bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ low-angle x-ray scattering study of phase separation in initially mixed HfO2–SiO2 thin film interfaces
Authors: Ha Jeong-Hee , Chi David , McIntyre Paul C.
Published: December 2004

In this letter, we report on phase separation kinetics at initially mixed interfaces of HfO2–SiO2 multilayers measured by low-angle x-ray scattering. Multilayers were fabricated by sputtering and ultraviolet ozone oxidation of ultrathin Hf and Si precursor films. The multilayers were subjected to isothermal anneals in the temperature range 680–762 °C during in situ x-ray scattering measurements. The evolution of the intensity of the multilayer x-ray satellite peaks, the Fourier components of the composition modulation, were consistent with diffusional phase separation of HfO2 and SiO2 during the anneals. The effective interdiffusivity D̃L of the HfO2–SiO2 alloy present at the interfaces in the as-deposited multilayers was estimated from the measured intensity change of the first-order satellite reflection as a function of annealing time. The extracted activation energy for the phase separation process was 2.06±0.15eV for the multilayer samples studied.
Low-threshold continuous-wave operation of quantum-cascade lasers grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Troccoli Mariano , Bour David , Corzine Scott , Höfler Gloria , Tandon Ashish , Mars Dan , Smith David J. , Diehl Laurent , Capasso Federico
Published: December 2004

We report on the realization of InGaAs∕InAlAs quantum-cascade lasers grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy operating in continuous wave with low-threshold current densities at temperatures as high as 188K. Threshold current densities of 950A∕cm2 and output powers of 125mW are measured at 80K, while 3mW of continuous output power are measured at 180K, with a threshold of 2.5kA∕cm2. In pulsed mode, peak output powers of more than 0.4W were obtained at 80K and of 160mW at 300K with thresholds of 700A∕cm2 and 2.75kA∕cm2, respectively.
Highly sensitive detector for submillimeter wavelength range
Authors: Hashiba H. , Antonov V. , Kulik L. , Komiyama S. , Stanley C.
Published: December 2004

A highly sensitive detector of submillimeter wavelength radiation is reported. The detector consists of a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) and a metallic single-electron transistor (SET). The SET detects change in the potential distribution induced by photon absorption within the QD. We have fabricated and studied this detector at wavelengths longer than 200μm. High sensitivity, ∼10−20W∕Hz in terms of noise equivalent power, is found. Further optimization of the detector design is suggested.
Near-ideal Schottky contact on quaternary AlInGaN epilayer lattice-matched with GaN
Authors: Liu Y. , Egawa T. , Jiang H. , Zhang B. , Ishikawa H. , Hao M.
Published: December 2004

Pd ∕ Ti ∕ Au and Ni∕Au Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were demonstrated on quaternary AlInGaN. Current–voltage properties indicated that near-ideal and high-performance SBDs had been realized with ideality factor of 1.05, 1.07 and barrier height of 1.32, 0.98eV for Pd and Ni SBDs, respectively. Capacitance–voltage measurement revealed that the high-density two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) located at the AlInGaN∕GaN interface. Ruling out the possible contribution from piezoelectric polarization and conduction band offset, we believe that the formation of 2DEG is due to the existence of large spontaneous polarization in AlInGaN layer, which experimentally verifies the feasible application of quaternary AlInGaN in the high-electron-mobility transistor.
A growth pathway for highly ordered quantum dot arrays
Authors: Liang Jianyu , Luo Hailin , Beresford Rod , Xu Jimmy
Published: December 2004

To realize the desired zero-dimensional behavior of a quantum dot ensemble, the ability to fabricate quantum dots with a high packing density and a high degree of size, shape, and spacing uniformity is crucial. Here we report highly ordered InAs nanodot arrays grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on nonlithographically nanopatterned GaAs. Approximately 20 billion dots are grown in a 1cm2 area with the smallest size dispersion ever reported and forming a lateral superlattice in hexagonal dense packing form. These techniques presage a pathway to controlled growth of periodic quantum dot superstructures, which offer macroscopic spatial coherence in the interaction of quantum dots with radiation.
Ga
+
implantation in the organic crystal (TMTSF)2PF6 by focused ion beam
Authors: Wang K. , Schneegans O. , Moradpour A. , Jomard F.
Published: December 2004

Ga ion implantation in the organic crystal (TMTSF)2PF6 (TMTSF: tetramethyl tetraselena fulvalene) is performed using focused ion beam. It is shown that heavy-ion deep implantation inside the sample is obtained for relatively weak ion energy. The electric conduction of the impact areas, at first strongly reduced by ion irradiation, is observed to be reinforced by further ion implantation. The conduction behaviors of the Ga-rich zones can be described by a small polaron hopping model.
Voltage-induced degradation in self-aligned polycrystalline silicon gate n-type field-effect transistors with HfO2 gate dielectrics
Authors: Park Jaehoo , Cho Moonju , Park Hong Bae , Park Tae Joo , Lee Suk Woo , Hong Sug Hun , Jeong Doo Seok , Lee Chihoon , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: December 2004

