bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise measurement and estimation method for overhead contact line unevenness
Authors: Mitsuo Aboshi
Published: April 2007

The unevenness of contact lines is one of the factors that considerably influences the dynamic characteristics of current collection systems. In order to analyze the influence of the contact line unevenness on the fluctuation of the contact force between contact line and pantograph, an instrument was devised to measure the unevenness of contact lines accurately and continuously. The instrument consists of two pairs of laser sensors for the purpose of reducing measurement errors by vertical vibration of the measurement vehicle. This paper describes the measuring method of contact line unevenness, reports some examples of the measurement of real lines, and proposes a method to evaluate the conditions of overhead equipment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(2): 77–85, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20209
Broadband characteristics analysis of semicircle‐type bow‐tie antenna with hole slots
Authors: Murata Ippei , Miyazaki Yasumitsu , Goto Nobuo
Published: April 2007

For electromagnetic compatibility, broadband antennas are important for measurements of fast pulse transient electromagnetic phenomena and broadband characteristics due to noise and high‐frequency interference. We analyzed the characteristics of a semicircle type bow‐tie antenna with various slots using the FDTD method. It was shown from the simulation results that the shape and position of the slot influenced greatly the broadband characteristics of the antenna. We confirmed that a semicircle type bow‐tie antenna with a triangle slot was effective for a broadband antenna. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 159(4): 47–53, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20252
Quantitative evaluation of lightning surge range voltage–time characteristics in high‐pressure SF6 gas
Authors: Shinkai Hiroyuki , Goshima Hisashi , Yashima Masafumi , Fujinami Hideo
Published: April 2007

Gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) is subjected to very fast transient overvoltages such as lightning surges or disconnector switching surges. Therefore, the sparkover voltage and time (V−t) characteristics of SF6 in a very short time range of less than $1\ \mu \hbox{s}$ are of great interest from the viewpoint of insulation design and coordination for a GIS. This paper describes the V−t characteristics of SF6 at a gas pressure of 0.5 MPa using a steep‐front square impulse voltage under a quasi‐uniform field gap and presents a quantitative evaluation of the V−t characteristics for a nonstandard lightning impulse voltage. In the case of a square impulse, the V−t characteristics of positive polarity were observed to be almost flat over a long time range from 80 ns to $10\ \mu \hbox{s}$, and rose steeply over a short time range from 80 ns down to 20 ns. For negative polarity, the V−t characteristics exhibit a gentle rise from 200 ns down to 40 ns. In the estimation of V−t characteristics, the equal‐area criterion parameters were quantitatively estimated using the square impulse. For a nonstandard lighting impulse, we found that application of the equal‐area criterion with these parameters for the nonoscillating impulse and oscillating impulse of up to 5.3 MHz as a model of lightning surge and disconnector switching surge is possible. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 159(4): 8– 17, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20309
Numerical computation for solving algebraic Riccati equations of weakly coupled systems
Authors: Mukaidani Hiroaki , Xu Hua , Monden Yoshimi
Published: April 2007

In this paper, an algorithm for solving the algebraic Riccati equation (ARE) that has an indefinite sign quadratic term related to weakly coupled large‐scale systems is investigated. A novel contribution is that a new iterative algorithm is derived by combining Newton's method and the fixed point algorithm. As a result, for sufficiently small ε, we can obtain an ARE solution with a quadratic convergence rate. Moreover, it is possible to calculate the ARE solution for the same dimension of each subsystem. As another important feature, an algorithm for solving the filter ARE is also discussed. Finally, in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, a numerical example is given. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(1): 39–48, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20370
Adaptive particle swarm optimization using information about global best
Authors: Yamaguchi Teruyoshi , Iwasaki Nobuhiro , Yasuda Keiichiro
Published: April 2007

The Particle Swarm Optimization method is one of the most powerful optimization methods available for solving global optimization problems. However, knowledge of adaptive strategies for tuning the parameters of the method for application to large‐scale nonlinear nonconvex optimization problems is as yet limited. This paper describes an adaptive strategy for tuning the parameters of the PSO method based on some numerical analysis of the behavior of PSO. The proposed adaptive tuning strategy is based on self‐tuning of the parameters of PSO, which utilizes the information about the frequency of an updated global best of a swarm. The feasibility and advantages of the proposed adaptive PSO algorithm are demonstrated through some numerical simulations using three different typical global optimization test problems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 159(4): 38– 46, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20487
Power supply systems for rapid cycling synchrotron
Authors: Watanabe Yasuhiro , Adachi Toshikazu , Someya Hirohiko , Koseki Shoichiro , Ogawa Shinichi
Published: April 2007

