Niobium-tantalum oxide as a material platform for linear and nonlinear integrated photonics.

Here we realize the first reported integrated photonic devices fabricated using sputtered niobium-tantalum oxide films. Sputtered niobium-tantalum oxide films are highly promising for integrated photonics as they are scalable to high volume manufacturing, possess high refractive index, and are transparent in the ultraviolet through near infrared wavelength range. At a wavelength near 1550 nm, we observe propagation losses as low as 0.

Secondary leukemias in refractory germ cell tumor patients undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation using high-dose etoposide.

Purpose: To quantify the risk of secondary leukemias in relapsed testicular cancer patients undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation with high-dose etoposide.

Patients And Methods: Single institution, retrospective study of germ cell tumor patients who underwent autologous transplantation using high-dose etoposide from 1987 to 2001.

Results: One hundred thirteen patients received high-dose etoposide and carboplatin followed by autologous stem-cell transplantations for germ cell tumors.

Learning the thyroid examination--a multimodality intervention for internal medicine residents.

Background: Many physicians have inadequate physical diagnosis skills and cannot detect thyroid abnormalities on physical examination.

Purpose: To evaluate a multimodality intervention to improve thyroid examination skills using a prospective controlled trial in first-year residents enrolled in an academic internal medicine program.

Methods: The intervention group received a 60-minute educational session during which an endocrinologist described anatomical landmarks, thyroid abnormalities, and examination techniques using a slide show, computerized animation, videotape, and live demonstration on a volunteer with goiter.