Consensus statement addressing controversies and guidelines on pediatric urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate controversial pediatric urolithiasis issues systematically, integrating expert consensus and comprehensive guidelines reviews. METHODS: Two semi-structured online focus group meetings were conducted to discuss the study's need and content, review current literature, and prepare the initial survey. Data were collected through surveys and focus group discussions. Existing guidelines were reviewed, and a second survey was conducted using the Delphi method to validate findings and facilitate consensus. The primary outcome measures investigated controversial issues, integrating expert consensus and guideline reviews. RESULTS: Experts from 15 countries participated, including 20 with 16+ years of experience, 2 with 11-15 years, and 4 with 6-10 years. The initial survey identified nine main themes, emphasizing the need for standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols and tailored treatments. Inter-rater reliability was high, with controversies in treatment approaches (score 4.6, 92% agreement), follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement), and diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement). The second survey underscored the critical need for consensus on identification, diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement), and standardized follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement). CONCLUSION: The importance of personalized treatment in pediatric urolithiasis is clear. Prioritizing low-radiation diagnostic tools, effectively managing residual stone fragments, and standardized follow-up protocols are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Integrating new technologies while ensuring safety and reliability is also essential. Harmonizing guidelines across regions can provide consistent and effective management. Future efforts should focus on collaborative research, specialized training, and the integration of new technologies in treatment protocols.

Control of vertically coupled InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots with electric fields.

Controllable interactions that couple quantum dots are a key requirement in the search for scalable solid state implementations for quantum information technology. From optical studies of excitons and corresponding calculations, we demonstrate that an electric field on vertically coupled pairs of In(0.6)Ga(0.4)As/GaAs quantum dots controls the mixing of the exciton states on the two dots and also provides controllable coupling between carriers in the dots.

Excitonic energy shell structure of self-assembled InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots.

Performing optical spectroscopy of highly homogeneous quantum dot arrays in ultrahigh magnetic fields, an unprecedently well resolved Fock-Darwin spectrum is observed. The existence of up to four degenerate electronic shells is demonstrated where the magnetic field lifts the initial degeneracies, which reappear when levels with different angular momenta come into resonance. The resulting level shifting and crossing pattern also show evidence of many-body effects such as the mixing of configurations and exciton condensation at the resonances.

Fine structure of excitons in InAs/GaAs coupled auantum dots: a sensitive test of electronic coupling.

Exciton fine structure in InAs/GaAs coupled quantum dots has been studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy in magnetic fields up to 8 T. Pronounced anticrossings and mixings of optically bright and dark states as functions of magnetic field are seen. A theoretical treatment of the mixing of the excitonic states has been developed, and it traces observed features to structural asymmetries. These results provide direct evidence for coherent coupling of excitons in quantum dot molecules.