The voltage-induced degradation in the threshold voltage of field-effect transistors using atomic layer deposited HfO2-gate dielectrics was studied. Si channel surfaces of some samples were in situ pretreated using O3 flow before HfO2 deposition, which formed a very thin SiO2 interfacial layer. This avoided a shift of the threshold voltage up to a stress time of 1000s under inversion condition at +3V gate voltage. The transistors without O3 pretreatment showed a serious change in the threshold voltage by electron trapping. A leakage current measurement under inversion condition showed that the leakage current was not the major factor that controlled the degradation. Instead, the interfacial traps resulting from the Si suboxide formation for the cases without O3 pretreatment appeared to constitute the major reason for the degradation.
Resistive limitations to spatially inhomogeneous electronic losses in solar cells
Authors: Rau U. , Grabitz P. O. , Werner J. H.
Published: December 2004

Spatial variations of the electronic properties of solar cells are simulated with the help of a multi-diode model. Increasing the local series resistance limits the degradation of the overall performance by reducing losses of the open circuit voltage originating from cell areas with minor electronic quality. At the same time, the fill factor of the device decreases such that an optimum local series resistance for maximum power conversion efficiency is found. The value of the optimum series resistance depends on the degree of electronic inhomogeneity. Thus, optimization rules for spatially uniform solar cells are different from those for nonuniform cells.
Characterization of bulk and surface currents in strain-balanced InGaAs quantum-well mesa diodes
Authors: Kelleher C. , Ginige R. , Corbett B. , Clarke G.
Published: December 2004

We compare the electrical and optical characteristics of mesa diodes based on In0.62Ga0.38As∕In0.45Ga0.55As strain-balanced multiple-quantum wells (SB-MQW) with lattice-matched (LM) In0.53Ga0.47As diodes. The dark current density of the SB-MQW devices is at least an order of magnitude lower than the LM devices for voltages >0.4V. Sidewall recombination current is only measured on SB-MQW diodes when exposed to a damaging plasma. While radiative recombination current dominates in the SB-MQW diodes, it is less than the diffusive current in the LM diodes for the same applied voltage.
High quality light guide plates that can control the illumination angle based on microprism structures
Authors: Feng Di , Jin Guofan , Yan Yingbai , Fan Shoushan
Published: December 2004

In order to make the backlight system thinner and brighter, we propose a high quality poly(methylmethacrylate) light guide plate (LGP) based on microprism structures, which can be designed to control the illumination angle, and to get enough uniformity of intensity, so the backlight system will be simplified to use only one LGP and requires no other optical sheets. Design results reveal that our LGP can achieve a uniformity of intensity better than 86%, and get an illumination angle between ±25°, without using any optical sheets.
Surface potential measurements of AlGaN∕GaN high-electron-mobility transistors by Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Nakagami Kohei , Ohno Yutaka , Kishimoto Shigeru , Maezawa Koichi , Mizutani Takashi
Published: December 2004

Surface potential of the AlGaN∕GaN high-electron-mobility transistors was measured by Kelvin probe force microscopy to study the mechanism of the drain current collapse. The potential after the gate bias stress increased due to the emission of trapped electrons from the surface states. The time constant of the potential increase (75 s) was comparable to the time constant of the drain current recovery from the collapsed level.
Microfabricated suspensions for electrical connections on the tunable elastomer membrane
Authors: Hung Paul J. , Jeong Kihun , Liu Gang L. , Lee Luke P.
Published: December 2004

Electrical connections through microfabricated suspensions on a pneumatically pumped elastomer membrane were demonstrated. A method to fabricate the suspensions on the elastomer membrane was developed. The elastomer membrane was 1 mm in diameter and 120 μm in thickness. Resistances of the microfabricated suspensions measured across the elastomer membrane were within 1% difference when the membrane’s center deflection ranged from 0 to 100 μm, which corresponded to a numerical aperture change from 0 to 0.2 as well as a 2.6% elongation of the elastomer.
Efficient second-harmonic generation of ultrafast pulses in periodically poled KNbO3
Authors: Yu Nan Ei , Kurimura Sunao , Kitamura Kenji , Jeon Oc-Yeub , Cha Myoungsik , Ashihara Satoshi , Ohta Takayuki , Shimura Tsutomu , Kuroda Kazuo , Hirohashi Junji
Published: December 2004

Efficient second-harmonic generation of 95 fs pulses were achieved by simultaneous group-velocity matching and quasi-phase matching in a 10 mm long periodically poled potassium niobate crystal. The quasi-phase-matched bandwidth was 38 nm and second-harmonic pulse duration was 158 fs with a fundamental input pulse of 95 fs without spectral and temporal distortion in the S-band of telecommunication. Utilizing the larger off-diagonal nonlinear coefficient, d31 of potassium niobate, the conversion efficiency was significantly improved from that of periodically poled MgO-doped lithium niobate. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 82, 3388 (2003)]
Localized field reduction and rate limitation in visible light photon counters
Authors: Bross A. , Estrada J. , Rubinov P. , Garcia C. , Hoeneisen B.
Published: December 2004

We observe the effect of localized field reduction (LFR) in visible light photon counters (VLPCs) by measuring the bias current of the device after a light pulse, and find it consistent with being produced by avalanches that have an average transverse dimension of ≈12μm2. The characteristic recovery time for the device after an avalanche is measured to be ≈3.5ms, and is a function of bias voltage and temperature. A simple model is presented to describe the performance drop of the VLPCs with rate as a consequence of LFR.
Nanoparticle iron-phosphate anode material for Li-ion battery
Authors: Son Dongyeon , Kim Eunjin , Kim Tae-Gon , Kim Min Gyu , Cho Jaephil , Park Byungwoo
Published: December 2004