JAEA and KEK are jointly constructing the high‐intensity proton accelerator project J‐PARC. Its main accelerator is a 3‐GeV rapid cycling synchrotron (RCS). Two types of resonant excitation systems, parallel and cascade, are introduced to excite DC biased 25‐Hz AC currents through its main magnets. The parallel excitation is adopted for the dipole magnet power supply system, and the cascade excitations are adopted for the seven family quadrupole magnets system. In this paper, the two systems are investigated and analyzed, and an explanation is given as to why the different types are adopted in each system. The authors believe that such hybrid exciting systems are most suitable for a high‐power RCS. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(1): 49–60, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20535
Neurocognition of centenarians: neuropsychological study of élite centenarians
Authors: Luczywek E. , Gabryelewicz T. , Barczak A. , Religa D. , Pfeffer A. , Styczynska M. , Peplonska B. , Chodakowska‐Żebrowska M. , Barcikowska M.
Published: April 2007

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive state of highly selected Polish centenarians and analyze the mechanisms of their functioning.

Methods

The selected centenarian group (10 persons) and a reference group (20 persons) who started aging (65 years) were examined with a sensitive set of neuropsychological tests and tasks in clinical‐experimental assessment.

Results

As expected, the centenarians' cognitive functions were different from those of the subjects who started aging, however, not in all aspects. For instance, the former scored significantly lower in the area of linguistic functions but the ability to plan and controlled perform complex visuospatial task with use of simultaneous and sequential strategies was preserved despite unfavorable symptoms of natural aging such as permanence attention as well as prolonged action time.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the studied centenarians show a dominant right‐hemispheric pattern functioning not only in relation to perception, but also to planning and executing complex activities. The study and description of preserved neurocognition of centenarians was possible due to introducing a special procedure sensitive to the preserved functions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thinking critically about the “critical”: Quantitative research as social critique
Authors: Baez Benjamin
Published: April 2007

Research should be judged by the questions asked and the critiques offered.
Family‐focused treatment for bipolar disorder in adults and youth
Authors: Morris Chad D. , Miklowitz David J. , Waxmonsky Jeanette A.
Published: April 2007

Levels of familial expressed emotion during an acute episode are consistently associated with rates of recurrence among bipolar patients. This article briefly reviews the evidence for expressed emotion (EE) as a prognostic indicator and then illustrates family‐focused treatment (FFT) with adults and adolescents suffering from bipolar disorder. FFT is a time‐limited, modularized treatment consisting of psychoeducation, communication enhancement training, and problem‐solving skills. Controlled trials indicate that FFT is an efficacious adjunct to pharmacotherapy for patients with bipolar disorder. We describe its recent application to early onset bipolar patients and include a clinical vignette. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 433–445, 2007.
A transcranial doppler study in interictal migraine and tension‐type headache
Authors: Arjona Antonio , de Torres Luis A. Perula , Serrano‐Castro Pedro J. , Guardado‐Santervas Pedro L. , Olivares Jesus , Rubí‐Callejon Jose
Published: April 2007

Purpose.

To use transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography to determine if patients with migraine without aura have interictal hemodynamic abnormalities compared with patients who have episodic tension‐type headache (TH).

Methods.

Thirty‐six migraine patients without aura and 51 TH patients (age range, 16–50 years) who were diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Headache Society 1988 participated in the study. Forty‐four healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex, formed the control group. Time‐averaged mean velocity (TAMV), pulsatility index (PI), and breath‐holding index (BHI) were measured via TCD sonography in the middle cerebral artery.

Results.

TAMV was higher in migraine without aura than in episodic TH (p = 0.034). There were no differences between groups regarding PI or BHI.

Conclusion.

Our findings support the arteriolar vasodilatation theory in migraine without aura. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
The Influence of Talking on Diastolic Blood Pressure Readings
Authors: Hellmann Rosemary , Grimm Susan A.
Published: April 2007

Recent research disclosed a number of variables which may distort blood pressure readings, but little attention has been paid to talking as such a variable. To investigate the effect of talking on diastolic blood pressure, 48 subjects with one previous diastolic blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg or more and not taking antihypertensives, were recruited from an outpatient hypertension clinic. Three diastolic blood pressure readings under each of three sequentially counter‐balanced treatment conditions were obtained: no talking, reading neutral material for part of the procedure, and reading neutral material continuously. Blood pressure increased significantly (p < .01) under both talking conditions. Implications for nursing education, practice, and future research are discussed.
The Male Nursing Student as a Token
Authors: Kay Snavely B. , Fairhurst Gail Theus
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this research was to test the applicability of Kanter's theory of tokenism to male nursing students. Kanter's theory states that numerical underrepresentation, not cultural factors, causes tokens to experience greater performance pressure, social isolation, and role entrapment. Subjects were 322 male and female nursing students from two similar midwestern nursing schools. Subjects completed instruments measuring social isolation, upward communication distortion, performance pressure, and communication apprehension. This research did not find support for Kanter's claims. Possible explanations for the findings include sex status differences and the nurturing character of the nursing profession.
Religiousness among terminally ill and healthy adults
Authors: Reed Pamela G.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare terminally ill with healthy adults for differences in religiousness; sense of well‐being also was explored. This study was based upon a conceptualization of dying as a developmental phase of life. It was hypothesized that terminally ill adults report greater religiousness than healthy adults. A terminally ill and a healthy group with 57 adults each were matched on four key variables: age, gender, education, and religious affiliation. All 114 participants completed two questionnaires: the Religious Perspective Scale and the Index of Well‐Being. A t‐test of differences between the group means supported the hypothesis (t (112) = 3.11, p < .001). There was no difference between the groups on sense of well‐being; both indicated moderately high levels of well‐being. A positive relationship between religiousness and well‐being was found in the healthy group (r = .43, p < .001), but not in the terminally ill group.
Ensuring anonymity by use of subject‐generated identification codes
Authors: Damrosch Shirley P.
Published: April 2007

