bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Willingness to Respond to a Disaster: A Study of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Setting
Authors: Burke Rita V. , Goodhue Catherine J. , Chokshi Nikunj K. , Upperman Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Due to recent disasters, disaster planners increasingly are focusing on healthcare worker preparedness and response in the event of a disaster. In this study, factors associated with pediatric healthcare workers’ willingness to respond are identified.

Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that personal factors may affect a pediatric healthcare worker’s willingness to respond to work in the event of a disaster.

Methods: Employees of a tertiary, pediatric care hospital in Los Angeles were asked to complete a brief, 24-question online survey to determine their willingness to respond in the event of a disaster. Information on demographics, employment, disaster-related training, personal preparedness, and necessary resources was collected. A logistic regression model was performed to derive adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results: Eight hundred seventy-seven pediatric healthcare employees completed the survey (22% response rate). Almost 50% (n = 318) expressed willingness to respond in the event of a disaster. Men were more likely to be willing to respond to a disaster than were women (OR = 2.4; 95%CI = 1.6–3.6), and single/divorced/widowed employees were more willing to respond than married or partnered employees (OR = 1.5; 95%CI = 1.1–2.1). An inverse relationship was observed between number of dependents and willingness to respond (OR = 0.45; 95%CI = 0.25–0.80, ≥3 dependents compared to 0). An inverse dose response relationship between commuting distance and number of necessary resources (ptrend = 0.0485 and 0.0001, respectively) was observed. There was no association between previous disaster experience, disaster training, or personal preparedness and willingness to respond.

Conclusions: Number of dependents and resources were major factors in willingness to respond. Healthcare facilities must clearly communicate their disaster plans as well as any provisions they may make for their employees’ families in order to improve willingness among hospital employees.
Consumption of energy-dense diets in relation to cardiometabolic abnormalities among Iranian women
Authors: Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Khosravi Boroujeni Hossein , Azadbakht Leila
Published: October 2011

Objective

To assess the association between dietary energy density and the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among Iranian adult women.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

Subjects

We assessed habitual dietary intakes of 486 Iranian adult women by the use of a validated FFQ. Dietary energy density (DED) was calculated as each individual's reported daily energy intake (kJ/d, kcal/d) divided by the total weight of foods (excluding beverages) consumed (g/d). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profiles and blood pressure were measured. Diabetes (FPG ≥ 126 mg/dl), dyslipidaemia (based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) and hypertension (based on the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) were determined. The presence of ‘at least one risk factor’ and ‘at least two risk factors’ of the three major risk factors for CVD (hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes) was also evaluated. To explore the associations between DED and cardiometabolic risk factors, we obtained prevalence ratios in different models accounting for confounders.

Results

Mean DED was 7·41 (sd1·46) kJ/g (1·77 (sd0·35) kcal/g). Consumption of energy-dense diets was associated with higher intakes of energy, dietary fat, cholesterol, vegetable oils, refined grains and high-fat dairy products, along with lower intakes of dietary carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and meat and fish. Adherence to an energy-dense diet was associated with elevated levels of serum TAG, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and lower levels of serum HDL cholesterol. Women in the top quartile of DED were more likely to have dyslipidaemia (61 %v. 31 %,P< 0·05), at least one (68 %v. 35 %,P< 0·05) and at least two (29 %v. 10 %,P< 0·05) cardiometabolic risk factors compared with those in the bottom quartile. Consumption of energy-dense diets was significantly associated with a greater chance of having dyslipidaemia (prevalence ratio in top quartilev. bottom quartile: 1·78; 95 % CI 1·33, 2·58), at least one (1·81; 1·44, 2·49) and at least two cardiometabolic risk factors (2·81; 1·51, 5·24). Additional control for BMI and total energy intake slightly attenuated the associations. No overall significant associations were found between consumption of energy-dense diets and risk of having diabetes or hypertension either before or after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