Nanoparticle crystalline iron phosphates (FePO4∙2H2O and FePO4) were synthesized using a (CTAB) surfactant as an anode material for Li rechargeable batteries. The electrochemical properties of the nanoparticle iron phosphates were characterized with a voltage window of 2.4–0 V. A variscite orthorhombic FePO4∙2H2O showed a large initial charge capacity of 609mAh∕g. On the other hand, a tridymite triclinic FePO4 exhibited excellent cyclability: the capacity retention up to 30 cycles was ∼80%, from 485 to 375mAh∕g. The iron phosphate anodes exhibited the highest reported capacity, while the cathode LiFePO4 has an ideal capacity of 170mAh∕g.
Impacts of metal electrode and molecule orientation on the conductance of a single molecule
Authors: Geng W. T. , Nara Jun , Ohno Takahisa
Published: December 2004

We present first-principles investigation of electrical conductance of a benzene-1,4-dithiolate (SC6H4S) molecule bridging the (111) surfact of Pt and Au carried out using the Lippmann–Schwinger scattering method combined with the density functional theory. We show that Pt makes better electrodes than noble metals, due to a closer positioning of the transmission resonance to the Fermi level. Interestingly, we find that the peak transmission corresponding to the highest occupied molecular orbital decreases with the increasing of the tilting angle of the benzene dithiolate. Moreover, the flattening comes together with a widening of the peak, and consequently, the transmission at the Fermi level is enhanced.
Nearly attaining the theoretical efficiency of supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine lasers
Authors: Rybalkin V. , Katz A. , Barmashenko B. D. , Rosenwaks S.
Published: December 2004

Improving the chemical efficiency of the supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) is a key issue for the design of devices for both defense and industrial applications. Efficiencies around 30% for the supersonic COIL have been the state of the art in the last decade. Here, we report the achievement of a record (40%) for the chemical efficiency of the supersonic COIL. More specifically, we show that by carefully studying and optimizing the operation of the chemical generator, the mixing of heavy and light molecules in the gas phase and the optical extraction efficiency, we have approached the theoretical limit for the chemical efficiency.
Patterned nanoclusters in the indium-doped SrTiO3 films
Authors: Zhang M. , Ma X. L. , Li D. X. , Lu H. B. , Chen Z. H. , Yang G. Z.
Published: December 2004

Highly dense, dimensionally uniform, and self-organized nanoclusters have been formed in the indium-doped SrTiO3 film, which was grown by computer-controlled laser molecular-beam epitaxy on SrTiO3 substrate. On the basis of transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional strain mapping from a high-resolution lattice image, it is found that the nanoclusters exhibit a dome-shaped structure with a flat bottom, whose diameter distribution ranges from 1.6 nm to 6.4 nm. Nanobeam composition analysis shows that the nanoclusters are rich of doping element compared with their surrounding medium.
Microscopic analysis of low-frequency flux noise in YBa2Cu3O7 direct current superconducting quantum interference devices
Authors: Doenitz D. , Straub R. , Kleiner R. , Koelle D.
Published: December 2004

We use low-temperature scanning electron microscopy combined with superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) detection of magnetic flux to image vortices and to investigate low-frequency flux noise in YBa2Cu3O7 thin film SQUIDs. The low-frequency flux noise shows a nonlinear increase with magnetic cooling field up to 60μT. This effect is explained by the surface potential barrier at the SQUID hole. By correlating flux noise data with the spatial distribution of vortices, we obtain information on spatial fluctuations of vortices on a microscopic scale, e.g., an average vortex hopping length of ∼10nm.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: Oguni Hirokazu
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: The correct diagnosis of epilepsy leads to an appropriate treatment.

Methods: The first step is to distinguish epileptic seizures from nonepileptic attacks, and to make a precise seizure diagnosis and classification. The next step is to identify the etiology or basic disorders underlying the epilepsy by physical and neurologic examinations, laboratory tests, including EEGs and neuroradiologic examinations. Although the EEG is the most important laboratory examination for the diagnosis of epilepsy, limitations of EEG interpretations must be recognized.

Results: A syndromic classification of the patients, to determine whether they fit known syndromes, should be attempted. If patients do not match a described syndrome, a neurobiologic approach, utilizing genetic, neurophysiological, and neuropharmacologic knowledge, alternatively provides useful information to understand the neurobiologic background of epilepsy.

