Preparation and properties of TiN and AlN films from alkoxide solution by thermal plasma CVD method

Single phase TiN and AlN films were prepared on a Si wafer from titanium tetra-etoxide and aluminum tri-butoxide solutions dissolved in ethanol and toluene, respectively, using an Ar/N₂/H₂ radio-frequency (r.f.) inductive thermal plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, measurement of electrical resistivity and Vickers microhardness. Factors affecting the formation of the films (lattice parameter, chemical composition, oxygen/carbon content, and deposition rate of the films) were examined in terms of the N₂ flow rate (2.5–4.5 slm), substrate temperature (300–700°C), feed rate of the solution (0.025–0.3 ml/min), and the mole ratio of the alkoxide solution (1:1–1:3). The optimum conditions for preparation of TiN films produced a film 0.2–3 μm thick with an oxygen content of 8 at.% and a free carbon content of 4 at.%, showing an electrical resistivity of 370 μΩ cm. The optimum conditions for AlN films produced a film 0.3 μm thick containing 14 at.% oxygen and 8 wt.% carbon. The deposition rate of the TiN film was determined to be 30–35 nm/min. The Vickers microhardness of the TiN and AlN films was found to be 10±1 and 13±3 GPa, respectively.     

TEM Observation of the Zrc/Zro2 Interface Formed by Oxidation of Zrc Single Crystals

Microstructure at the interface of ZrC and ZrO₂ formed by oxidation of a single crystal of ZrC with 100 faces at 600°C at an oxygen pressure of 2 kPa was observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The ZrO₂ scale was shown to consist of two subscales, zones 1 and 2. The interfacial area in zone 1 was composed of regular lattice fringes corresponding to the 111, 200, and 220 lattices of cubic ZrO₂ (c-ZrO₂) crystallites 2 to 10 nm in size and an amorphous phase. The growth of crystallites occurred in zone 2, which visualized the interface of zones 1 and 2. Black thin films reminiscent of zone 1 were successfully separated, which were composed of amorphous carbon in which c-ZrO₂ particles 2 to 20 nm in size were included.     

Reversible pitch perception deficit due to carbamazepine

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a drug frequently used to treat variety of neurological diseases or symptoms. Among its adverse effects, auditory disturbance is described rarely. In the present report, we describe an 18-year-old girl who noted false lowering of perceived pitch after starting CBZ treatment for epilepsy, and review the literature reporting CBZ-associated abnormal pitch perception.     

The diameter of callus in leg lengthening: 28 tibial lengthenings in 14 patients with achondroplasia

A 46-year-old man who had been pulled under water by a tidal wave when an earthquake occurred on July 12, 1993 was carried to our hospital the next day. He soon needed endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation because he expectorated sputa with sand and because arterial bloodgas analysis revealed severe hypoxemia. Chest X-ray on admission showed diffuse small nodules and areas of consolidation. Chest CT obtained on July 16 showed centrilobular small nodules bilaterally and alveolar opacities in the peribronchial region. After therapy with antibiotics and frequent bronchial lavages, sputum with sand disappeared on the 14 th hospital day and chest X-ray film and laboratory data showed marked improvement. He was discharged on October 1. A chest CT scan obtained on February 17, 1994 showed improvement of the small nodules. The areas of consolidation had also improved, but remained as linear and nodular opacities, which were considered to be organized lesions. There are few reports concerning radiographic findings particularly CT findings, after aspiration of sea water and sand during near drowning.     

Influence of femoral lengthening on hip joint space in posttraumatic femoral shortening

AIMS: To objectively assess the psychological and psychosexual morbidity of patients with vulvar vestibulitis. METHODS: 30 patients with variable degrees of vulvar vestibulitis were recruited from a vulval clinic. Each patient underwent a detailed history and clinical examination. Friedrich's criteria were used for the diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis. Standardised questionnaires to assess psychological and psychosexual function were completed by the patient before review. These questionnaires were the STAI and a modified psychosexual questionnaire introduced by Campion. RESULTS: Patients experienced considerable psychological dysfunction compared with controls. All aspects of psychosexual dysfunction were affected. CONCLUSIONS: When managing patients, psychosexual and psychological issues must be considered in addition to other conventional types of therapy. Vulvar vestibulitis may be a risk factor for developing psychosexual complications including vaginismus, low libido, and orgasmic dysfunction. Consideration of these factors must be an integral part of the management of patients with all chronic vulval conditions.     

Single-particle-diagnosis approach: An efficient strategy for discovering new nitride phosphors

Discovery of novel phosphors is extremely important to target the ever change of the solid state lighting technology. In this paper, we present a high-speed way to discover new phosphors, namely single-particle-diagnosis approach. This approach is based on investigating the crystal structure and luminescence of a tiny single crystal, without the necessity of the growth of large-size single crystals or the preparation of single phase powder samples. The concept of the approach and some new nitride phosphors explored by this approach are shown in this paper.