Consumption of energy-dense diets was significantly related to the high prevalence of dyslipidaemia, at least one and at least two cardiometabolic risk factors among Iranian adult women. Prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.
Effects of tunneling on groundwater flow and swelling of clay‐sulfate rocks
Authors: Butscher Christoph , Einstein Herbert H. , Huggenberger Peter
Published: October 2011

Swelling of clay‐sulfate rocks is a major threat in tunneling. It is triggered by the transformation of the sulfate mineral anhydrite into gypsum as a result of water inflow in anhydrite‐containing layers after tunnel excavation. The present study investigates the hydraulic effects of tunneling on groundwater flow and analyzes how hydraulic changes caused by excavation lead to water inflow into anhydrite‐containing layers in the tunnel area. Numerical groundwater models are used to conduct scenario simulations that allow one to relate hydrogeological conditions to rock swelling. The influence of the topographic setting, the excavation‐damaged zone around the tunnel, the sealing effect of the tunnel liner, and the geological configuration are analyzed separately. The analysis is performed for synthetic situations and is complemented by a case study from a tunnel in Switzerland. The results illustrate the importance of geological and hydraulic information when assessing the risk of swelling at an actual site.
Simulation of a Smith-Purcell free-electron laser with sidewalls: Copious emission at the fundamental frequency
Authors: Donohue J. T. , Gardelle J.
Published: October 2011

The two-dimensional theory of the Smith-Purcell free-electron laser of Andrews and Brau [H. L. Andrews and C. A. Brau, Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 7, 070701 (2004)] predicts that coherent Smith-Purcell radiation can occur only at harmonics of the frequency of the evanescent wave that is resonant with the beam. A particle-in-cell simulation shows that in a three-dimensional context, where the lamellar grating has sidewalls, coherent Smith-Purcell radiation can be copiously emitted at the fundamental frequency, for a well-defined range of beam energy.
Perpendicular easy axis alignment of FePt nanoparticles on a platinum-(001) buffer layer for high-density magnetic recording
Authors: Matsui Isao , Ogi Takashi , Iskandar Ferry , Okuyama Kikuo
Published: October 2011

The phenomenon of atomic motion between the nanoparticle and its substrate was examined in constructing perpendicularly aligned FePt nanoparticle structures. Samples of iron-rich FePt nanoparticles synthesized by vapor phase or liquid phase synthesis techniques were deposited on a platinum-(001) buffer layer and annealed in a hydrogen atmosphere. Superconductive quantum interference device and x ray diffraction measurements for the in-plane and out-of-plane direction exhibited perpendicularly oriented magnetization and an L10 ordered phase with a perpendicular easy axis orientation. The coercivity was measured as approximately 4.3 kOe. In addition, high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy showed FePt alloy formation normal to the sample surface. The atomic distribution data showed iron diffusion into the platinum layer. These results might open a new path toward ultrahigh density storage media from chemically synthesized FePt nanoparticles.
A design of backing seat and gasket assembly in diamond anvil cell for accurate single crystal x-ray diffraction to 5 GPa
Authors: Komatsu K. , Kagi H. , Yasuzuka T. , Koizumi T. , Iizuka R. , Sugiyama K. , Yokoyama Y.
Published: October 2011

We designed a new cell assembly of diamond anvil cells for single crystal x-ray diffraction under pressure and demonstrate the application of the cell to the crystallographic studies for ice VI and ethanol high-pressure (HP) phase at 0.95(5) GPa and 1.95(2) GPa, respectively. The features of the assembly are: (1) the platy anvil and unique-shaped backing seat (called as “Wing seat”) allowing the extremely wide opening angle up to ±65°, (2) the PFA−bulk metallic glass composite gasket allowing the easy attenuation correction and less background. Thanks to the designed assembly, the Rint values after attenuation corrections are fairly good (0.0125 and 0.0460 for ice VI and ethanol HP phase, respectively), and the errors of the refined parameters are satisfactory small even for hydrogen positions, those are comparable to the results which obtained at ambient conditions. The result for ice VI is in excellent agreement with the previous study, and that for ethanol HP phase has remarkable contributions to the revision to its structure; the H12 site, which makes gauche molecules with O1, C2, and C3 sites, may not exist so that only trans conformers are present at least at 1.95(2) GPa. The accurate intensities using the cell assembly allow us to extract the electron density for ethanol HP phase by the maximum entropy method.
Waves in a bounded quantum plasma with electron exchange-correlation effects
Authors: Ma Yu-Ting , Mao Sheng-Hong , Xue Ju-Kui
Published: October 2011