Conclusions: Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. Both approaches can be used interchangeably with patients with seizure disorders, depending upon their condition. The epilepsy diagnosis, etiology, and seizure‐type diagnosis should be reevaluated when seizure control is insufficient with first‐ and second‐line antiepileptic drugs.
Physical and Psychomotor Development in the Offspring Born to Mothers with Epilepsy
Authors: Hirano Takayuki , Fujioka Kuniko , Okada Motohiro , Iwasa Hiroto , Kaneko Sunao
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Psychomotor development of 71 children born to mothers with epilepsy was prospectively studied and compared to those of 99 controls matched for age, maternal educational level and age, and socioeconomic status. Intrauterine growth retardation disappeared before age 3 years. Assessment at age 1.5 years revealed that exposure to seizures, high dose of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero, and small head circumference at birth affected development quotient (DQ) scores of motor or linguistic abilities or both. DQ scores of motor ability of children of mothers with complex partial seizures were lower than those with simple partial seizures when assessed at age 3 years. Assessments at age 1.5 years revealed that the total daily dose of AEDs correlated negatively with DQ scores of motor ability, and at age 3 years, maternal educational level affected DQ scores of some fields, including linguistic ability. The effects of AED exposure in utero and the occurrence of maternal seizures on the development of offspring were found to matter more at the younger age, but later on, the child care environment and, in particular, maternal ability of child‐rearing, became more important. Our findings indicate that careful and regular follow‐ups are needed to monitor the developmental stages of children of mothers with epilepsy, and the introduction of a day nursery should be suggested if necessary.
Defining eradication units to control invasive pests
Authors: ROBERTSON BRUCE C. , GEMMELL NEIL J.
Published: December 2004

Pest eradication is an important facet of conservation and ecological restoration and has been applied successfully to invasive rat species on offshore and oceanic islands. Successful eradication requires the definition of a target population that is of manageable size, with low recolonization risk. We applied a molecular genetic approach to the identification of populations suitable for eradication (eradication units) to provide a new tool to assist the management of brown ratsRattus norvegicuson South Georgia (Southern Ocean).

A single eradication attempt on South Georgia (4000 km2) would be an order of magnitude larger than any previously successful rat eradication programme (110 km2). However, rats are demarcated into glacially isolated populations, which could allow sequential eradication. We examined genetic variation at 18 nuclear microsatellite loci to identify gene flow between two glacially isolated rat populations. One population, Greene Peninsula (30 km2), was earmarked for an eradication trial.

Genetic diversity in 40 rats sampled from each population showed a pronounced level of genetic population differentiation, allowing individuals to be assigned to the correct population of origin.

Our study suggests limited or negligible gene flow between the populations and that glaciers, permanent ice and icy waters restrict rat dispersal on South Georgia. Such barriers define eradication units that, with due care, could be eradicated with low risk of recolonization, hence facilitating the removal of brown rats from South Georgia.

Synthesis and applications. We propose that the molecular definition of eradication units is a valuable approach to management as it (i) provides a temporal perspective to gene flow, which is important if dispersal events are rare; (ii) allows an eradication failure (i.e. surviving individuals) to be distinguished from a recolonization event, opening the way for adaptive management in the face of failure; and (iii) can aid the management of pest species in habitat continua by resolving meta‐population dynamics, so guiding pest eradication/control strategies. This study further illustrates the developing array of applied ecological issues in which molecular techniques can help guide management.
A study of cross‐reactions between mango contact allergens and urushiol
Authors: Oka Keiko , Saito Fumio , Yasuhara Tadashi , Sugimoto Akiko
Published: December 2004

The allergens causing mango dermatitis have long been suspected to be alk(en)yl catechols and/or alk(en)yl resorcinols on the basis of observed cross‐sensitivity reactions to mango in patients known to be sensitive to poison ivy and oak (Toxicodendron spp.). Earlier, we reported the 3 resorcinol derivatives: heptadecadienylresorcinol (I), heptadecenylresorcinol (II) and pentadecylresorcinol (III); collectively named ‘mangol’, as mango allergens. In this study, we extracted the 1st 2 components (I and II) from the Philippine mango, adjusted them to 0.05% concentration in petrolatum and patch tested the components on 2 subjects with mango dermatitis. Both subjects reacted to I. 1 subject also elicited a weaker positive reaction to II. To investigate the cross‐reaction between mangol and urushiol, we also patch tested the same subjects with urushiol. The subject sensitive to II reacted to urushiol. 6 subjects with a history of lacquer contact dermatitis and positive reactions to urushiol were similarly patch tested. 5 persons reacted to I. 2 subjects also exhibited a slower but positive reaction to II. This is the 1st report in which heptadec(adi)enyl resorcinols known to be present in mango have been shown to elicit positive patch test reactions in mango‐sensitive patients.
Contact urticaria from Emla® cream
Authors: Waton J. , Boulanger A. , Trechot P. H. , Schmutz J. L. , Barbaud A.
Published: December 2004

We report the first case of immediate‐type hypersensitivity caused by Emla® cream. A 55‐year‐old woman, after using Emla® cream, went on to develop urticaria. An open test was positive to Emla® cream. Patch tests and prick tests were performed with Emla® cream, the components of Emla® cream (lidocaine, prilocaine and castor oil) and other local anaesthetics. The patch test with lidocaine and the prick test with Emla® cream were both positive. An intradermal test and subcutaneous administration of 3 anaesthetics that had negative patch tests and prick tests were performed and well tolerated, allowing their use. In the literature, anaphylactic reactions to lidocaine injections, delayed‐type hypersensitivity after lidocaine subcutaneous injections and contact dermatitis from Emla® cream have all been described. This first case of contact urticaria from Emla® cream was due to lidocaine and did not show any cross‐reaction with other local anaesthetics.
Occupational Disease and Workers' Compensation: Coverage, Costs, and Consequences
Authors: LEIGH J. PAUL , ROBBINS JOHN A.
Published: December 2004

