bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Thin Film-Based Active Elements and Devices
Authors: Khlyap Halyna
Published: August 2009

This well organized reference book covers the newest and most important practically applicable results in thin film-based semiconductor (A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide) sensors, heterojunction-based active elements and other devices. This book is written for researchers, material scientists and advanced students who wish to increase their familiarity with different topics of novel semiconductor material science related to production of thin film-based sensors and active elements for micro- and nanoelectronics. It is also a tool and resource for professionals engaged in novel semiconductor materials technologies. Both basic and applied aspects of semiconductor materials science and technology related to A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide compounds, in particular, to ZnCdHgTe semiconductor, are presented in this book. The book features the most important original results in studies and practical applications of A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide semiconductor compounds for sensory and micro(nano)electronics. Many important original experimental data as well as results of numerical simulations are included.
Semiconductor Structures: Basic Models and Experimental Results
Authors: Khlyap Halyna
Published: August 2009

Principal theoretical models of nonideal semiconductor heterostructures as well as their
applications for describing experimental data are presented. Main electrophysical characteristics
(current-voltage and capacitance-voltage) of real heterojunctions based on A2B6-A4B6 materials and
nanoheterostructures Si/CNT are interpreted in the framework of these models.
The Emerging Self in Psychotherapy with Adults
Authors: A. Mackey Richard
Published: August 2009

This Ebook focuses theoretically, empirically and practically on a concept of the self that includes neurobiological, psychological and social dimensions in psychotherapy with adults. The theoretical perspective on the self that is developed in the Ebook can be the basis for how a therapist may use himself/herself professionally in a therapeutic relationship. It is expected that the book will be of interest to many persons in this field.
Chapter 01 - Toward an Understanding of Self
Authors: A. Mackey Richard
Published: August 2009

This chapter presents a theoretical perspective on the self that is not only essential for understanding the sufferings of clients but
also for reflecting upon our roles in the therapeutic process. In addition to psychological and social factors, neurobiological
factors are integrated into the discussion. My intent is to offer readers a conceptual framework for thinking biopsychosocially
about clients. The framework underscores empathic understanding as the basis for the choice of specific interventive modes and
techniques, and the centrality of a therapeutic relationship as the vehicle through which a new sense of self may emerge for
clients. Biographies of three well known individuals are used to illustrate concepts.
Chagas Disease: A Global Health Problem
Authors: Maria Castro Ana , Clare Vinaud Marina , Teixeira Antonio
Published: August 2009

Chagas disease is now a public health problem due to the detection of cases all around
the world. The migration of the Latin American populations to North America, Europe, Asia and
Oceania has made the parasite cross the seas, so as to secure the Trypanosoma cruzi survival by
means of blood transfusion and by congenital transmission from mother to offspring. The increasing
number of cases of Chagas disease detected in various countries all over the world urges the health
systems to be prepared to its proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lecture Notes in Numerical Methods of Differential Equations
Authors: STYS Tadeusz
Published: August 2009

This Ebook is designed for science and engineering students taking a course in numerical methods of differential equations. Most of the material in this Ebook has its origin based on lecture courses given to advanced and early postgraduate students. This Ebook covers linear difference equations, linear multistep methods, Runge Kutta methods and finite difference methods for elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic equations. As a course in numerical analysis it contains a variety of finite difference schemes and efficient algorithms implemented in mathematics. The mathematical modulae attached to each chapter with solutions of practical examples should help readers to understand the text and apply the methods. It is expected that the readers will find theorems with proofs and applications interesting and informative.
Chapter 1 Linear Difference Equations
Authors: Stys Tadeusz
Published: August 2009

This chapter constitutes an introduction to linear multi step methods, Runge Kutta
methods, and finite difference methods which are presented in the chapters that follow. The homo-
geneous and non-homogeneous linear difference equations are solved by the following Mathematica
modulae: The module differenceEqn finds the general solution of a linear difference equation, the
module baseSolution finds the fundamental set of solutions of a homogeneous linear difference equa-
tion, the module particularSolution finds a particular solution of a non-homogeneous linear difference
equation by the method of variation of coefficients. The chapter ends with a set of questions.
Comment on Ronen Avraham: Private and Competitive Regulation of Medicine
Authors: Carmel Jonathan
Published: August 2009

Jonathan Carmel wonders: Why not take Ronen Avraham's excellent idea one step further and take the tort lawyers out of the system altogether?
Determinants of Audit Committee Meeting Frequency: Evidence from a Voluntary Governance System
Authors: Sharma Vineeta , Naiker Vic , Lee Barry
Published: August 2009

