines. The aim of the present study was to determine whether oocyte TNF-α concentrations regulate developmental competence and embryo quality and if the beneficial effects of 9-cisRA are mediated through attenuation of oocyte TNF-α production. Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes collected from abattoir ovaries were matured in maturation medium in the absence (control) or presence of 5 nM9-cisRA (RA), 100 ng/mL of recombinant bovine TNF-α (TNF), or 5 nM9-cisRA + 100 ng/mL of recombinant bovine TNF-α (RA+TNF). Oocytes were subsequently collected for gene expression analysis or subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. Apoptosis and gene expression were analyzed in d-8 blastocysts. Results indicated that 9-cisRA downregulated (P< 0.01) both basal and TNF-α-induced TNF-α mRNA in oocytes (1.0-fold in control, 0.4-fold in RA, 2.1-fold in TNF, and 0.7-fold in RA+TNF). The 9-cisRA increased (P< 0.001) blastocyst development rates (37.1 ± 6.9 vs. 23.6 ± 8.0%) and total cell number (138.4 ± 19.2 vs. 120.2 ± 24.5) and reduced (P< 0.001) the percentage of apoptotic cells (3.3 ± 2.0 vs. 5.6 ± 2.3%) compared with controls. Expression of caspase 3 (0.4- vs. 1.0-fold) and TNF-α (0.4- vs. 1.0-fold) mRNA was downregulated (P< 0.05) in RA-treated blastocysts compared with controls. Moreover, 9-cisRA rescued (P< 0.001) development rates (24.5 ± 11.1 vs. 15.6 ± 9.0%), increased total cell number (124.6 ± 36.5 vs. 106.9 ± 31.1), and reduced apoptosis (5.8 ± 2.0 vs. 8.1 ± 3.1%) in blastocysts exposed to TNF-α (TNF group). Caspase 3 (0.8-fold in RA+TNF vs. 2.2-fold in TNF) and TNF-α (0.3-fold in RA+TNF vs. 2.8-fold in TNF) mRNA expression was attenuated (P< 0.05) in TNF-α-treated blastocysts. In conclusion, the present study suggests that 9-cisRA exerts its beneficial roles on oocyte developmental competence and embryo quality by attenuating oocyte TNF-α mRNA expression.

A novel regioselective synthesis for 2,6-dimethyltetralin (2,6-DMT), a key precursor to 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene (2,6-DMN), is described. The synthesis comprises the following three steps; the Heck reaction between commercially available 4-bromotoluene and 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, the catalytic reduction of the coupling products, and the acid-catalyzed cyclization of the alcohol intermediate. The process has an advantage over the established processes in that 2,6-DMT is obtained as the only isomer, and the isomerization and/or the complicated separation and purification steps are not required to produce pure 2,6-DMT. 2,6-DMN could be also obtained as a major product depending on the cyclization conditions.

Abstract Crystalline carbon nitride films were deposited on Si and Si3N4/Si substrate by reactive RF magnetron sputtering system with chamber heating and DC bias. The deposited films showed a -C3N4, ß -C3N4 and lonsdaleite phase by XRD, XPS and FTIR. The crystalline morphology was found to gave a hexagonal structure, which has theoretical unit cell of carbon nitride observed in SEM photographs. When nitrogen gas ratio is 70%, RF power is 300 W and DC bias is –80 V, the growth rate of carbon nitride film on Si3N4 substrate is 2.2 µm/hr, which is a relatively high growth rate compared with those in previously reported papers. The deposited films have thermally stable properties in the range of 650_°C to 1,400_°C.

The thermal stability and electrochemical properties of P2O5-coated and AlPO4-coated LiCoO2 powders were compared with those of bare LiCoO2. Even though all samples had a similar initial capacity at a low current rate, the capacity retention after 20 cycles at 1 C (= 140 mA/g) was in the order of AlPO4-coated, bare, and P2O5-coated LiCoO2. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results of both the P2O5-coated and AlPO4-coated samples (charged up to 4.3 V) showed that the initial exothermic-reaction temperatures with the flammable electrolytes increased to ~230 °C (from ~180 °C in bare LiCoO2), and the coating greatly reduced the amount of exothermic heat generation by approximately 1 order of magnitude, compared to that of the bare LiCoO2. This is consistent with the result of the 12-V overcharge tests in the Li-ion cells with the bare and coated LiCoO2. Upon charging up to 12 V at the rate of 2 C, the coated samples did not exhibit thermal runaway, and the cell-surface temperature remained below 120 °C. On the other hand, bare LiCoO2 under the same conditions caught fire and exploded, with the cell-surface temperature reaching 450 °C.