The technique of subject‐generated identification codes was recently devised to solve the problem of ensuring anonymity in longitudinal research when the researcher needs to connect each set of data with the particular respondent who was the source. An explanation of the technique, an example of a form used by subjects to generate the code, and a report on the use of the technique with a sample of 142 nursing students are provided.
Cesarean Birth Outside the Natural Childbirth Culture
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete , Bustamante Rosa
Published: April 2007

The meaning of cesarean birth to women who are not typical members of the natural childbirth culture was examined. Fifty women who received obstetric care in a public inner‐city hospital serving the medically indigent and who sought minimal preparation for childbirth were interviewed. The findings suggest that the women used distancing behaviors prenatally and postdelivery to cope with the idea and reality of cesarean birth. In addition, the women did not display the psychic wounding following cesarean birth reported by natural childbirth followers.
How families manage chronic conditions: An analysis of the concept of normalization
Authors: Knafl Kathleen A. , Deatrick Janet A.
Published: April 2007

Concept analysis entails the systematic examination of the attributes or characteristics of a given concept for the purpose of clarifying the meaning of that concept. The term “normalization” appears frequently in reports of how families respond to the illness or disability of a member. While most authors agree that families who have an ill or disabled member attempt to normalize their family life, definitions and applications of the concept vary considerably across investigators. Following guidelines for concept analysis proposed by Chinn and Jacobs (1983), the origin and development of the concept normalization are traced and criteria are presented for distinguishing between normalization and other responses families make to a member's illness or disability. Three case examples are presented: a model (normalization) case, a contrary (disassociation) case, and a related (denial) case.
Integrative reviews of nursing research
Authors: Ganong Lawrence H.
Published: April 2007

Integrative reviews of research are a valuable part of the process of creating and organizing a body of literature. It has been argued that integrative reviews should be held to the same standards of clarity, rigor, and replication as primary research. In this paper methods for conducting an integrative review are discussed. Seventeen reviews from nursing journals were examined and compared with a proposed set of criteria for reviews. The results indicated that the majority of integrative reviews in nursing fell short of primary research standards. Guidelines for conducting more rigorous reviews are presented.
Predictors of life outlook of older single women
Authors: Hoeffer Beverly
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine whether personal and social factors (a) differentiate between widowed, divorced or separated, and never married older women, and (b) predict the life outlook of older single women. A secondary analysis of data from a subsample of the older single women (n = 816) in the 1975 National Survey of the Aged was undertaken. Significant differences between groups were found: never married women were better educated, healthier, less lonely, and had a more positive life outlook than widows. The model predicted 29% of the variance in life outlook. Health and loneliness had the strongest effects on life outlook when predictors were compared.
Low back pain in nurses: The relative importance of medical history, work factors, exercise, and demographics
Authors: Mandel Jeffrey H. , Lohman William
Published: April 2007

Although low back pain (LBP), a major problem for nurses, is presumed to be caused by the physical demands of work, little scientific information supports this view. In this study, registered nurses were surveyed regarding LBP, demographics, medical history, exercise, and work variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated previous LBP or back pain in another location of the spine were strongly associated with LBP during the study year. Aerobic dance exercise was less strongly associated. In contrast, lifting patients was only weakly associated, and other occupational variables not at all. Although results must be interpreted cautiously in light of study limitations, the findings suggest that factors unrelated to work may be more important to LBP than previously thought.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the exercise benefits/barriers scale
Authors: Sechrist Karen R. , Walker Susan Noble , Pender Nola J.
Published: April 2007