Most of the costs of occupational disease are not covered by workers' compensation. First, the authors estimated the deaths and costs for all occupational disease in 1999, using epidemiological studies. Among the greatest contributors were job‐related cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and circulatory disease. Second, the authors estimated the number of workers' compensation cases, costs, and deaths for 1999, using data from up to 16 states representing all regions of the country. Unlike the epidemiological studies that emphasized fatal diseases, the workers' compensation estimates emphasized nonfatal diseases and conditions like tendonitis and hernia. Comparisons of the epidemiological and workers' compensation estimates suggest that in 1999, workers' compensation missed roughly 46,000 to 93,000 deaths and $8 billion to $23 billion in medical costs. These deaths and costs represented substantial cost shifting from workers' compensation systems to individual workers, their families, private medical insurance, and taxpayers (through Medicare and Medicaid). Designing policies to reduce the cost shifting and its associated inefficiency will be challenging.
POOR NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND INFLAMMATION: Metabolic Acidosis and Malnutrition‐Inflammation Complex Syndrome in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Mehrotra Rajnish , Fouque Denis , Kopple Joel D.
Published: December 2004

Metabolic acidosis, a common condition in patients with renal failure, may be linked to protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) and inflammation, together also known as malnutrition‐inflammation complex syndrome (MICS). Methods of serum bicarbonate measurement may misrepresent the true bicarbonate level, since the total serum carbon dioxide measurement usually overestimates the serum bicarbonate concentration. Moreover, the air transportation of blood samples to distant laboratories may lead to erroneous readings. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), a significant number of endocrine, musculoskeletal, and metabolic abnormalities are believed to result from acidemia. Metabolic acidosis may be related to PEM and MICS due to an increased protein catabolism, decreased protein synthesis, endocrine abnormalities including insulin resistance, decreased serum leptin level, and inflammation among individuals with renal failure. Evidence suggests that the catabolic effects of metabolic acidosis may result from an increased activity of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent ubiquitin‐proteasome and branched‐chain keto acid dehydrogenase. In contrast to the metabolic studies, many epidemiologic studies in maintenance dialysis patients have indicated a paradoxically inverse association between mildly decreased serum bicarbonate and improved markers of protein‐energy nutritional state. Hence metabolic acidosis may be considered as yet another element of the reverse epidemiology in ESRD patients. Interventional studies have yielded inconsistent results in CKD and ESRD patients, although in peritoneal dialysis patients, mitigating acidemia appears to more consistently improve nutritional status and reduce hospitalizations. Large‐scale, prospective randomized interventional studies are needed to ascertain the potential benefits of correcting acidemia in malnourished and/or inflamed CKD and maintenance hemodialysis patients. Until then, all attempts should be made to adhere to the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease and Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative guidelines to maintain a serum bicarbonate level in ESRD patients of at least 22 mEq/L.
POOR NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND INFLAMMATION: Metabolic Consequences of Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Burkart John
Published: December 2004

Optimization of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) prescription includes attempts to normalize the patient's blood pressure and extracellular volume. To do so, one must utilize crystalloid or colloid osmotic agents to achieve ultrafiltration. These osmotic agents are systemically absorbed and thus have both potential benefits and adverse effects. With glucose‐based dialysate solutions, the average patient absorbs 300–450 kcal of glucose per day on either continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or the cycler. The amount of glucose absorbed varies based on peritoneal transport characteristics, prescription, and tonicity of fluids used. Alternative osmotic agents such as amino acids and macromolecular solutions, including polypeptides and polyglucose (icodextrin) solutions, have a different rate of systemic absorption and thus a different caloric load profile. In addition, there are protein losses that average about 10 g/day with glucose‐based solutions and glucose losses with either amino acid or icodextrin dialysate solutions. There are also potential advantages of these alternative solutions with regard to ultrafiltration. Glucose‐based solutions require the development of significant crystalloid osmotic forces, which are dissipated as glucose is absorbed systemically. In contrast, macromolecular solutions achieve ultrafiltration via differences in colloid osmotic pressure, and the absorption of these agents is of a lesser magnitude than glucose‐based solutions. Further research is needed to determine other potential risks and benefits of these alternative dialysate solutions.
American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Section Editor: Stephen Ash: An Interesting Case of Early Arteriovenous Fistula Failure: How I Would Code It
Authors: Beathard Gerald A.
Published: December 2004

Treatment of early fistula failure can present a challenge as it relates to the evaluation and treatments required for successful management. It can also present a challenge related to accurate and correct coding of the procedures performed. A clinical case is presented in order to discuss the coding of a case with early fistula failure. The procedure is analyzed in detail in order to determine the appropriate codes to apply to the case. The coding is done in accordance with the principles adopted by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN).
American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Section Editor: Stephen Ash: Hemodialysis Vascular Access: Percutaneous Interventions by Nephrologists
Authors: Asif Arif , Merrill Donna , Briones Patricia , Roth David , Beathard Gerald A.
Published: December 2004