Classical physical metallurgy principles play significant roles in the pursuit of suitable substitutes for traditional lead-based solders in the electronic industry. Phase diagrams, alloy development, solidification, diffusion, wetting, aging, precipitation of second-phase particles, microstructural coarsening, temperature effects, thermomechanical behavior, and creep are among the issues to be considered. This article focuses on the importance of physical metallurgy in these developments.

High-performance thin-film LiCoO2 cathodes were successfully fabricated by aluminum-oxide coating. Both the galvanostatic charge−discharge experiments and the cyclic voltammograms (CVs) showed enhanced electrochemical properties in the Al2O3-coated LiCoO2 films compared to those in the uncoated ones. The improved cycling behaviors in the coated samples are caused by the suppression of cobalt dissolution from the LiCoO2 thin films, with the formation of an aluminum-oxide solid electrolyte residing between the LiCoO2 cathode and liquid electrolyte. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) results clearly showed that the Al2O3-coated samples had higher Li diffusivities than the uncoated ones after 80 cycles. The effect of Al2O3 thickness on the electrochemical properties up to 300 nm was also studied.

The structural instability of isolated nm-sized alloy particles has been investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy, using particles in the Sn-Bi system. In a pure tin (Sn) particle, no structural fluctuation was induced under electron-beam irradiation. In a tin-rich solid solution particle, an orientational fluctuation took place at a rate of approximately once per 1-3 s. In a high concentration alloy particle with a two-phase microstructure, a structural fluctuation occurred at a rate of a few hertz. Namely, the fluctuation became more frequent with increasing bismuth (Bi) concentration, no matter whether it consists of a single phase or multiple phases. A good parallelism can be found between this fluctuation enhancement with bismuth concentration and the fact that the free-energy difference between a solid particle and the corresponding liquid one decreases continuously with bismuth concentration and approaches a value close to zero at the eutectic composition. These results lead to a view that a nm-sized solid particle exhibits a structural instability under electron-beam irradiation when the free-energy difference between a solid particle and the corresponding liquid one is reduced to a value close to zero.

To assess the effects of slaughter weight and sex on APGS (Animal Products Grading Service) quality and APGS yield grade of Korean Hanwoo (n = 20,881) cattle, data were collected from cow, bull, and steer carcasses during a 1-yr period. Factors used to determine quality grade (marbling, meat color, fat color, texture, and overall maturity score) and yield grade (cold carcass weight, adjusted fat thickness, and longissimus muscle area) by the Korean grading system were recorded. Both yield and quality grades were improved (P < 0.01) with heavier slaughter weight, but there was no difference in yield grade for Hanwoo cattle classes heavier than 551 kg (P > 0.01). Longissimus muscle area, adjusted fat thickness, and marbling score increased (P < 0.01) with carcass weight. Bull carcasses showed higher yield but lower quality than those of cows or steers (P < 0.01). The quality grade of steer carcasses was higher (P < 0.01) than that of cow carcasses due to higher marbling scores, lower maturity scores, and heavier carcass weights. Hanwoo carcasses with larger longissimus muscle areas in relation to their carcass weight had lower APGS quality grades. The APGS quality grades were different between yield grade A and B carcasses (P < 0.01), but quality grade was not improved by increased fat thickness beyond the point of yield grade B. Adjusted fat thickness and marbling score showed significant (P < 0.01) differences among all yield grade classes, and this resulted in increased quality grade as yield grade decreased. Adjusted fat thickness showed the strongest correlation (r = -0.63) with yield grade, whereas marbling score had the strongest correlation (r = 0.81) with quality grade. Results showed a negative effect of castration on yield but a positive effect on quality. Also, data showed that Hanwoo carcasses with heavier weights had higher quality grades than those of lighter weight.