Initial psychometric evaluation of an instrument to measure perceived benefits of exercise and perceived barriers to exercise was based on the responses of 650 adults and included item analysis, factor analysis, and reliability measures. Factor analysis yielded nine factors, five benefits and four barriers, which explained 64.9% of the variance in the 43‐item instrument. Second order factor analysis resulted in a two‐factor solution, one a benefits factor and the other a barriers factor. The standardized Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were: 0.952 for the total scale, 0.953 for the benefits scale, and 0.886 for the barriers scale. Use of the instrument in research involving perceptions of the benefits of exercise and the barriers to exercise appears warranted.
Satisfaction with health care of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ferrans Carol Estwing , Powers Marjorie J. , Kasch Chris R.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to assess the satisfaction with care of hemodialysis patients, and to explore the relationships between satisfaction with care, quality of life, and background variables. The sample (n = 416) was randomly selected from the adult, in unit hemodialysis patient population of a north central state. Overall, patients were satisfied with their care (M = 5.04, range = 1 to 6). An ANOVA demonstrated that patients were most satisfied with physician related aspects of care, followed by nursing/dialysis treatment aspects, and least satisfied with financial/transportation aspects (F(2,830) = 28.44, p < 0.0001). Overall satisfaction with care was most highly correlated with satisfaction with medical (r = 0.74) and nursing care (r = 0.74). Satisfaction with care was moderately correlated with quality of life (r = 0.42) and satisfaction with health and functioning (r = 0.42). Somewhat weaker relationships were found between satisfaction with care and socioeconomic aspects of life (r = 0.31), psychological/spiritual aspects (r = 0.32), and family (r = 0.27). Patients who had been on dialysis for a shorter length of time or who had less education were more satisfied with care.
Factors associated with more intense labor pain
Authors: Fridh Gerd , Kopare Telle , Gaston‐Johansson Fannie , Norvell Kristine Turner
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine (a) if background factors, emotional feelings, and mothers' expectations influence pain intensity during labor, and (b) if primiparas differ from multiparas in regard to these factors. A convenience sample of 50 healthy primiparas and 88 healthy multiparas, ranging in age from 17–41 years, was used. Demographic data were collected at 33 weeks gestation, and pain intensity was measured during three different phases of labor using a Visual Analogue Scale and the Pain‐o‐meter, a new pain assessment tool. The following factors correlated with more emotional feelings towards pregnancy and higher intensity of in‐labor pain: (a) parity, (b) younger age, (c) less education, (d) more menstrual problems, (e) history of abortion, (f) unstable emotional feelings, (g) unrealistic expectations of pain and discomfort, (h) more pain relieving drugs during labor and delivery, and (i) a mate with negative or indifferent feelings toward the pregnancy.
The exercise of self‐care agency: An analysis of construct and discriminant validitiy
Authors: Riesch Susan K. , Hauck Mary R.
Published: April 2007

The aim of this investigation was to delineate the concepts contributing to the Exercise of Self‐Care Agency (ESCA) scale developed by Kearney and Fleischer (1979) and to test its construct and discriminant validity. Using factor analytic techniques upon data generated by 506 subjects, the concepts of Self‐Concept, Initiative and Responsibility, Knowledge and Information Seeking, and Passivity emerged. These findings are congruent with the theoretical work of the Nursing Conference Development Group (1973) and Kearney and Fleischer. The factors were found to discriminate these concepts among 3 different samples. Recommendations are made for revision, further research, and use of the instrument in practice.
The relationship between social support, self‐esteem, and maternal‐fetal attachment in adolescents
Authors: Koniak‐griffin Deborah
Published: April 2007

Limited information is available about factors related to prenatal attachment in adolescents. In this study, relationships among self‐esteem, social support, and maternal‐fetal attachment were examined. A culturally diverse sample of 90 adolescents between 14 and 19 years of age was recruited from two of the three licensed residential maternity homes in Los Angeles County. The four research instruments administered included: a background questionnaire, Coopersmith's Self‐Esteem Inventory, Norbeck's Social Support Questionnaire, and Cranley's Maternal‐Fetal Attachment Scale. Although nonsignificant correlations were found between total maternal‐fetal attachment scores and measures of self‐esteem and social support, four key variables were identified through regression analyses. These significant predictors of prenatal attachment were total functional support, total size of network, planning of pregnancy, and intent to keep the infant. Implications for clinical practice are discussed related to these findings.
Health care relationships: The chronic illness perspective
Authors: Thorne Sally E. , Robinson Carole A.
Published: April 2007