SYNOPSIS: Because authoritative statements on corporate governance (e.g., the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) are silent about how frequently audit committees should meet, corporate audit committees have considerable discretion in scheduling meetings. Although prior research shows the frequency of audit committee meetings is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the audit committee, we know very little about the underlying determinants of meeting frequency. In this study, we examine the determinants of the frequency of audit committee meetings in a voluntary governance system, New Zealand. We find that multiple directorships, audit committee independence, and an independent chair of the audit committee are negatively associated with meeting frequency. Other variables negatively associated with meeting frequency include a Big 4 auditor, growth opportunities, and regulated industry. Audit committee meeting frequency is positively associated with the size of the audit committee and the level of institutional and managerial ownership. We also find that financial expertise and board independence are positively associated with meeting frequency when the risk of financial misreporting is higher.
Recent Trends in Audit Report and Earnings Announcement Lags
Authors: Krishnan Jayanthi , Yang Joon S.
Published: August 2009

SYNOPSIS: The Securities and Exchange Commission introduced accelerated filing requirements for corporate 10-K and 10-Q filings in 2003. The major accounting firms and some companies expressed concerns about the acceleration, arguing that other changes in financial reporting and disclosure requirements, corporate governance, and auditing standards would make it difficult to meet the shorter deadlines while maintaining good quality reporting.

Using longitudinal samples of companies for the period 2001–2006, we examine two lags in the corporate reporting process: the audit report lag (the number of days between the fiscal year-end and the audit report date), and the earnings announcement lag (the number of days between the fiscal year-end and the earnings announcement date). Our results indicate that both lags increased significantly in the two-year period 2001–2002 prior to the introduction of the accelerated filing requirements and in the period 2003–2006 when the new filing requirements were in effect. Furthermore, when we examine the sample of companies for which both the audit lag and earnings announcement lags are available, we find that the likelihood that companies announced earnings prior to the audit report date increased considerably over the period 2001–2006, but particularly during 2004–2006 when Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) was in effect. Thus it appears that an unintended consequence of recent policy changes is that companies are less likely to wait for completion of their audits to announce earnings.

We also examine the quality of reporting (measured by absolute discretionary accruals and quality of accruals) for the sample period. We find that long audit report lags (or 10-K filings lags) were not associated with lower quality of earnings or accruals (except for a mild effect in 2004), providing no support for the concern that companies that have to rush to meet the deadlines may suffer a loss of reporting quality. However, when we examine potential reporting quality effects of early earnings announcements, we find some mild evidence that for those companies that made earnings announcements several days in advance of completion of their audits, the quality of earnings/accruals was lower in some years during the period 2003–2006.
Strategic Cost Management in Supply Chains, Part 2: Executional Cost Management
Authors: Anderson Shannon W. , Dekker Henri C.
Published: August 2009

SYNOPSIS: Strategic cost management is the deliberate alignment of a firm’s resources and associated cost structure with long-term strategy and short-term tactics. Although managers continue to pursue efficiency and effectiveness within the firm, increasingly, improvements are obtained across the value chain, through reconfiguring firm boundaries, relocating resources, reengineering processes, and reevaluating product and service offerings in relation to customer requirements. The first paper in this two-part series reviewed structural cost management in supply chains (Anderson and Dekker 2009). Structural cost management employs tools of organizational design, product design, and process design to create a supply chain cost structure that is coherent with firm strategy. In this second paper of the series we consider executional cost management in supply chains. Executional cost management employs measurement and analysis tools (e.g., cost driver analysis, supplier scorecards) to evaluate supply chain performance and sustainability. Using selected studies in accounting, operations management, and business strategy, we provide an overview of strategic cost management in supply chains, highlight contemporary developments, and suggest directions for future research.
Eating Disorders and Diabetes: Introduction and Overview
Authors: Colton Patricia , Rodin Gary , Bergenstal Richard , Parkin Christopher
Published: August 2009

In Brief

Eating disorders are more common in individuals with type 1 diabetes than in the general population. Although limited research has been conducted in this area, existing evidence shows that these conditions significantly affect the physical and emotional health of individuals with diabetes and are associated with impaired metabolic control and a high risk of medical complications, including higher mortality rates. New nomenclature was recommended at an international focus group held in Minneapolis, Minn., in September 2008. Composed of individuals with interest and expertise in eating disorders among individuals with diabetes, the group recommended that the term ED-DMT1 be used to designate those with an eating disorder and type 1 diabetes and ED-DMT2 be used for those with an eating disorder and type 2 diabetes. This article provides an overview of clinical features, consequences, and pathways of risk associated with ED-DMT1.
Eating Disorders and Diabetes: Screening and Detection
Authors: Criego Amy , Crow Scott , Goebel-Fabbri Ann E. , Kendall David , Parkin Christopher
Published: August 2009

In Brief

The medical risks associated with eating disorders in diabetes are significant. Clinicians working with patients who are at risk for eating disorders should be cognizant of patterns that might indicate the presence of disturbed eating behaviors in their patients. This article discusses the warning signs, screening tools, and diagnostic criteria associated with eating disorders in type 1 diabetes.
Detection of laser induced dielectric breakdown in water using a laser doppler vibrometer
Authors: Saarela Juha , Löfqvist Torbjörn , Ramser Kerstin , Gren Per , Olson Erik , Niemi Jan , Sjödahl Mikael
Published: August 2009