Traditionally hemodialysis vascular access‐related procedures have been almost exclusively performed by surgeons and interventional radiologists. In recent years, nephrologists have taken the initiative of performing these procedures themselves. Because of their unique clinical perspective on dialysis access and better understanding of the intricacies of renal replacement therapy, nephrologists are ideally suited for this activity. This approach has minimized delays, decreased hospitalizations, and decreased the use of temporary catheters, thereby improving medical care, decreasing costs, and increasing patient convenience. Vascular access‐related procedures commonly performed by nephrologists include percutaneous balloon angioplasty, thrombectomy, and tunneled hemodialysis catheter‐related procedures. In addition, using vein obliteration and percutaneous balloon angioplasty techniques, nephrologists have recently documented successful salvage of arteriovenous fistulas that had failed to mature, whereas traditionally these fistulas have frequently been abandoned. While the performance of these procedures by nephrologists offers many advantages, appropriate training in order to develop the necessary procedural skills is critical. Recent data have emphasized that a nephrologist can be successfully trained to become a competent interventionalist. In addition to documenting excellent outcome data, multiple reports have demonstrated the safety and success of interventional nephrology. This review focuses on hemodialysis access‐related procedures performed by nephrologists and calls for a proactive approach in optimizing this aspect of patient care.
The side‐effects of plant protection products used in olive cultivation on the hymenopterous egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal
Authors: Youssef A. I. , Nasr F. N. , Stefanos S. S. , Elkhair S. S. A. , Shehata W. A. , Agamy E. , Herz A. , Hassan S. A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Six insecticides (Malathion, Quik, Cidial, Dimethoate, Actellic, Deltamethrin) and two mineral oils (Super misrona and Kemesol) are currently used to control the most important pests in Mediterranean olive cultivation (olive fly, olive moth and black scale). Potential side‐effects of these compounds were tested on the egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal, following recommendations of the working group ‘Pesticides and Beneficial Organisms’ of the International Organization for Biological Control, West Palaearctic Regional Section (IOBC/WPRS). In the present study, three different types of test methods were carried out: (1) initial toxicity dose–response test on adult wasps; (2) initial toxicity test on pupae, using field recommended rates; and (3) persistent test on olive foliage to assess the duration of harmful activity. The six insecticides tested reduced parasitism by 80–95% and rated as moderately harmful at the field recommended doses. The two mineral oils reduced parasitism up to 25% and were therefore rated as harmless to the adult stage of the parasitoid. The results of the pupal test (parasitoid pupa inside the host egg) showed that Malathion was harmless; Quik, Actellic and Cidial were slightly harmful, while Dimethoate and Deltamethrin were moderately harmful. The results of the persistence test on olive foliage showed that Malathion, Quik and Actellic were slightly persistent, while Cidial, Dimethoate and Deltamethrin were moderately persistent.
The fruit fly PUB: a phagostimulation unit bioassay system to quantitatively measure ingestion of baits by individual flies
Authors: Nestel D. , Nemny‐Lavy E. , Zilberg L. , Weiss M. , Akiva R. , Gazit Y.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  A bioassay to investigate quantitative phagostimulation and ingestion physiology of baits on individual fruit flies is presented. The study was undertaken using two fruit fly species: the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), a cosmopolitan insect pest, and the Ethiopian fruit fly (Dacus ciliatus), a quarantine insect in Israel. Our model bait suspension included spinosad as the toxic agent, and 1% yeast hydrolysate with 10% sucrose as phagostimulant. A preliminary toxicology study showed that the two fruit flies are highly sensitive to low concentrations of spinosad baited with this phagostimulant. The maximum concentration needed to kill 90% of the female flies was 4.2 and 8.5 p.p.m. for C. capitata and D. ciliatus, respectively. The bioassay was able to detect the ingestion of low volumes (e.g. 1 μl) of tested solutions. The bioassay was also able to detect differences in intake of different concentrations of spinosad solutions and relate ingestion to fruit fly mortality. Additionally, the bioassay was sensitive enough to highlight differences in intake related to the physiological status of the fruit fly and fly species. The bioassay can also be used to follow ingestion kinetics of baits. We expect that this bioassay will contribute in the exploration of more efficient bait systems for fruit flies.
Host and non‐host odour signals governing host selection by the pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda and the spruce bark beetle, Hylurgops palliatus (Col., Scolytidae)
Authors: Kohnle U.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Tomicus piniperda and Hylurgops palliatus colonize susceptible host trees by responding to host‐specific odour signals as well as by avoiding volatiles emanating from non‐host conifers. In the field, the pine shoot beetle, T. piniperda, responded in high numbers to natural odour sources provided by their host tree, Pinus sylvestris, while the non‐host conifers Larix decidua, Picea abies, or Pseudotsuga menziesii were significantly less attractive. In contrast, the spruce bark beetle, Hylurgops palliatus, preferentially responded to its main host, P. abies. Furthermore, T. piniperda attacks on P. sylvestris bolts decreased in presence of bark and wood particles from the non‐host P. abies, whereas particles from P. menziesii appeared not to affect T. piniperda attacks. Apparently, tree‐specific volatiles act at close range as specific signals that lead to the successful discrimination and colonization of the respective host tree species.
Parasitization of potato tuber moth eggs (Lep., Gelechiidae) from irradiated adults by Trichogramma (Hym., Trichogrammatidae) and control of moth population with combined releases of sterile insect and egg parasitoid
Authors: Saour G.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Eggs of the potato tuber moth (PTM) Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) obtained from 150 or 300 Gy‐irradiated moths, either inbred or out‐crossed to untreated counterparts, were offered as host material to three generalist Trichogramma species; Trichogramma cacoeciae, Trichogramma evanescens, and Trichogramma principium, to determine the ability of these egg parasitoids to develop in F1 sterile eggs. All eggs laid by the different parental crosses at 150 or 300 Gy, were acceptable and suitable for Trichogramma development. However, in no choice and paired comparison tests, eggs from 300 Gy‐irradiated parents were significantly less preferred compared with eggs laid by non‐irradiated moths. No intra‐specific differences for PTM sterile eggs were recorded among the tested Trichogramma species. The mean number of wasps emerging from each egg types was not affected by an interaction between parental crosses and applied doses. Overall, this study demonstrates that release of irradiated and non‐irradiated moths at a 5 : 1 over‐flooding ratio and Trichogramma over potatoes in small plexiglass boxes, is complementary and more effective in reducing PTM F1‐emerged progeny than either technique used alone. The results provide baseline data for developing an integrated control approach by using inherited sterility technique in conjunction with Trichogramma for PTM population suppression.
