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In this work, modification in structural and electrical properties of zirconium nitride (ZrN) thin films induced by silicon-ion irradiation is studied. ZrN thin films are grown on glass substrate over Zirconium (Zr) layer using cathodic arc evaporation method. The samples of the film are irradiated with silicon ions of energy 2.08 MeV at different fluences ranging from 5 × 1 0 1 3 ions/cm − 2 to 5 × 1 0 1 5 ions/cm − 2 . The structural and electrical properties of the prepared films are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and four-point probe method. XRD analysis shows significant shift in the peak corresponding to (111) crystallographic plane of ZrN at low fluence (5 × 1 0 1 3 ions/cm − 2 ) while modest peak shift at high fluence rate (5 × 1 0 1 5 ions/cm − 2 ) is observed. Under the electrical properties point of view, it is observed that the decrease in resistivity is small at high ion fluence as compared to that at low ion fluence. At highest fluence of 5 × 1 0 1 5 ions/cm − 2 , resistivity of the irradiated sample approaches the resistivity of the un-irradiated sample indicating very small changes in structure at very high dose irradiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Duration of Inflation in pneumatic balloon dilatation as treatment of achalasia has been variable ranging from 15 s to 6 min. A 60 s duration appears to be most often used. We compared the efficacy of dilation of achalasia with either 6- or 60-s inflation duration using a Rigiflex dilator of 3.0 cm diameter. Methods: Eighty-one consecutive patients were prospectively studied in a randomized fashion, 41 in the 60-s group (A) and 40 patients in the 6-s group (B). Mean age of group A was 43 ± 16,2 yr and of group B was 40 ± 16.4 yr. Symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, heartburn, regurgitation, and night cough were evaluated at basal (before dilation), 1- and 6-month intervals after dilation in both groups. Barium swallow was done to assess esophageal emptying 1 wk before dilation and 5 min postdilation in both groups. Results: Significant and sustained improvement was seen for all symptoms in both groups. In addition, the degree of improvement in symptom scores between the two groups was similar. Barium esophagram in both groups at basal and immediately postdilalion showed significant improvement in barium emptying but there was no significant difference between the two groups, indicative of equal efficacy in both distention times, Two patients needed repeat dilatation in group A and one in group B, with one drop out from group A, who was lost to follow-up, and was excluded from the analysis. No perforation occurred. Conclusion: Short duration of pneumatic balloon dilatation (6-s) is as effective as longer duration 160-s) in treatment of achalasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]