Within a quantum hydrodynamic model, the collective excitations of the quantum plasma with electron exchange-correlation effects in a nano-cylindrical wave guide are studied both analytically and numerically. The influences of the electron exchange-correlation potential, the radius of the wave guide, and the quantum effect on the dispersion properties of the bounded quantum plasma are discussed. Significant frequency-shift induced by the electron exchange-correlation effect, the radius of the wave guide and the quantum correction are observed. It is found that the influence of the electron exchange-correlation, the radius of the wave guide and the quantum correction on the wave modes in a bounded nano-waveguide are strongly coupled.
Bubble dynamics atop an oscillating substrate: Interplay of compressibility and contact angle hysteresis
Authors: Fayzrakhmanova Irina S. , Straube Arthur V. , Shklyaev Sergey
Published: October 2011

We consider a sessile hemispherical bubble sitting on the transversally oscillating bottom of a deep liquid layer and focus on the interplay of the compressibility of the bubble and the contact angle hysteresis. In the presence of contact angle hysteresis, the compressible bubble exhibits two kinds of terminal oscillations: either with the stick-slip motion of the contact line or with the completely immobile contact line. For the stick-slip oscillations, we detect a double resonance, when the external frequency is close to eigenfrequencies of both the breathing mode and shape oscillations. For the regimes evolving to terminal oscillations with the fixed contact line, we find an unusual transient resembling modulated oscillations.
Alternating-current induced thermal fatigue of gold interconnects with nanometer-scale thickness and width
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Ling Xue , Li Xide
Published: October 2011

With dramatic reduction in sizes of microelectronic devices, the characteristic width and thickness of interconnects in large-scale integrated circuits have reached nanometer scale. Thermal fatigue damage of so small interconnects has attracted more and more attentions. In this work, thermal fatigue of Au interconnects, 35 nm thick and 0.1–5 μm wide, is investigated by applying various alternating current densities to generate cycling temperature and strain in them. A multi-probe measuring system is installed in a scanning electron microscope and a probe-type temperature sensor is for the first time introduced into the system for real-time measuring the temperatures on the pads of the tested interconnects. A one-dimensional heat conduction equation, which uses measured temperatures on the pads as boundary conditions and includes a term of heat dissipation through the interface between the interconnect and the oxidized silicon substrate, is proposed to calculate the time-resolved temperature distribution along the Au interconnects. The measured fatigue lifetimes are presented versus current density and thermal cyclic strain, and the results show that narrower Au lines are more reliable. The failure mechanism of those Au interconnects differs from what is observed in thick interconnects with relatively larger grain size. Topography change caused by localized plasticity on the less-constrained surfaces of the interconnects have not been observed. Instead, grain growing and reorienting due to local temperature varying appear, and grain boundary migration and mergence take place during high temperature fatigue in such thin and narrow interconnects. These results seem to reflect a strain-induced boundary migration mechanism, and the damage morphology also suggests that fatigue of the interconnects with decreased grain size and film thickness is controlled by diffusive mechanisms and interface properties rather than by dislocation glide. Open circuit eventually took place by melting at a region of severely damage cross-sectional area with the grain growing and reorienting.
A simple approach to neutral atom microscopy
Authors: Witham Philip , Sánchez Erik
Published: October 2011