Most explanations of the relationships between health care providers and health care recipients reflect perspectives and belief systems peculiar to health care professionals. In contrast, this study combined data from two separate qualitative investigations to yield an analysis of these relationships from the perspective of family members involved with chronic illness. Relationships between health care providers and health care recipients are viewed as evolving over time through a process which has identifiable stages. The utility of such a process orientation for nurses and other health care professionals is the insight it provides into the possibilities for negotiating satisfying care.
Nursing students' stereotypes of married and unmarried pregnant clients
Authors: Ganong Lawrence H. , Coleman Marilyn , Riley Cynthia
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of information about a pregnant client's marital status on nursing students' initial perceptions of the client, attributions of group stereotypes to the client, predictions of client behavior, data sought, and verbal responses toward the client. Forty‐three undergraduate nursing students from a large Midwestern university volunteered to participate. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups, the “married client” or “unmarried client.” Subjects viewed a videotape of a nurse interviewing a pregnant client and were administered a series of questionnaires. Following this, they were asked to respond in writing to five statements made by the videotaped client. Videotapes were identical except that one group was told they were viewing an unmarried woman and the other group was told the client was married. Results indicated that students evaluated the married client more positively than the unmmarried client. Students' perceptions were consistent with several cultural stereotypes. In addition, students predicted that, if hospitalized, the unmarried client would have greater difficulty than the married client. There were no differences between groups in the information they would seek from the client or in responses towards the client.
Preferences for treatment control among adults with cancer
Authors: Degner Lesley F. , Russell Catherine Aquino
Published: April 2007

The preferences of adults with cancer about alternative roles they might play in treatment decision making was examined. The hypothesis was that people with cancer have ideal points along the psychological dimension of keeping, sharing, or giving away control over decision making. A theoretical sample of 60 ambulatory oncology patients was tested using two card‐sort procedures with a total of eight vignettes describing various patterns of control over treatment decision making. Results indicated that preference orders of 59/60 patients were consistent with the existence of an underlying psychological dimension, “preferences for control over treatment decision making”; that most patients preferred the pattern of shared control; and that patients preferred to give control to the physician rather than a family member.
Theoretical Modeling to Predict Violence in Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Morrison Eileen F.
Published: April 2007

Research from a nursing perspective on factors related to psychiatric inpatient violence is lacking. The purpose of the study was to test a nursing theoretical framework of violence using predictive model testing. Data were collected by 57 nursing staff on 162 hospitalized patients in four hospitals. Inconsistencies in the social and therapeutic rules predicted 18% of the violent behavior. Demographic and medical variables contributing to violence were: history of violence towards others, length of hospitalization, and the diagnosis of substance abuse. The findings support the need for further research to identify nursing concepts that contribute to patient violence.
Family stress and family strengths: A comparison of single‐ and two‐parent families with handicapped children
Authors: MCCubbin Marilyn A.
Published: April 2007

Using the Typology Model of Adjustment and Adaptation, a family stress model, the differences in family stressors, resources, family types, parental coping patterns, and child health indices were examined in 27 single‐parent families and 27 two‐parent families who had a child with cerebral palsy. The two groups of families were matched on the severity of the child's handicap and the age and gender of the parent. There was no significant difference between the two groups of families on the accumulation of stressors and demands, resource strains, family types, family cohesion, family resources of esteem/communication, mastery/health, extended family social support, and the child health indices of overall physical health status and health improvement. Single‐parent families were significantly lower on financial well‐being and the mother's coping related to maintaining family integration, cooperation, and optimism about the situation. Single‐parent families also were higher on family adaptability than two‐parent families, reflecting an ability to be more flexible in family rules, power structure, and role relationships.
Men's health status during pregnancy and early fatherhood
Authors: Ferketich Sandra L. , Mercer Ramona T.
Published: April 2007

The findings in this study of 147 men agreed with earlier research that health status declines over the first 8 months of fatherhood. The study extends previous work in that causes of this decline were tested. Empirical respecified models predicting health perception during pregnancy, early postpartum 1, 4, and 8 months were able to predict from 20 to 60% of the variance. These models were substantively more powerful than the hypothesized theoretical model that was tested, which explained from 12 to 38% of the variance. At all time periods there was a link between negative life events and a director indirect predictor of health perception. Other variables that consistently entered the models with either direct or indirect links were self‐esteem, mastery, and either depression or anxiety. The empirical respecified models showed moderate to strong predictive power and provide a base for future model testing and subsequent intervention studies.
Effect of respiratory rate, respiratory depth, and open versus closed mouth breathing on sublingual temperature
Authors: Neff Janet , Ayoub Judith , Longman Alice , Noyes Alice
Published: April 2007

The effect of open mouth breathing, tachypnea, and hyperpnea, either alone or in combination, on sublingual and tympanic membrane temperature in healthy adults was investigated. Seventy‐eight subjects maintained randomly assigned breathing patterns for 15 minutes. Temperatures were monitored immediately prior to and for 5 minutes following the breathing protocol. The only statistically significant finding (p < .01) was a lower sublingual temperature with open mouth breathing. No significant changes in tympanic membrane temperature were seen.
Measurement of the chronic pain experience: Development of an instrument
Authors: Davis Gail C.
Published: April 2007

