Structural and chemical analysis of C : H,O /Si : H,O multilayers deposited by reactive RF sputtering

Hydro-oxygenated carbon (C : H,O) and silicon (Si : H,O) layers are deposited by RF sputtering of graphite and silicon targets in a mixture of argon, hydrogen and oxygen gases. C : H,O/Si : H,O/C : H,O/Si : H,O... multilayers are obtained by sequential deposition of C : H,O and Si : H,O layers. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques have been used to analyse the formed multilayers. The IR spectra made on as deposited structures show the presence of Si---C, Si---O, C---O, Si---H, C---H and C=C bonds. This result indicates an interfacial reactivity between Si : H,O and C : H,O layers. The latter result is confirmed by the XPS measurements. After an annealing at 850°c for two hours under argon atmosphere (10^-3 mbar), the concentration of the Si---C bonds is increased by a factor two while the Si---H and C---H bonds disappear complet The GIXD measurements show that the multilayers are amorphous when annealed below 750°C, and they are crystallized with the formation of the α-SiC phase if the heat treatment is made at 850°C. The mean size of the microcrystallites is 50 Å about.     

Highly reliable 200 mW AlGaAs laser diode with fundamental transverse mode

A highly reliable 200 mW AlGaAs laser diode with a fundamental transverse mode has been developed, by optimising its structure with a 0.8 mu m thick p-cladding layer, a 1200 mu m long cavity length, and a front facet coating with a low reflectivity of 2%. The maximum output power was 500 mW, and stable fundamental transverse mode operation was obtained up to 350 mW. Stable operation under 200 mW and 50 degrees C was confirmed for more than 1200 h. Optical feedback noise was below 3*10/sup -14/ Hz/sup -1/.<>     

Afterburner [network-independent card for protocols]

Many current implementations of protocols such as the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) are inefficient because data are often accessed more frequently than necessary. Three techniques that reduce the need for memory bandwidth are proposed. The techniques are copy-on-write, page remapping, and single-copy. Afterburner, a network-independent card that provides the services that are necessary for a single-copy protocol stack, is described. The card has 1 MByte of local buffers and provides a simple interface to a variety of network link adapters, including HIPPI and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Afterburner can support transfers to and from the link adapter card at rates up to 1 Gbit/s. An implementation of TCP/IP that uses the features provided by Afterburner to reduce the movement of data to a single copy is discussed. Measurements of the end-to-end performance of Afterburner and the single-copy implementation of TCP/IP are presented     

Dietary α-Tocopheryl Acetate Enhances Beef Quality in Holstein and Beef Breed Steers

The effect of long-term feeding (252 days) of three supplemental levels of α-tocopheryl acetate (actual 0, 360 and 1290 IU/head/day) on meat quality was evaluated in Holstein and beef breed steers. Tissue vitamin E concentrations were increased by each increment of supplementation. The color display life of fresh beef under simulated retail conditions was extended 2 to 5 days by vitamin E and lipid oxidation was markedly reduced. Microbial population was not affected by level of supplementation. No deterioration in sensory quality occurred for steaks from supplemented steers that were displayed until the time steaks from unsupplemented steers discolored.     

Versuchsplanung in der Holzforschung unter Berücksichtigung der Repräsentativität der Ergebnisse sowie des Arbeitsaufwands

In the frame of a preliminary investigation the oven-dry density and some morphological fibre characteristics have been compared among different Balsam poplar clones. The analysis of variance in an one-way layout has been used as a statistical test. The test power has been estimated from a given initial sample tree size. The recommended sample tree size could be considerably reduced for the main investigation programme to follow. Nevertheless the necessary accuracy of the statistical results could be kept. An uneffective over-expenditure of labour and time could he decisively avoided.     

Correlation between serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and ferritin in male blood donors with antibody to hepatitis C virus

Chronic hepatitis C has been demonstrated to be associated with hepatic iron overload, and the hypothesis that the disease activity of hepatitis C is associated with iron cytotoxicity was tested in male volunteer blood donors. Sera with either antibody to hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B surface antigen were selected for determination of ferritin concentration and alanine aminotransferase activity. A correlation between serum ferritin concentration (Y; microgram/l) and alanine aminotransferase activity (X; IU/l) was found in donors with antibody to hepatitis C (log Y = 0.65 x log X + 0.98, r = 0.53, and P < 0.01). The correlation was lower in donors with hepatitis B surface antigen (r = 0.37; P < 0.01). Hepatitis C virus infection probably induces time-dependent iron accumulation associated with the progression of disease activity, while hepatitis B virus infection results in a variety of iron loads with different clinical features. The high disease activity related to hyperferritinemia suggests the presence of iron-induced liver damage in donors with hepatitis C.     

Solubilization of Glibenclamide with β-Cyclodextrin & its Derivatives

Gilbenclamide, a widely used potent hypoglycaemic agent was solubllized using β -Cyclodextrin and β -Cyclodextrin derivatives. Complexes were prepared by kneading method in a molar ratio of 1:1 of the drug and the cyclodextrlns respectively. The Glibenclamide β -Cyelocextrin complex was characterized and evaluated by I.R. studies, Differential Scanning Calorimotry 6 X-ray diffractometry. The in-vitro dissolution rates of drug from inclusion complexes of β Cyclodextrins and its derivatives were compared. A significant Improvement In dissolution lor, rates of Gllbenclamide was observed with Inclusion complexes of all the Cyclodextrins. However, the solubilizing effect was more in case of β-Cyclodextrin derivatives.     

Technology combats disabilities

The author focusses on advances in equipment that offset physically functional limitations. He discusses how disabled and elderly people are using aids that enhance mobility (walking a certain distance, lifting a weight, or climbing stairs) as well as sensory faculties (seeing print, hearing conversation, and speaking intelligibly)