Scanning surfaces using a beam of noncharged atoms or molecules allows for especially nondestructive and low-energy surface imaging, with the potential to obtain new information about surfaces that cannot be easily obtained otherwise. We have developed a new approach, operating with the sample at a close working distance from an aperture, the need for optics to focus the beam is obviated. Compared to more complex approaches, the theoretical performance has no other disadvantage than the short working distance. Resolution of 1.5 μm has been achieved, and submicron resolution appears to be practical. Construction of the microscope and results are presented, including first images done in reflection mode, theory for optimization of the design and avenues for future improvement.
Conversion efficiency and spectral broadening of the K-α line emitted from planar titanium targets irradiated with ultra-short laser pulses of high intensity
Authors: Arora V. , Singhal H. , Naik P. A. , Gupta P. D.
Published: October 2011

A study of the conversion efficiency and line shape of the K-α x-ray line radiation from a planar titanium target irradiated by an ultra-short laser pulse is performed. The conversion efficiency and spectral broadening are studied as a function of laser intensity (5 × 1016–1018 W cm−2), laser pulse duration (45 fs–800 fs), and laser fluence (2 × 103–4.2 × 104 J cm−2). The K-α1 line (4510 eV) is observed to be broadened (up to ∼9 eV), predominantly towards the higher energy side and strongly depends on the laser fluence rather than on laser intensity. The reason for the spectral broadening is attributed to K-α emission in warm dense plasma. The role of hot electrons and direct laser heating on spectral broadening is outlined. In addition to this, our observations indicates that the presence of pre-plasma strongly contribute to the observed broadening through the inner-shell transitions in multiply charged titanium ions in the pre-plasma. The appropriate laser irradiation parameters to achieve high conversion efficiency and minimum spectral width of the K-α radiation are identified. The study is important, since the control of the spectral profile is of general interest for diffraction or scattering experiments in view of its potential in increasing temporal resolution.
Van der Waals effects in ab initio water at ambient and supercritical conditions
Authors: Jonchiere Romain , Seitsonen Ari P. , Ferlat Guillaume , Saitta A. Marco , Vuilleumier Rodolphe
Published: October 2011

Density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is known to poorly reproduce the experimental properties of liquid water. The poor description of the dispersion forces in the exchange correlation functionals is one of the possible causes. Recent studies have demonstrated an improvement in the simulated properties when they are taken into account. We present here a study of the effects on liquid water of the recently proposed semi-empirical correction of Grimme et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 132, 154104 (2010)]. The difference between standard and corrected DFT-GGA simulations is rationalized with a detailed analysis upon modifying an accurate parameterised potential. This allows an estimate of the typical range of dispersion forces in water. We also show that the structure and diffusivity of ambient-like liquid water are sensitive to the fifth neighbor position, thus highlighting the key role played by this neighbor. Our study is extended to water at supercritical conditions, where experimental and theoretical results are much more scarce. We show that the semi-empirical correction by Grimme et al. improves significantly, although somewhat counter-intuitively, both the structural and the dynamical description of supercritical water.
High speed and high density organic electrochemical transistor arrays
Authors: Khodagholy Dion , Gurfinkel Moshe , Stavrinidou Eleni , Leleux Pierre , Herve Thierry , Sanaur Sébastien , Malliaras George G.
Published: October 2011

A generic lithographic process is presented that allows the fabrication of high density organic electrochemical transistor arrays meant to interface with aqueous electrolytes. The channels of the transistors, which were 6 μm long, were made of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) and were in direct contact with phosphate buffered saline. Source and drain electrodes and interconnects were insulated by parylene C, a biocompatible material. The transistors operated at low voltages and showed a response time of the order of 100 μs.
Intercalation of metal islands and films at the interface of epitaxially grown graphene and Ru(0001) surfaces
Authors: Huang Li , Pan Yi , Pan Lida , Gao Min , Xu Wenyan , Que Yande , Zhou Haitao , Wang Yeliang , Du Shixuan , Gao H.-J.
Published: October 2011