Artemisinic acid (2) was modified through allylic oxidation at C-3 or conjugate addition at C-13 to afford 12 methyl artemisinate derivatives (4−15). Photooxidation of the derivatives yielded eight new artemisinin analogues, including 13-cyanoartemisinin (16), 13-methoxycarbonyl artemisinin (17), 13-methoxyartemisinin (18), 13-ethylsulfonylartemisinin (19), 13-nitromethylartemisinin (20), 13-(1-nitroethyl)artemisinin (21), (3R)-3-hydroxyartemisinin (22), and (3R)-3-acetoxyartemisinin (23). Among the analogues, only compound 20 had antimalarial activity comparable to artemisinin (1).

The deposition characteristics of metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) Cu using (hfac)Cu(1,5-COD)(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluro-2,4pentadinato Cu(I) 1,5-cyclooctadiene) as a precursor have been investigated in terms of carrier gas effects and adding H(hfac) to the carrier gas stream. Using hydrogen carrier gas led to a higher MOCVD Cu deposition rate and a lower film resistivity compared to an argon carrier gas system. Improvements in surface roughness of the MOCVD Cu films and a (111) preferred orientation texture were obtained by using hydrogen as a carrier gas. When a ligand such as H(hfac) was added to Ar carrier gas, the deposition rate was significantly enhanced. Moreover, H(hfac) added to both carrier gas streams led, to lower MOCVD Cu film resistivity. However, film adhesion was somewhat weak compared to that observed with the Ar or H2carrier gas system, probably due to the larger F content near the interface between the copper and the titanium-nitride film. In conclusion, smooth Cu films with a low resistivity can be obtained by manipulating the deposition conditions, such as carrier gas type and ligand addition. The deposition mechanism of MOCVD Cu is also discussed in the paper.

The effect of annealing on the resistivity, morphology, microstructure, and diffusion characteristics of Cu(Mo)/SiO2/Si and Ti/Cu(Mo)/SiO2/Si multilayer films has been investigated in order to deterine the role of Mo. In the case of a Cu(Mo)/SiO2/Si multilayer, most of the Mo diffused out to the free surface to form MoO3at temperatures up to 500 C, and complete dissociation of Mo occurred at higher temperatures. The segregation of Mo to the external surface leads to Mo-free Cu films with extensive grain growth up to 20 times the original grain size and strong (111) texture. In the case of a Ti/Cu(Mo)/SiO2/Si multilayer, a thin Ti film prohibits Cu agglomeration, out-diffusion of Mo, and diffusion of Cu into SiO2at temperatures up to 750 C. Cu(Mo) grain growth was less extensive, but (111) fiber texturing was much stronger than in the case of Cu(Mo)/SiO2/Si. In the current study, significant changes in microstructure, such as a strong (111) texture and abnormal grain growth, have been obtained by adding Mo to Cu films when the films are annealed.

The creep behavior of the eutectic tin-silver joints and tin-silver composite solder joints containing 20 vol.% of Cu6Sn5, Ni3Sn4, and FeSn2intermetallic reinforcements introduced by in-situ methods was investigated. These creep tests were carried out using single shear lap solder joints at room temperature, 85°C, and 125°C. The creep resistance was similar in magnitude for all alloys, and with increasing temperature, the stressexponents decreased in a manner consistent with power-law breakdown behavior. The FeSn2intermetallic reinforced composite solder was found to be the most creep-resistant alloy at room temperature. Creep failure was observed to occur within the solder matrix in all these solder joints. Although a detailed analysis of the processes involved was difficult because of smearing of the features in the fracture surface, there were indications of grain-boundary separation, ductile fracture, and interfacial separation.