This study is focused on exploring the feasibility of an all-optic surface scanning method in determining the size and position of a submerged, laser generated, optoacoustic (OA) source. The optoacoustic effect in this case was generated when the absorption of a short electromagnetic pulse in matter caused a dielectric breakdown, a plasma emission flash and a subsequent acoustic wave. In the experiment, a laser pulse with λ = 1064 nm and 12 ns pulse length was aimed at a volume of deionized water. When the laser beam was focused by a f = 16 mm lens, a single dielectric breakdown spot occurred. When a f = 40 mm was used several breakdowns in a row were induced. The breakdowns were photographed using a double shutter camera. The acoustic wave generated by the dielectric breakdowns were detected at a point on the water surface using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). First, the LDV signal was used to calculate the speed of sound with an accuracy of 10 m/s. Secondly, the location and length of the dielectric breakdown was calculated with an accuracy of 1 mm. The calculated position matched the breakdown location recorded by a camera. The results show that it is possible to use LDV surface measurements from a single spot to determine both the position and length of the OA source as well as the speed of sound in the medium. Furthermore, the LDV measurements also show a secondary peak that originates from the OA source. To unravel the origin and properties of this interesting feature, further investigations are necessary
Chlorophyll fluorescence of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) clone needles in genetic archives located at different altitudes in the Karkonosze National Park
Authors: Niemczyk Marzena
Published: August 2009

Fluorescencja chlorofilu igieł klonów jodłowych (Abies albaMill.) w archiwach genetycznych zlokalizowanych na różnych wysokościach nad poziomem morza w Karkonoskim Parku Narodowym
Growth of the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Q. petraea [Matt.] Liebl.) in 1994 provenance experiment in the Milicz Forest District
Authors: Barzdajn Władysław
Published: August 2009

Wzrost dębu szypułkowego (Quercus roburL.) i dębu bezszypułkowego (Q. petraea[Matt.] Liebl.) w doświadczeniu proweniencyjnym z 1994 r. w Nadleśnictwie Milicz
Selected properties of wood in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on post-agricultural land in northern Poland
Authors: Jelonek Tomasz , Pazdrowski Witold , Tomczak Arkadiusz
Published: August 2009

Właściwości drewna sosny zwyczajnej (Pinus sylvestrisL.) na gruntach porolnych w północnej Polsce
Cladocera of some periodical forest ponds near Poddębice, Łódź province
Authors: Kamiński Krzysztof
Published: August 2009

Wioślarki (Cladocera) niektórych okresowych stawów leśnych w okolicach Poddębic, województwo łódzkie
The effect of planting density on chemical properties of the top soil layer in a 30-year-old pine stand
Authors: Gil Wojciech
Published: August 2009

Wpływ więźby sadzenia na wybrane cechy składu chemicznego wierzchniej warstwy gleby w 30-letnim drzewostanie sosnowym
WinCELL - an image analysis tool for wood cell measurements
Authors: Klisz Marcin
Published: August 2009

Program WinCELL - narzędzie do analizy preparatów mikroskopowych komórek drewna
Exploring Objects With Feet Advances Movement in Infants Born Preterm: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Heathcock Jill C. , Galloway James C. (Cole)
Published: August 2009

Background: Previous work has shown that full-term infants who were healthy contacted a toy with their feet several weeks before they did so with their hands and that movement training advanced feet reaching. Certain populations of preterm infants are delayed in hand reaching; however, feet reaching has not been investigated in any preterm population.

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether preterm infants born at less than 33 weeks of gestational age contacted a toy with their feet at 2 months of corrected age, before doing so with their hands, and whether movement training advanced feet reaching.

Design: This study was a randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Twenty-six infants born preterm were randomly assigned to receive daily movement training or daily social training. During the 8-week training period, the infants were videotaped in a testing session every other week from 2 to 4 months of age.

Results: Both groups contacted the toy with their feet at 2 months of age during the first testing session prior to training, at an age when no infants consistently contacted the toy with their hands. After 8 weeks of training, the movement training group displayed a greater number and longer duration of foot-toy contacts compared with the social training group.

Conclusions: These results suggest that movement experiences advance feet reaching as they do for hand reaching. For clinicians, feet-oriented play may provide an early intervention strategy to encourage object interaction for movement impairments within the first months of postnatal life. Future studies can build on these results to test the long-term benefit of encouraging early purposeful leg movements.
Endovascular treatment of very small intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ioannidis Ioannis , Lalloo Shivendra , Corkill Rufus , Kuker Wilhelm , Byrne James V.
Published: August 2009

Object

Endovascular treatment of very small aneurysms poses a significant technical challenge for endovascular therapists. The authors review their experience with a series of patients who had intracranial aneurysms smaller than 3 mm in diameter.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2006, 97 very small aneurysms (defined for purposes of this study as < 3 mm in diameter) were diagnosed in 94 patients who were subsequently referred for endovascular treatment. All patients presented after subarachnoid hemorrhage, which was attributed to the very small aneurysms in 85 patients. The authors reviewed the endovascular treatment, the clinical and angiographic results of the embolization, and the complications.