We report on intercalation of seven kinds of metals—Pt, Pd, Ni, Co, Au, In, and Ce—at the interface between an epitaxially grown graphene layer and a Ru(0001) substrate. Atomic resolution scanning tunneling microscopy images of perfect graphene lattice are obtained on top of these intercalated metals, showing that the high quality of the original graphene is, in the end, undisturbed by the intercalation. A model based theoretical calculation is proposed for the intercalation mechanism: metal atom-aided defect formation and self-healing of C–C bonds at high temperature. These intercalated materials include noble metals, magnetic metals, a IIIA group metal, and a rare earth metal, which indicates that intercalation through epitaxial graphene on Ru(0001) is a universal approach for metals.
A copper negative index metamaterial in the visible/near-infrared
Authors: Parsons J. , Polman A.
Published: October 2011

We propose a design for a plasmonic copper metamaterial with a negative index of refraction at visible/near-infrared wavelengths. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate negative refraction by a copper metamaterial prism and perform a parameter extraction technique to verify the sign of the effective, electric permittivity and magnetic permeability. Our proposed design has a figure of merit comparable to similar silver-based metamaterials operating in the visible/near-infrared range. These findings have implications for the design of low cost plasmonic devices and negative-index metamaterials in the visible/near-infrared.
Control of spontaneous emission in InGaAs/GaAs quantum structure lattices
Authors: Cheng K. Y. , Cheng Chien-Chia , Hsieh K. C.
Published: October 2011

We report the control of spontaneous emission wavelength of quantum wells (QWs) using an artificial design of semiconductor lattice, i.e., quantum structure lattice (QSL). Two-dimension square quantum box arrays fabricated in strained InGaAs/GaAs QW samples are used as active lattice units in QSL for this study. The photoluminescence peak wavelength of the QSL can be adjusted to blue-shift, red-shift, or unchanged from that of the as-grown QW by fitting the in-plane Bragg diffraction condition of the QSL. The wavelength-shift has values of multiple phonon energies indicating that the phonon-assisted recombination process may play a significant role in the observed spontaneous emission.
Hug-like island growth of Ge on strained vicinal Si(111) surfaces
Authors: Persichetti L. , Menditto R. , Sgarlata A. , Fanfoni M. , Balzarotti A.
Published: October 2011

We examine the structure and the evolution of Ge islands epitaxially grown on vicinal Si(111) surfaces by scanning tunneling microscopy. Contrary to what is observed on the singular surface, three-dimensional Ge nanoislands form directly through the elastic relaxation of step-edge protrusions during the unstable step-flow growth. As the substrate misorientation is increased, the islands undergo a shape transformation which is driven by surface energy minimization and controlled by the miscut angle. Using finite element simulations, we show that the dynamics of islanding observed in the experiment results from the anisotropy of the strain relaxation.
Arnheim's Gestalt Theory of Visual Balance: Examining the Compositional Structure of Art Photographs and Abstract Images
Authors: McManus I C , Stöver Katharina , Kim Do
Published: October 2011

In Art and Visual Perception, Rudolf Arnheim, following on from Denman Ross's A Theory of Pure Design, proposed a Gestalt theory of visual composition. The current paper assesses a physicalist interpretation of Arnheim's theory, calculating an image's centre of mass (CoM). Three types of data are used: a large, representative collection of art photographs of recognised quality; croppings by experts and non-experts of photographs; and Ross and Arnheim's procedure of placing a frame around objects such as Arnheim's two black disks. Compared with control images, the CoM of art photographs was closer to an axis (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), as was the case for photographic croppings. However, stronger, within-image, paired comparison studies, comparing art photographs with the CoM moved on or off an axis (the “gamma-ramp study”), or comparing adjacent croppings on or off an axis (the “spider-web study”), showed no support for the Arnheim-Ross theory. Finally, studies moving a frame around two disks, of different size, greyness, or background, did not support Arnheim's Gestalt theory. Although the detailed results did not support the Arnheim-Ross theory, several significant results were found which clearly require explanation by any adequate theory of the aesthetics of visual composition.
Towards a New Kind of Experimental Psycho-Aesthetics? Reflections on the Parallellepipeda Project
Authors: Wagemans Johan
Published: October 2011