Antibacterial activity of silkworm hemolymph after hemopoietic organ being injured with radiosurgery
Authors: Zhen‐Li T. , Mei‐Xing S. , Yasuhiko K. , Kenji K.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  To study the effect of hemopoietic organs damage on hemocyte function and antibacterial activity of hemolymph, silkworm ( Bombyx mori) larvae were locally irradiated with carbon ion beams (12C5+, 100 Gy), live and death ratio of hemocytes and antibacterial activity of hemolymph were investigated. For unirradiated controls, the ratio of died hemocytes hardly changed at the fifth instar, but for locally irradiated silkworms, with growth died hemocytes and low‐functional hemocytes increased clearly, and reached an extremely significant level at the later stage of the fifth instar. For irradiated individuals, the phenolxidase activities and sterilization effect of hemolymph were clearly lower than those of controls. So it is considered that after irradiating hemopoietic organs with heavy ion beams, not only the number of hemocytes decreased but the function of hemocytes also dropped, and they at last lead to a decline in immunity.
How to safely compost Cameraria ohridella‐infested horse chestnut leaf litter on private compost heaps
Authors: Kehrli P. , Bacher S.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The horse chestnut leafminer Cameraria ohridella (Lep., Gracillariidae) is a recently introduced invasive pest, which frequently defoliates horse chestnut trees Aesculus hippocastanum already in summer. Currently, the removal of leaf litter, in which pupae of C. ohridella hibernate, is the only effective short‐term control measure available. In the past the deposition of pest‐infested litter on private compost heaps was dissuaded because of the risk of leafminer emergence in the following spring. Thus, the aim of this study was to test safe ways to compost pest‐infested horse chestnut leaf litter on small heaps so that private gardeners can save the costs for leaf disposal. The number of C. ohridella adults emerging from heaps covered with either soil or uninfested foliage was reduced by 96% compared with controls. Only single leafminers emerged from the top covered heaps and there was no difference between the use of soil or uninfested foliage as cover. However, cover did not prevent the emergence of a few leafminers over the sides of the heaps. Overall, we conclude that it is relatively safe to compost C. ohridella‐infested A. hippocastanum leaf litter on small compost heaps provided they are properly covered.
Field efficacy of transgenic cotton containing single and double toxin genes against the Asian corn borer (Lep., Pyralidae)
Authors: He K. , Wang Z. , Bai S. , Zheng L. , Wang Y.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Insect resistant transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is expected to provide satisfactory control of lepidopteran species in the cotton field. The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lep., Pyralidae), is an important component of the lepidopteran pest complex of cotton in China. Insect resistant transgenic cotton cultivars GK2, carrying cry1A gene, and SGK321, carrying both cry1A and CpTI genes, were evaluated for resistance to Asian corn borer. Field trials were conducted with artificial infestation of Asian corn borer at squaring, flowering and flowering‐boll cotton plants, which coincided with the generations of natural Asian corn borer occurrence. Damage ratings were significantly reduced in transgenic cotton cultivars both GK2 and SGK321 compared with their parental non‐transgenic cotton cultivars Simian3 and Shiyuan321, respectively. In addition, percentage of plants stem bored and number of tunnels per plant were significantly higher on GK2 than on SGK321 in the second generation. Laboratory bioassays were carried out by exposing neonates to plant tissues collected from the field. Tissues assayed included the new leaves, match‐head squares and white flowers, which are the tissues initially attacked by the neonates in the field. Low larval survival rates were observed on SGK321 and GK2, contrasting greatly to the high number of survivors found on their non‐transgenic cotton tissue isolated throughout the season. However, larval survival was higher on new leaves isolated from late‐season transgenic cotton plants and fruit tissues than on early‐season. In addition, higher larval survival was observed on GK2 than SGK321 in assays with the late season tissues. This may be associated with reduced levels of available toxin in plant tissues as they age. Both laboratory and field data indicated that SGK321 and GK2 were highly resistant to Asian corn borer. The high level of efficacy for insect resistant transgenic cotton against Asian corn borer offers the potential for season‐long control.
Impacts of elevated CO2 on the population abundance and reproductive activity of aphid Sitobion avenae Fabricius feeding on spring wheat
Authors: Chen F. J. , Wu G. , Ge F.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Kehan 50) plants were grown in pots under three atmospheric CO2 concentrations (ambient, 550 and 750 p.p.m.) in field open‐top chambers (OTCs), with half of the plants subjected to aphid (Sitobion avenae Fabricius) infestation. Increase in CO2 levels increased host plant growth and grain yield, and decreased 1000‐grain dry weight compared with ambient CO2. On the contrary, aphids had a negative effect on 1000‐grain dry weight. Host plants grown at elevated CO2 generally had greater ear starch, sucrose, glucose, total non‐structure carbohydrates (TNCs), ratio of TNC : nitrogen, free amino acids and soluble protein and less ear fructose and nitrogen. However, the aphids did not affect the ear nitrogen and ratio of TNC : nitrogen. The responses of apterous and alate aphids to enrichment CO2 atmosphere were different. Local population of aphids, including apterous and alate forms infested on host plants in OTCs, increased with elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Emigrating alate aphids captured on sticky yellow paper decreased with rising CO2. CO2 affected the reproductive activity of alate aphids. The alate forms deposited more offspring on plants grown at 550 and 750 p.p.m. CO2 compared with ambient CO2. Both population abundance of local aphids and reproductive activity of alate aphids correlated positively with ear starch, sucrose, glucose, TNCs, raito of TNC : nitrogen and free amino acids, while negatively with ear fructose and nitrogen. Moreover, emigration population abundance was related negatively with ear starch, sucrose, glucose, TNCs, ratio of TNC : nitrogen and free amino acids and positively with ear fructose and nitrogen.
The Presence of Phytoplasma in Black Currant Infected with the Blackcurrant Reversion Disease
Authors: ŠPak J. , Přibylová J. , Kubelková D. , ŠPaková V.
Published: December 2004