Results

Five (5.2%) of the 97 endovascular procedures failed, and these patients underwent craniotomy and clip ligation. Of the 92 aneurysms successfully treated by coil embolization, 64 (69.6%) were completely occluded and 28 (30.4%) showed minor residual filling or neck remnants on the immediate postembolization angiogram. Complications occurred in 7 (7.2%) of 97 procedures during the treatment (3 thromboembolic events [3.1%] and 4 intraprocedural ruptures [4.1%]). Seventy-six patients were followed up angiographically; 4 (5.3%) of these 76 showed angiographic evidence of recanalization that required retreatment. The clinical outcomes for the 76 patients were also graded using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. In 61 (80.3%) cases the outcomes were graded 4 or 5, whereas in 15 (19.7%) they were graded 3. Seven patients (7.4%) died (GOS Grade 1), 2 due to procedure-related complications (intraoperative rupture) and 5 due to complications related to the presenting subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Endosaccular coil embolization of very small aneurysms is associated with relatively high rates of intraprocedural rupture, especially intraoperative rupture. With the advent of more sophisticated endovascular materials (microcatheters and microguidewires, soft and ultrasoft coils, and stents) endovascular procedures have become feasible and can lead to a good angiographic outcome.
Failure of a Torkildsen shunt after functioning for 50 years
Authors: Zinn Pascal O. , Bozinov Oliver , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Reisch Robert , Yaşargil M. Gazi , Bertalanffy Helmut
Published: August 2009

Mechanical obstruction is a severe complication of ventricular catheter use. Its incidence was shown to be high in the 1960s and 1970s, with up to 41% of the catheters becoming obstructed within 10 years after surgery. The authors present what is to their knowledge the first reported case of a patient with failure of a Torkildsen shunt after 50 years of functioning. A 60-year-old woman presented with increasing gait ataxia, decline in cognitive functions (including short-term memory loss), and slight urinary incontinence. The diagnosis of hydrocephalus and thus malfunction of the Torkildsen shunt implanted 50 years previously was confirmed by MR images, which revealed a prominent triventricular hydrocephalus. The patient subsequently underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), the current surgical treatment of choice, resulting in total resolution of her neurological symptoms and amelioration of cerebral tissue distension. Decrease in ventricle dilation and success of the ETV were confirmed on postoperative follow-up MR images.
Hume'S Changing Views on the ‘Durability’ of Scepticism
Authors: Ribeiro Brian
Published: August 2009

While Hume is famous for his development and defence of various arguments for radical scepticism, Hume was bothered by the tension between his ‘abstruse’ philosophical reflections and ordinary life: If he often felt intensely sceptical in his study, he nonetheless felt genuinely unable to take these sceptical views seriously when he returned to the concerns and activities of everyday life. Hume's published work shows a deep and ongoing preoccupation with this tension, and I believe it also shows that Hume's view about the ‘durability’ of scepticism (that is, the extent to which sceptical insights can have an abiding impact on our cognitive lives) underwent an evolutionary development throughout the course of his publishing career. In this paper I propose to trace these textual developments in detail. In particular, I will argue that Hume's concern for intellectual stability is what drives the evolution, as he struggled to understand the ‘durable value’ in scepticism.
Syntheses and Functional Properties of Phthalocyanines
Authors: Sakamoto Keiichi , Ohno-Okumura Eiko
Published: August 2009

Metal phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acids, metal phthalocyanine octacarboxylic acids, metal octakis(hexyloxymethyl)phthalocyanines, and metal anthraquinocyanines have been synthesized. Then, zinc bis(1,4-didecylbenzo)-bis(3,4-pyrido)porphyrazines, the cyclotetramerization products of a 1:1 mixture of 3,6-didecylphthalonitrile and 3,4-dicyanopyridine, were synthesized. Futher, subphthalocyanine and its derivatives, with substituents such as thiobutyl and thiophenyl moieties were synthesized. Electrochemical measurements were performed on the abovementioned phthalocyanine derivatives and analogues in order to examine their electron transfer abilities and electrochemical reaction mechanisms in an organic solvent. Moreover, 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octakis(thiophenylmethyl) phthalocyanes were synthesized. The Q-bands of the latter compounds appeared in the near-infrared region. Furthermore, non-colored transparent films in the visible region can be produced.
Match Day Security at Australian Sport Stadia: A Case Study of Eight Venues
Authors: Cieslak Thomas J.
Published: August 2009