Development and testing of the Chronic Pain Experience Instrument (CPEI) were initiated to address the need for a valid and reliable instrument for the accurate clinical assessment of, as well as for the empirical investigation of, the chronic pain experience, that is, the personal response to living with nonmalignant persistent pain. When tested with persons with rheumatic disease (N = 160), the 16‐item CPEI demonstrated high internal consistency, adequate stability, and moderate construct validity. Analysis included coefficient alpha, interitem correlations, item‐scale correlations, Pearson r, factor analysis, and predictive modeling. Additional testing of the CPEI is suggested prior to its clinical application.
Maternal presence, childrearing practices, and children's response to an injection
Authors: Broome Marion E. , Endsley Richard C.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of maternal presence or absence and childrearing practices on young children's response to an injection. One hundred thirty‐eight mothers and their children, who were attending a health screening clinic, were assigned to one of four groups in which mothers were either present or absent during an interview and an immunization. Mothers were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their childrearing practices. Child behavior was observed during both the interview and the immunization. Results indicated that while maternal presence was associated with the children behaving more distressed during the interview, maternal presence had no effect on child behavior during the immunization. Children whose mothers reported high levels of both control and warmth in their relationship (authoritative parents) were found to be significantly less distressed during the immunization than children of either the low‐control, high‐warmth (permissive), high‐control, low‐warmth (authoritarian) or low‐control, low‐warmth (nonresponsive) parent groups.
Life stress, social support, and anxiety in mid‐ and late‐pregnancy among low income women
Authors: Norbeck Jane S. , Anderson N. Jean
Published: April 2007

The stability and multivariate effects of life stress, social support, and anxiety from mid to late pregnancy in a sample of low‐income women were examined. The sample of 190 was approximately equally divided among black, Hispanic, and white groups. Scores from the two time periods were highly consistent. The multivariate effects of life stress and social support on anxiety were similar at the two time periods, explaining 30% to 34% of the variance in anxiety, over and above the effects of ethnicity or marital status. The prospective test (Time 1 variables predicting Time 2 anxiety), however, explained only 22% of the variance in anxiety. Significant stress‐buffering effects from social support were found for both the Time 1 regression and the prospective test. The combination of high life stress and low partner support was associated with the highest anxiety. The findings confirmed that mid‐pregnancy measures of these psychosocial variables were valid indicators of their level over the course of the remainder of the pregnancy, allowing for early assessment and intervention to improve perinatal well‐being.
An exploration of gender differences among the homeless
Authors: Maurin Judith T. , Russell Leslie , Memmott Rae Jeanne
Published: April 2007

Interviews were conducted with 337 homeless people in Utah. There were 266 men (79%) and 71 women (21%) with varied social networks: 76% alone, 4.7% single parents with children, 11.9% couples, and 7.4% in two‐parent families. The majority of men were alone (86.9%), compared to only 35.2% of the women. The women were more likely than the men to have children (31% compared to 7%), to have had recent contact with their absent children, to express the expectation that their absent children would live with them again, and to be psychologically distressed (65.7% compared to 39%). Of the 41 with children, 61% were in two‐parent families. Respondents with children tended to have been more recently homeless than those without children. The homeless are a heterogeneous population, and this must be taken into consideration when planning services.
Quality of life of adults with chronic illness: A psychometric study
Authors: Burckhardt Carol S. , Woods Susan L. , Schultz Alyce A. , Ziebarth Donna M.
Published: April 2007

Reliability and validity of the Flanagan Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) were tested in four chronic illness groups. Open‐ended questions and four instruments, the QOLS, Duke‐UNC Health Profile (DUHP), Life Satisfaction Index (LSI‐Z), and either the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) or the Ostomy Adjustment Scale (OAS) were administered by telephone interview and mailed questionnaires to 227 adults three times over 6 weeks. Subjects generated verbal responses that substantiated the content validity of the QOLS. Stability reliability estimates for all instruments ranged from .53 to .90. Cronbach's alpha coefficients averaged .87 for the QOLS. Appropriate validity coefficients indicated both convergent and discriminant construct validity.
Neonatal measures of attention and early cognitive status
Authors: Becker Patricia T. , Lederman Regina P. , Lederman Edward
Published: April 2007

Measures of infant attention may be more indicative of cognitive status than scores from standardized developmental tests. The purpose of this study of 56 full‐term infants was to determine whether measures of attention taken from the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scales (NBAS) at 2 days and the Bayley Infant Behavior Record (IBR) at 2 months would be internally consistent and would be related to developmental status at 2 months. Attention measures were internally consistent. The IBR measure was significantly related to 2‐month developmental status; the NBAS measure was not. Results support attention as an important focus for nursing assessment of development.
Gender differences in anger expression: Health implications
Authors: Thomas Sandra P.
Published: April 2007

