Commentary: Esophageal carcinoma confined to the wall--the need for immediate definitive therapy

Twenty-six Holstein calves with clinical and pathological effects suggesting a toxic plant intoxication were studied. A view of the plants in the region and blood examination (hemogram, albumin, total protein, calcium and phosphorus) and determination of bone calcium were done. Five calves were slaughtered and pathological examinations were performed. Observed metabolic, pathological and clinical alterations were compatible with intoxication from Cestrum diurnum.     

Broadband microstrip patch antenna

The characteristics of a rectangular microstrip antenna with an L-shaped probe are investigated. A foam layer with a thickness of around 10% of the wavelength is used as the supporting substrate. An impedance bandwidth of 35% and an average gain of 7.5 dBi can be achieved. The radiation pattern is stable across the passband     

Nitrogen oxide in the treatment of oxygenation failure in neonates

Oxygenation problems are common in very sick infants, and involve a high risk of mortality or residual morbidity. We describe two infants with severe oxygenation difficulties. In one baby these were caused by meconium aspiration, while in the second, premature (1,500 g birth weight) infant Escherichia coli septicemia had precipitated persistent pulmonary hypertension. Inhaled nitric oxide led to immediate improvement in oxygenation, and the one infant was weaned off mechanical ventilatory support after four days, the other after ten days. There were no discernible side effects in either baby. Nitric oxide treatment should be considered for infants with life-threatening oxygenation problems who do not respond adequately to conventional management.     

Evaluation of brain injury related behavioral disturbances in community mental health centers

As a result of improved emergency trauma services, more individuals suffering a traumatic brain injury are surviving. Unfortunately, most of these survivors suffer chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae related to both the brain damage and the psychosocial impact of the injury on self-esteem, self-image, primary role, and vocational function. Current community supports are often inadequate to deal with the complex array of neurologic and psychiatric difficulties. This article outlines common features of brain injury, explores the link between these features and the common neuropsychiatric sequelae of brain injury, and suggests some principles helpful in the evaluation of the behaviorally challenged brain injured patient.     

Nitric oxide, the biological mediator of the decade: fact or fiction?

Nitric oxide (NO), an atmospheric gas and free radical, is also an important biological mediator in animals and humans. Its enzymatic synthesis by constitutive (c) and inducible (i) isoforms of NO synthase (NOS) and its reactions with other biological molecules such as reactive oxygen species are well characterized. NO modulates pulmonary and systemic vascular tone through its vasodilator property. It has antithrombotic functions and mediates some consequences of the innate and acute inflammatory responses; cytokines and bacterial toxins induce widespread expression of iNOS associated with microvascular and haemodynamic changes in sepsis. Within the lungs, a diminution of NO production is implicated in pathological states associated with pulmonary hypertension, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome: inhaled NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator and can improve ventilation-perfusion mismatch. However, it may have deleterious effects through modulating hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Inhibitors of NOS may be of benefit in inotrope-refractory septic shock, but toxicity of newly developed selective iNOS inhibitors have prevented clinical trials of efficacy. An expanding literature on the origins and measurement of NO in exhaled breath implicates NO as a potentially useful marker of disease activity in respiratory tract inflammation in the future. This report reviews some aspects of research into the clinical importance of nitric oxide.     

Defect and error tolerance in the presence of massive numbers of defects

As scaling approaches the physical limits of devices, we will continue to see increasing levels of process variations, noise, and defect densities. Many applications today can tolerate certain levels of errors resulting from such factors. We introduce a new approach for error tolerance resulting in chips containing only error acceptable for such applications.     

Development of a magnetron-enhanced plasma process for tungstenetchback with response-surface methodology

A two-step etchback process to form tungsten plugs in submicron contacts and vias has been developed. the process uses an Applied Materials Inc., P5000 WCVD magnetron-enhanced, single-wafer system with an experimental design and response-surface methodology. Tungsten is first etched with an Ar/SF₆ mixture until excited N₂ molecules from the underlying TiN adhesion layer are detected in the plasma. Residual TiN is then etched for a fixed time with an Ar/Cl ₂ plasma. Both steps employ a rotating 0.5-Hz magnetic field. Although the use of the magnetic field has no pronounced effect on the etch rate of either film, it provides broad regions of high etch uniformity. In addition, the DC-bias voltage measured as part of the TiN study decreases with increasing magnetic field strength without reducing the etch rate of the film