Due to the continuing threat of sport-related terrorism, venue managers need to develop, maintain, and improve match day security operations. Frosdick and Walley (1999) proposed the use of a strategic vision in sport and safety management to include the three components of strategic analysis, choice, and implementation. The purpose of this case study was to continue the work of Pantera and his colleagues to answer the question "Where are we now?" (i.e., strategic analysis) within the Australian context. Data collection involved the observation of the application of 13 security measures (i.e., basic protection plan) of eight stadia in addition to interviews with eight stadium managers to investigate the application of the 38-item "best practices" checklist. The results indicate that stadium managers were more concerned with the prevention of spontaneous terror and used a traditional Australian framework of risk management, multipurpose stadia had more resources than single-purpose stadia to establish a basic protection plan, and it was a challenge to balance security with the operating budget, spectator enjoyment, and venue personnel stress. Future match day security research, within the Australian context, should focus on establishing "Where do we want to be?" (i.e., strategic choice) and "How do we get there?" (i.e., strategic implementation).
Sociodemographic and Behavioral Determinants of Visitor Spending at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
Authors: Kruger Martinette , Saayman Melville , Saayman Andrea
Published: August 2009

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) is one of the most popular arts festivals in South Africa. However, the festival is already in the decline phase of its product life cycle. This leads to serious concerns for its future profitability and sustainability. Given the economic
value of the festival, an understanding of expenditure patterns and the determinants influencing spending behavior is vital to the festival marketers/organizers. Therefore, the aim of this article is to investigate the sociodemographic and behavioral determinants that influence visitor expenditure
at the KKNK, based on visitor surveys conducted at the festival from 2005 to 2008. Regression analysis was applied to establish the most significant determinants in each year. Results indicate that occupation, distance traveled, length of stay, the reason for attending the festival, and preferred
type of shows/productions are significant determinants influencing the amount of money visitors spent at the festival. Not only will these findings generate strategic insights on marketing for the festival, but knowledge of these determinants can also lead to a greater economic impact, as
well as a competitive advantage.
Segmenting and Profiling Visitors to the Ulaanbaatar Naadam Festival by Motivation
Authors: Thompson Karen , Schofield Peter
Published: August 2009

The analysis of visitor motivation for attending festivals, as a basis for segmentation, is an important prerequisite for targeting markets, planning festival programs, and product positioning. This study used factor analysis and identified five motivation dimensions for visitors attending
the 2005 Naadam cultural festival in Mongolia. A cluster analysis on the five factors produced five stable motivation segments: multipurpose seekers; indifferent; culture and sport seekers; togetherness, socialization, and sports seekers; and socialization and local event seekers. Significant
associations between motivation clusters and visitor age and type were identified, although there was no significant interaction between the clusters and visitor type with respect to overall satisfaction. The results are generally consistent with the outcomes of previous research on festival
and event motivation in Europe and North America, suggesting universality of core themes. However, unique combinations of motivation dimensions suggests that further research is required to develop understanding of variable interaction.
A Semantic Analysis of Destination Image Terminology
Authors: Tasci Asli D. A.
Published: August 2009

Destination image is an important aspect of successful destination marketing; therefore, it receives attention from both tourism academia and practitioners. However, due to the diverse background of destination image researchers, there is variety in use of terminologies, which provides potential for confusion, especially for laypersons. Some researchers use different terms when referring to the same concept, whereas some others use the same terms but refer to different concepts. The purpose of this article is to clarify this terminology confusion in destination image literature by reviewing several empirical and conceptual image-related articles published in well-known journals of tourism and related fields. Visual depictions of relationships between different terms are provided. It is concluded that more commonly accepted image terminology needs to be used by researchers for a substantial and scientific destination image theory and research.
Life-Cycle Stages in Wine Tourism Development: A Comparison of Wine Regions in Croatia
Authors: Tomljenović Renata , Getz Donald
Published: August 2009

Wine tourism has emerged as a strategic development option for many destinations, including two regions in Croatia. It requires the emergence of a tourism and hospitality orientation, significant private and public capital investment, and a willingness on the part of winery owners to
adapt to visitor needs and demands. The aim of this article is to critically examine the emergence of wine tourism in two Croatian wine regions and assess related life-cycle implications. Winery owners' perceptions of and attitudes toward wine tourism are specifically examined, employing interviews
and a questionnaire. Recommendations are made for developing the potential of the Croatian wine regions, and for advancement of the wine tourism destination life-cycle concept.
Neuropsychological Measures of Processing Speed and Executive Functioning in Combat Veterans with PTSD, TBI, and Comorbid TBI/PTSD
Authors: Campbell Thomas A. , Nelson Lonnie A. , Lumpkin Robin , Yoash-Gantz Ruth E. , Pickett Treven C. , McCormick Cortney L.
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Evaluate measures of processing speed and executive functioning in OEF/OIF combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and comorbid TBI/PTSD.

2.

Assess the role that comorbid TBI/PTSD may play in the speed of verbal processing.

3.

Justify potential reasons slowed speed of verbal processing may impact therapies for PTSD.
Children of Deployed National Guard Troops: Perceptions of Parental Deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom
Authors: Houston J. Brian , Pfefferbaum Betty , Sherman Michelle D. , Melson Ashley G. , Jeon-Slaughter Haekyung , Brand Michael W. , Jarman Yana
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Assess what is known about how deployment affects children of military personnel.