A plant of black currant cv. Karlštejnský dlouhohrozen showing symptoms of the severe Russian (R) form of the blackcurrant reversion disease (BCRD) was shown to contain phytoplasma bodies measuring 530–750 nm. Phytoplasma infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the universal primer pair R16F1/R16R0, followed by PCR with the primer pair fU5/rU3. A comparison of the sequence of an amplification product of approximately 880 bp with sequences available in the GenBank confirmed the classification of the phytoplasma in the 16SrI (Aster yellows group). This is the first evidence of the natural occurrence of phytoplasma infection in black currant. Blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV), the cause of BCRD, was confirmed in the plant by RT‐PCR. A 481 nt cDNA fragment of BRV was sequenced and compared with sequences in GenBank. Rhabdovirus‐like particles were also observed in the plant by electron microscopy.
Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity among Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola
Authors: Güven K. , Jones J. B. , Momol M. T. , Dickstein E. R.
Published: December 2004

The relationships among a worldwide collection of 56 strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, causal agent of halo blight disease on bean, were investigated by studying the phenotypic and genetic diversity. All P. s. pv phaseolicola strains tested were pathogenic on the bean cultivar ‘Canadian Wonder’. Carbon substrate utilization using BIOLOG (Biolog GN2 Microplate test) clustered all the phaseolicola strains together. The use of the phaseolotoxin gene cluster as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) target detected all the P. s. pv. phaseolicola strains identified as toxin producers (Tox+) except for one strain (NCPPB 2385) from Australia. Grouping of P. s. pv. phaseolicola by fatty acid composition suggested the existence of five clusters. A majority of the strains from the USA and Turkey were present in Cluster A while 12 of the 16 strains in group C were from Africa. PmeI and PacI enzymes were used for pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of P. s. pv. phaseolicola. Digestion of chromosomal DNA from P. s. pv. phaseolicola with PmeI and PacI generated 29 and 28 groups, respectively. Determination of similarity coefficients and clustering by UPGMA revealed five clusters. More diversity was observed among strains with PFGE than with fatty acid profiling. The results obtained in this study suggest that although a number of strains formed small clusters based on their geographical origin, a clear segregation cannot be concluded. The uniformity of the strains in Turkey isolated in 1994 could possibly indicate a recent introduction of a population of closely related strains. Although only a limited number of strains from the USA were compared, it is interesting to note that the strains were phylogenetically closely related considering that they spanned approximately 20 years. The oldest strain, NCPPB 52 from Canada, which was collected in 1941, had identical PFGE patterns with several strains from South Africa and one strain in Turkey collected in the 1990s. The presence of identical PFGE groups in more than 1 year in South Africa and Germany and the phylogenetically closely related group in the USA coupled with the fatty acid data would indicate the likelihood for local seed sources and/or endemic populations.
Unsuspected sublingual mass causing difficult intubation in an infant
Authors: SAADE EDOUARD , HOPKINS KEVIN , SETZER NANCY
Published: December 2004

A case is described of a difficult intubation in an infant presenting for cleft palate closure, due to an unsuspected sublingual mass. The report stresses the fact that multiple anomalies can coexist in an infant and contribute to difficult intubation through different mechanisms. Various airway management strategies are explored.