Anger expression modes were examined in a diverse sample of mid‐life men and women (N = 139) participating in the third phase of a longitudinal study of health that began in 1982 at the World's Fair and a metropolitan general hospital in Tennessee. Contrary to previous studies, men and women did not differ in the likelihood of suppressing their anger (anger‐in), nor were there gender differences in anger‐out. However, † tests revealed significant differences between men and women in the likelihood of discussing anger and expressing anger via physical symptoms (women higher on both). The only mode of anger expression related to poorer health status was expression of anger via physical symptoms; anger‐in, anger‐out, and anger‐discuss modes were unrelated. Correlates of anger symptoms for both men and women included lower levels of education and optimism, poorer health habits, and external locus of control beliefs. Several correlations were found to be gender‐specific; e.g., women who exhibited more anger symptomatology were not suppressors of their anger, but directed it outward, taking it out on others and blaming others. Implications were discussed.
Patterns of functioning in families with a chronically ill parent: An exploratory study
Authors: Stuifbergen Alexa K.
Published: April 2007

Findings from an assessment of the pattern of functioning of families with dependent children in which one parent was chronically ill are presented. The Moos Family Environment Scale scores of 67 chronically ill individuals and their spouses were subjected to cluster analysis procedures. Four clusters of families were identified and described: cohesive, moral‐religious oriented, structured conflict, and unstructured conflict. Structured conflict families possessed lower socioeconomic status and perceived greater impact of illness than cohesive families. Cluster analysis proved particularly useful because it allowed consideration of how groups of families vary from each other, as well as how specific dimensions of family functioning may covary with one another within groups.
The dimensionality of the UCLA loneliness scale in early adolescents
Authors: Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Adela
Published: April 2007

The dimensionality of the UCLA Loneliness Scale was assessed in 326 adolescents aged 12 to 14. Based on theoretical grounds, a one‐factor solution was examined. The results lend limited support to the assertion that the instrument measures a single dimension of loneliness. Factor solutions ranging from three to five were unacceptable according to the methodological criteria used in this study. A two‐factor solution met the methodological criteria but the results were suggestive of a method artifact. This possibility was explored using a procedure that follows the logic of construct validation. The findings suggested that the instrument has two substantive dimensions. Continued support of the bidimen‐sionality of the instrument would have implications for theory development regarding the phenomenon of loneliness.
Position modifies carotid artery blood flow velocity during straining
Authors: Therrien Barbara
Published: April 2007

The Valsalva maneuver (VM) produces rapid shifts in cerebrovascular blood flow and is often implicated in aneurysm rupture and rebleeding. To determine whether intensity of hemodynamic shifts is affected by position, we examined effects of five body positions (chair, 70° and 30° upright, flat, side) on carotid artery blood flow velocity (CABFV) across the VM in 141 healthy adults (30–55 yrs.). Subjects strained at 40 mmHg pressure for 10 seconds. CABFV was measured continuously by ultrasonic Doppler technique. During straining, position significantly (F=13.7; p < .0001) affected CABFV. Less reduction occurred in the chair (p < .05) position than in any of the others. The 70° position produced less fall in CABFV (p < .05) than did the 30°, flat and side positions. Less increase in CABFV across the VM was recorded in the chair position (p < .05) than in any of the others. It is concluded that the chair position can be used therapeutically to reduce severe shifts of CABFV associated with straining.
A critical review of visual analogue scales in the measurement of clinical phenomena
Authors: Wewers Mary Ellen , Lowe Nancy K.
Published: April 2007

Visual analogue scales (VAS) have been used in the social and behavioral sciences to measure a variety of subjective phenomena. The VAS method has potential utility for the measurement of a variety of clinical phenomena of interest to nurse investigators. In this review a description of the various forms of the VAS and an historical overview of their development are presented. In addition, conceptual, psychometric, and statistical aspects of the VAS are considered. Finally, strengths and limitations of the VAS method are addressed.
Self‐care agency as a function of patient—environmental factors among nursing home residents
Authors: Jirovec Mary Marmoll , Kasno Janet
Published: April 2007

The relationship between environmental and personal factors on self‐appraised self‐care agency of nursing home residents was examined. Data were collected from 83 nursing home residents in relation to self‐care abilities, environmental constraints, and selected demographic factors. Race and previous occupation were related to self‐care agency with residents who were black or previously self‐employed evidencing higher scores. In addition, residents who viewed the home as overly restrictive or fostering dependence had lower perceptions of their self‐care abilities. The results are discussed in terms of Orem's theory of self‐care, social learning theory, and implications for restructuring care within nursing homes.
A randomized study to determine complications associated with duration of insertion of Heparin locks
Authors: Smith Iola , Hathaway Maisie , Goldman Carol , Ng John , Brunton James , Simor Andrew E. , Low Donald E.
Published: April 2007