2.

Evaluate how children perceive and think about the experience of having a parent deployed to active combat.

3.

Choose suggestions for how clinicians and family members can help children cope with having a parent deployed to active combat.
The Prevalence of PTSD across War Eras and the Effect of Deployment on PTSD: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Magruder Kathryn M. , Yeager Derik E.
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Summarize the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is associated with deployment.

2.

Assess how this risk may differ by war era.

3.

Evaluate the impact of study methods on PTSD prevalence.
Nurse Educators' Personal Perspectives of Long-Term Care Settings
Authors: Schrader Vivian
Published: August 2009

Research during the past 40 years has reported negative attitudes toward older people by nurses and nursing students. To date, nurse educators' perceptions have not been specifically studied. Interview data from 14 baccalaureate nurse educators using a grounded theory approach described their personal perspectives related to long-term care settings. The study highlighted four major themes that clearly supported the view that these nurse educators harbored many of the same negative perspectives that nurses, nursing students, and other health care providers have about long-term care settings. One gerontology nurse specialist shed some positive perspectives on this topic. This study makes a recommendation for gerontology specialists to be directly involved in nurse education. Future research is needed with culturally diverse nurse educators in other national and international nursing programs.
Central Ablation Depth and Postoperative Refraction in Excimer Laser Myopic Correction Measured With Ultrasound, Scheimpflug, and Optical Coherence Pachymetry
Authors: Arbelaez Maria Clara , Vidal Camila , Mosquera Samuel Arba
Published: August 2009

Purpose:

To compare measurements of ultrasound, Scheimpflug, and optical coherence pachymetric techniques to describe ablated depth after myopic astigmatic corneal laser refractive surgery and achieved refractive correction.

Methods:

Ninety-six myopic astigmatism treatments using LASIK or LASEK in 58 patients with 3-month followup were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, standard examinations, pre-/postoperative corneal topography, ocular aberrometry, and pachymetry were performed. SCHWIND Custom Ablation Manager (CAM) software and the ESIRIS laser were used for planning treatments and performing ablations. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of predictability, safety, and wavefront aberration. Pachymetry was taken before treatment (ultrasound [DGH Pachette 2], Scheimpflug [Oculus Pentacam HR], and optical coherence pachymetry [OCP] [Heidelberg-Engineering OCP]), after lifting the flap (Pachette 2, OCP), immediately after finishing ablation (Pachette 2, OCP), and at 3-month follow-up (Pachette 2, Pentacam HR).

Results:

At 3 months, 87 (91%) of eyes achieved 20/20 UCVA, and 89 (93%) of eyes were within ±0.50 diopters (D). Postoperative mean spherical equivalent refraction was −0.15±0.30 D. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved in 30 (31%) of eyes. Differential pachymetry correlated to intended central ablation depth for all techniques: r
2
=0.60,
P
<.0001, slope 0.81 for ultrasound; r
2
=0.75,
P
<.0001, slope 0.97 for Scheimpflug; and r
2
=0.76,
P
<.0001, slope 1.03 for OCP. Relative differential pachymetry correlated only marginally to achieved refractive correction for ultrasound and OCP.

Conclusions:

Differential pachymetry is a metric useful for describing intended central ablation depth but not for achieved refractive correction. The rotating Scheimpflug technique offers the best estimation (closest slope to 1) and OCP offers the best correlation (closest r
2
to 1) for describing intended central ablation depth achieved. The three techniques give different measurements for ablation depth, with OCP being substantially different from ultrasound and Scheimpflug. Only borderline correlations were obtained for achieved refractive correction with ultrasound and OCP. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:699–708.]
Age and Refraction in 46,000 Patients as a Potential Predictor of Refractive Stability After Refractive Surgery
Authors: Sayegh Fouad N.
Published: August 2009

Purpose:

To analyze the process of emmetropization and determine the potential for progression of refractive error following refractive surgery.

Methods:

The prevalence of refractive error was retrospectively examined in 46,384 consecutive patients (77,124 eyes) at an outpatient clinic in Amman, Jordan. Biometry was also obtained in 4240 eyes. Correlation of axial length and corneal power as a function of age was determined based on these data.

Results:

Patients were distributed into four distinct groups: emmetropia, hyperopia, low to moderate myopia, and high (>6.00 diopters [D]) myopia. The prevalence of myopia was found to be 23.8%. High myopia occurred in 3.8% of patients, and 17.5% of patients were hyperopic. Patients with <1.00 D of myopia at age 10 and <3.00 D of myopia at the time of refractive surgery had a stable refraction at age 18. In patients with high myopia, 7.4% demonstrated a progression of corneal power and axial length that does not stabilize until age 30. Finally, the refractive error of hyperopic patients tended to progress from age 30 to age 50.