The deposition characteristics of Ti−Si−N films obtained by using RF reactive sputtering of various targets in N2/Ar gas mixtures have been investigated. The dependence of film growth rate and stoichiometry on both the Ti/Si ratio of the target and the N2flow rate were found to be due to the different intridation rates of Ti and Si, resulting in, different sputter yields of titanium and silicon nitrides. XPS results showed that an increase in nitrogen content of the Ti−Si−N films leads to the formation of amorphous Si3N4bonding, which produces an in crease in resistivity. Lowering the Si content in the deposited Ti−Si−N films favors the formation of crystalline TiN, even at low N2flow rates, and leads to a lower resistivity. A film growth mechanism, expressed in terms of the nitrogen surface coverage on the target, was proposed.

Unilateral renal cystic disease (URCD) is morphologically indistinguishable from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) except for its unilaterality. Unlike ADPKD, URCD patients show neither a genetic background nor progressive deterioration in renal function; thus, the differential diagnosis of URCD from ADPKD is important. Only a few cases of URCD have been reported. This study reports two cases of URCD in adults together with a literature review. We identified these two cases using abdominal computerized tomography and family screening with renal ultrasonography.

The reaction mechanism of titanium silicide was investigated for varying amounts, of BF2 dopant on a Si-substrate. Titanium thin films were prepared by direct current sputtering on non-doped and BF2-implanted silicon wafers. The heat treatment temperatures, by rapid thermal annealing (RTA), were varied in the range 600–800 °C for 20 s. C49 TiSi2 forms at 700 °C and almost all of its phase is transformed into C54 TiSi2 with a very low resistivity value (16 µO cm) at 800 °C. When the amount of impurities is increased, the sheet resistance of Ti-silicides also increased while its thickness decreased. The main cause of the thickness reduction of Ti-silicide is the growth of enhanced native oxide. Dopants are chiefly redistributed in the interface between the Ti-silicide and the Si-substrate. It is believed that the formation of titanium boride increases the contact resistance during the Ti-silicide formation for samples annealed at 750 °C and 800 °C.

• The effectiveness of elective en bloc, therapeutic en bloc, and secondary radical neck dissections is evaluated in patients whose primary tumor remained controlled following initial treatment (surgery, irradiation, or combined therapy). Pathologically documented cervical involvement following elective en bloc, therapeutic en bloc, and secondary radical neck dissections occurred in 80 (27%) of 295, 158 (67%) of 237, and 77 (75%) of 102 of the patients, respectively.Patient survival is greater if cervical metastases are surgically removed while occult, rather than if they are resected after they are clinically suspected. Patients who have a 15% to 20% or greater likelihood of having occult cervical metastases will have an increased probability for survival if the surgical management includes an elective en bloc radical neck dissection.(Arch Otolaryngol 101:656-659, 1975)

Stable TiSi2 was formed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) on single-crystal Si. Subsequently a 600 nm-thick Al-1%Si-0.5%Cu layer was deposited on the top of the formed TiSi2 followed by furnace annealing for 30 min at 400–600 ‡C in N2 ambient atmosphere. The thermal stability of Al-1%Si-0.5%Cu/TiSi2 bilayer and interfacial reaction were investigated by employing four-point probe, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The composition and the phase of precipitates formed by the reaction of Al-1%Si-0.5%Cu with TiSi2 were studied by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the TiSi2 layer was consumed by the reaction between TiSi2 and Al-1%Si-0.5%Cu layer, resulting in precipitates at 550 ‡C. The results from EDS revealed that the precipitates were composed of Ti, Al and Si. The precipitates were identified as Ti7Al5Si12 ternary compound from XRD analysis.

This study examined changes in bladder sensation which occur with age in women. 1381 women (age range 20–95 years, mean 54.9) with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction underwent urodynamic study. The bladder capacity at which they first became aware of the desire to void was taken as a quantitative measure of bladder sensation. Maximum bladder capacity fell in the eighth and ninth decades (H=95.84, df=7,P=0.00), but by contrast bladder capacity at first desire to void rose progressively in association with age, both in the group as a whole (H=17.13, df=7,P=0.017) and in a subgroup with detrusor instability (n=952, H=15.42, df=7,P=0.032). This rise in capacity points to a decrease in bladder sensation in association with age. This is not due to neurological disease, antimuscarinic drugs or oestrogens, as the median capacity at first desire to void of these three subgroups did not differ significantly from that of the group as a whole.