A randomized trial was conducted to assess the effect of leaving heparin locks in place longer than 72 hours. Three hundred and one patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A had the lock changed every 72 hours and Group B had the lock left in place up to 168 hours. Due to withdrawals following randomization, Group A contained 116 subjects and Group B 140 subjects. No significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to age, sex, medical condition, drugs used, entries into the lock, minor complications, or incidence of phlebitis. The findings suggest that consideration could be given to extending insertion time up to 96 hours and possibly up to 118 hours.
Psychosocial adjustment of patients and spouses to severe cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bohachick Patricia , Anton Bonnie B.
Published: April 2007

Severe cardiomyopathy (SCM) imposes considerable psychosocial stress on families however, little is known about the effect of SCM from the point of view of the marital couple. In this study, adjustment to SCM of 90 patients and their spouses was compared. Patients reported more vocational, domestic, and sexual problems than spouses. Spouses reported more problems in health care orientation, family relationships, and psychological distress than patients. The findings indicate that severe cardiomyopathy impacts on the psychosocial integrity of both partners. Therefore, one should plan interventions to support spouses as well as patients. Because problems of spouses and patients may differ, both partners should be assessed to appropriately target interventions.
Measuring the capability to raise revenue: process and output dimensions and their application to the Zambia Revenue Authority
Authors: Soest Christian von
Published: April 2007

The worldwide diffusion of the good governance agenda and new public management (NPM) principles has triggered a renewed focus on state capability and, more specifically, on the capability to raise revenue in developing countries. However, the analytical tools for a comprehensive understanding of the capability to raise revenue remain underdeveloped. This article aims at filling this gap and presents a model consisting of the three process dimensions ‘information collection and processing’, ‘merit orientation’ and ‘administrative accountability’. ‘Revenue performance’ constitutes the fourth capability dimension which assesses tax administrations' output. This model is applied to the case of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). The dimensions prove to be valuable not only for assessing the how much but also the how of collecting taxes. They can be a useful tool for future comparative analyses of tax administrations' capabilities in developing countries. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR study of monomer sequence distributions in some commercial acrylonitrile‐butadiene copolymers
Authors: Anachkov M. P. , Stefanova R. V. , Rakovsky S. K.
Published: April 2007

A ratio of acrylonitrile groups (A) and 1,2‐ and 1,4‐bonded butadiene (B) in SKN‐18, SKN‐26 and SKN‐40 nitrile rubbers has been determined by means of a 250 MHz NMR spectrometer. The amounts of the corresponding units in mol% were as follows: 20; 28; 39 for A and 12; 7‐9; 4‐3 for B1.2. Block‐bonded acrylonitrile has been detected only in SKN‐40 where the ratio of the triad sequences AAB and BAB is 3:97. Quantitative data on the BBB, BBA and ABA triads of 1,4‐butadiene have been obtained by using the signals of the double bond methine protons at 5‐20‐5‐67 ppm. A clearly outlined decreasing trend of the proportion of the Btrans:Btrans sequence with respect to both the Btrans:Bcis and Bcis:Bcis dyads in the order SKN‐18, SKN‐26 and SKN‐40 was found. It was suggested that the signals located in the ‐02‐5‐20ppm region relate to the AB1.2B and probably to the AB1.2A triad sequences.
Polymeric surfactants for enhanced oil recovery. Part III—interfacial tension features of ethoxylated alkylphenol‐formaldehyde nonionic surfactants
Authors: Barakat Y. , Basily I. K. , Mohamad A. I. , Youssef A. M.
Published: April 2007

The interfacial tensions (IFT) of four low molecular weight groups of ethoxylated octylphenol‐, dodecylphenol‐, tetradecylphenol‐ and hexadecyl‐phenol—formaldehyde polymeric surfactants were determined using the spinning drop method. Some noteworthy features of the interfacial behaviour of dilute aqueous solutions of 16 of these compounds and homologous hydrocarbons are discussed.

An important feature is that these surfactants behave similarly to monomeric ones in their hydrocarbon scan, that is they have a minimum IFT value against a particular member of a homologous hydrocarbon series. The magnitudes of the tension at minimum (γmin) values obtained in this study are of the order of ‘ultralow’ (10−2‐10−3 mNm−1).

The nmin values of these polymeric nonionic surfactants decrease with increasing hydrophilicity, that is decrease with the increase of ethylene oxide units condensed per mole of alkylphenol unit in the polymeric surfactants studied. In this case, the downward shift in nmin is smaller and apparently not linearly related to the number of EO units.

Increasing the hydrophobicity of these polymeric nonionics, that is increasing the length of the alkyl chain from C8 to C16, resulted in an increase in the nmin values obtained.

For each of the investigated groups, the lowest γmin values are obtained with polymeric surfactants having the highest EO content. The optimum low tension performance occurs at the low end of the equivalent alkane carbon number scale (at EACNs below 6). Under the influence of added electrolytes these EACNs were shifted to higher values.