Conclusions:

Myopes with <1.00 D of myopia at age 10 and <3.00 D of myopia at the time of refractive surgery are unlikely to progress. High myopes and hyper-opes have potential to progress. Patients in which the axial length of the eye exceeds 26 mm in conjunction with higher corneal powers are likely in a state of decomposition and are at risk of marked progression of refractive error following refractive surgery. The likelihood of progression should be determined prior to surgery and explained to the patient. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:747–751.]
Corneal Limbal Marking in the Treatment of Myopic Astigmatism with the Excimer Laser
Authors: Bucher Celine , Zuberbuhler Bruno , Goggin Michael , Esterman Adrian , Schipper Isaak
Published: August 2009

Purpose:

To determine whether preoperative marking of the limbal cornea improves treatment of myopic astigmatism with the excimer laser.

Methods:

Retrospective study on 108 eyes with myopic astigmatism that underwent LASIK or laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) with the Technolas 217 (Bausch & Lomb) excimer laser. Preoperative limbal marking was performed in 47 eyes (marked group). The 12-month results were used for refractive and visual analysis.

Results:

The achieved cylinder reduction, spherical reduction, and refractive predictability were similar for the marked and unmarked groups in the overall study collective, in the LASIK and LASEK subgroup analysis, and in a higher astigmatism (>1.25 diopters) subgroup analysis. Limbal marking showed no influence on the refractive results, and vector analysis showed no significant difference in angle of error among groups.

Conclusions:

Corneal limbal marking failed to improve the refractive outcome in LASIK and LASEK for myopic astigmatism.
Comparison of Rosenbaum Pupillometry Card Using Red and Blue Light to Colvard and Iowa Pupillometers
Authors: Ho Lawrence Y. , Harvey Thomas M. , Scherer Joseph , Balasubramaniam Mamtha , Dhaliwal Deepinder K. , Mah Francis S.
Published: August 2009

Purpose:

To compare four scotopic pupil measuring techniques to determine whether a statistically significant difference exists among the techniques for each observer or between the observers for each technique.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study performed on 200 eyes of 100 healthy individuals. Two observers performed pupillometry four times per pupil using the Rosenbaum card with red light, Rosenbaum card with blue light, Iowa pupillometer, and Colvard pupillometer. All measurements were recorded in scotopic conditions with each examiner masked to the other’s results.

Results:

Both examiners measured mean pupil diameters >6.0 mm for all modalities except the Colvard device whose mean measurements were the smallest. The Iowa pupillometer and Rosenbaum card with red light produced the largest pupil measurements and were the most similar for both observers. The mean pupil diameter obtained by observer 1 was smaller compared with observer 2 while using the Rosenbaum card with blue light, but this was not significant (
P
=.2574). The mean pupil diameter obtained by observer 1 was larger compared with observer 2 while using the Colvard pupillometer and this was statistically different after adjusting for eye color (
P
=.0370). The mean pupil diameters of blue irides and brown irides are significantly higher than the measurements obtained for hazel irides (
P
=.0271 and
P
=.0445, respectively).

Conclusions:

Due to the complex interaction among observer, pupillometry technique, and iris color, one cannot compare the four techniques to each other with the same observer, nor can one compare the two observers irrespective of the technique.
A contemporary review of endoscopic sinus surgery: Techniques, tools, and outcomes
Authors: Welch Kevin C. , Stankiewicz James A.
Published: August 2009

Chronic rhinosinusitis is estimated to nearly 25 million people annually in the United States alone. The medical management of these patients is often successful; however, when medical management fails, surgery may be indicated to bring relief. Unfortunately, surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis is not standardized and we remain without a consensus on both the extent of surgery required and the manner in which it is performed. In the past 25 years, three philosophies or schools of thought have arisen to help guide the surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery aims to surgically treat problem areas by ventilating the sinuses through the natural ostia and addressing all diseased sinuses when necessary. This procedure is not standardized and is patient and surgeon dependent. The minimally invasive sinus technique has been proposed as a method whereby each surgical procedure is standardized regardless of disease severity. Lastly, balloon catheter dilatation of the sinus ostia, which by itself is not truly a procedure, is also discussed as a separate philosophy since these specific tools used during endoscopic sinus surgery have quickly energized the sinus community. All three schools of thought possess benefits and drawbacks, even when used appropriately. The concepts, tools, and technologies will be reviewed here as well as outcomes in the hopes that this article will provide an understanding of the surgical options to successfully treat chronic rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope, 2009
The electrochemical behavior of Sn–Ag binary alloys in sulfate solutions
Authors: Ameer M. A. , Ghoneim A. A. , Fekry A. M.
Published: August 2009

The corrosion and passivation behavior of four binary xSn–Ag (x = 26, 50, 70, and 96.5 wt%) alloys and their pure metal components was investigated in sodium sulfate solutions using electrochemical techniques. The influence of two different electrolytic parameters, namely, concentration (0.01–1.0 M) and pH (3.0–11.0) were studied while the specimens were potentiodynamically polarized between −1000 and 500 mV versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE). The results showed that the corrosion current density (icorr) increases with increasing either the tin content in the alloy or the ${\rm SO}_4^{2 - } $ ions concentration in the electrolyte. Increasing the pH value of a constant composition sulfate solution was found to improve the corrosion resistance of the tin‐richer alloys (x = 50–96.5 wt%), and decreases a little the stability of the silver‐rich one (74 wt% Ag). Impedance measurements at the free corrosion potential (Ecorr) give good support for these results, where a small addition of tin to silver up to the intermetallic ratio (x = 26 wt%) gives an alloy with better corrosion resistance to the aggressive sulfate medium. In terms of the tin ratio, the order of surface film stability on the tested samples, generally follows the ranking: 26 > 96.5 > 50 > Ag > 70 > Sn. The good corrosion resistance of the tin‐rich alloy (x = 96.5 wt%), surpassing those for the pure constituents tin and silver can be attributed to the homogenous phase structure of this eutectic mixture.
Relationship between morphology and deformation mechanisms of polyolefins
Authors: Sasaguri Kiichiro , Stein Richard S.
Published: August 2009

The birefringence changes produced by stretching, polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutene were examined. It was found that the strain optical coefficient at low elongation for polypropylene and polybutene depends upon storage time at room temperature for quenched samples, changing sign from an initial positive value to a negative value. The change is similar to that observed upon changing temperature with polypropylene. At high elongation, the strain optical coefficient becomes positive in all cases. The change for polypropylene cannot be due to increased crystallization and does not correlate with changes in infrared spectra, x‐ray diffraction, NMR, or light scattering. X‐ray diffraction does reveal a difference in the crystal orientation mechanism for the fresh and aged sample.

For the fresh sample, the c‐crystal axis tends to orient in the stretching direction, while for the aged sample, the b‐axis orients in this manner. With polybutene, the time dependence of the strain‐optical coefficient correlates with the transition in crystal structure observable by x‐ray diffraction and infrared spectra. It is proposed that the changes are related to the amount of recrystallization or crystal deformation accompanying spherulite deformation upon stretching. A simple theory of these effects is presented which contains a parameter expressing this degree of change in internal structure. It is proposed that this parameter varies with time and temperature.
Lithium Melonate, Li3[C6N7(NCN)3]·6H2O – Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties of a Novel Precursor for Graphitic Carbon Nitrides
Authors: Clauss Corinna , Wagler Jörg , Schwarz Marcus , Schwarzer Anke , Kroke Edwin
Published: August 2009

A new s‐heptazine derivative, lithium melonate Li3[C6N7(NCN)3] (2), has been prepared from potassium melonate by using an ion exchanger resin. The crystal structure of the hexahydrate Li3[C6N7(NCN)3]·6H2O (2a) has been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis (hexagonal, P63/m, a = b = 12.2263(6), c = 6.8854(6) Å, V = 891.35(10) Å3). The results show that this s‐heptazine derivative adopts ideal C3h symmetry, thus comprising 1/6 of the formula moiety in the asymmetric unit. 13C NMR spectroscopic data indicate that no melonate‐lithium interaction occurs in solution, whereas lithium is tetrahedrally coordinated by two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms in 2a in the solid. The title compound 2 was further characterised by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TG/DTA and elemental analysis. In spite of the high nitrogen content, compound 2 proved to be thermally stable up to ~500 °C. The latter observation is typical for melonates and has been reported for other s‐heptazine derivatives as well.
Getting to the heart of the matter: CCN2 plays a role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Leask Andrew
Published: August 2009

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is overexpressed in diabetes. Diabetic rats possess myocardial and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In a recent report, Wang and colleagues (Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2009 Jul 22. [Epub ahead of print]) show that CCN2 directly mediates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy as well as that induced by high glucose and fatty acid. CCN2 acted via the TrkA receptor. These data are the subject of this commentary, and emphasize that CCN2 may be an excellent target for therapy in diabetes.
Peripheral glial cell differentiation from neurospheres derived from adipose mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Radtke C. , Schmitz B. , Spies M. , Kocsis J.D. , Vogt P.M.
Published: August 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue are being considered for use in neural repair because they can differentiate after appropriate induction in culture into neurons and glia. The question we asked was if neurospheres could be harvested from adipose‐derived stem cells and if they then could differentiate in culture to peripheral glial‐like cells. Here, we demonstrate that adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells can form nestin‐positive non‐adherent neurosphere cellular aggregates when cultured with basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor. Dissociation of these neurospheres and removal of mitogens results in expression of the characteristic Schwann cell markers S100 and p75 nerve growth factor receptor and GFAP. The simultaneous expression of these glia markers are characteristic features of Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells which have unique properties regarding remyelination and enhancement of axonal regeneration. When co‐cultured with dorsal root ganglion neurons, the peripheral glial‐like cells derived from adipose mesenchymal stem cells aligned with neuritis and stimulated neuritic outgrowth. These results indicate that neurospheres can be generated from adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, and upon mitogen withdrawal can differentiate into peripheral glial cells with neurotrophic effects.