Experimental psycho-aesthetics—the science aimed at understanding the factors that determine aesthetic experience—is reviewed briefly as background to describe the Parallellepipeda project, a cross-over project between artists and scientists in Leuven. In particular, I sketch how it started and developed further, with close interactions between the participating artists and scientists. A few examples of specific research projects are mentioned to illustrate the kind of research questions we address and the methodological approach we have taken. We often found an effect of providing participants with additional information, a difference between novice and expert participants, and a shift with increasing experience with an artwork, in the direction of tolerating more complexity and acquiring more order from it. By establishing more connections between parts of an artwork and more associations to the artwork, it becomes a stronger Gestalt, which is more easily mastered by the viewer and leads to increased appreciation. In the final part of the paper, I extract some general lessons from the project regarding a possible new way of doing psycho-aesthetics research, which is able to solve some of the problems of traditional experimental psycho-aesthetics (eg, trade-off between experimental control and ecological validity).
Export and stability of naturally intronless mRNAs require specific coding region sequences and the TREX mRNA export complex
Authors: Lei Haixin , Dias Anusha P. , Reed Robin
Published: October 2011

A great deal is known about the export of spliced mRNAs, but little is known about the export of mRNAs encoded by human cellular genes that naturally lack introns. Here, we investigated the requirements for export of three naturally intronless mRNAs (HSPB3, IFN-α1, and IFN-β1). Significantly, we found that all three mRNAs are stable and accumulate in the cytoplasm, whereas size-matched random RNAs are unstable and detected only in the nucleus. A portion of the coding region confers this stability and cytoplasmic localization on the naturally intronless mRNAs and a cDNA transcript, which is normally retained in the nucleus and degraded. A polyadenylation signal, TREX mRNA export components, and the mRNA export receptor TAP are required for accumulation of the naturally intronless mRNAs in the cytoplasm. We conclude that naturally intronless mRNAs contain specific sequences that result in efficient packaging into the TREX mRNA export complex, thereby supplanting the splicing requirement for efficient mRNA export.
Healthcare Personnel Perceptions of Hand Hygiene Monitoring Technology
Authors: Ellingson Katherine , Polgreen Philip M. , Schneider Amy , Shinkunas Laura , Kaldjian Lauris C. , Wright Donald , Thomas Geb W. , Segre Alberto M. , Herman Ted , McDonald L. Clifford , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda
Published: October 2011

Objective.

To assess healthcare personnel (HCP) perceptions regarding implementation of sensor-based electronic systems for automated hand hygiene adherence monitoring.

Design.

Using a mixed-methods approach, structured focus groups were designed to elicit quantitative and qualitative responses on familiarity, comfort level, and perceived impact of sensor-based hand hygiene adherence monitoring

Setting.

A university hospital, a Veterans Affairs hospital, and a community hospital in the Midwest.

Participants.

Focus groups were homogenous by HCP type, with separate groups held for leadership, midlevel management, and frontline personnel at each hospital.

Results.

Overall, 89 HCP participated in 10 focus groups. Levels of familiarity and comfort with electronic oversight technology varied by HCP type; when compared with frontline HCP, those in leadership positions were significantly more familiar with (P<.01) and more comfortable with (P<.01) the technology. The most common concerns cited by participants across groups included lack of accuracy in the data produced, such as the inability of the technology to assess the situational context of hand hygiene opportunities, and the potential punitive use of data produced. Across groups, HCP had decreased tolerance for electronic collection of spatial-temporal data, describing such oversight as Big Brother.

Conclusions.

While substantial concerns were expressed by all types of HCP, participants' recommendations for effective implementation of electronic oversight technologies for hand hygiene monitoring included addressing accuracy issues before implementation and transparent communication with frontline HCP about the intended use of the data.
Randomized Comparison of 2 Protocols to Prevent Acquisition of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus: Results of a 2-Center Study Involving 500 Patients
Authors: Camus Christophe , Bellissant Eric , Legras Annick , Renault Alain , Gacouin Arnaud , Lavoué Sylvain , Branger Bernard , Donnio Pierre-Yves , Corre Pascal le , Tulzo Yves Le , Perrotin Dominique , Thomas Rémi
Published: October 2011

Objective.

To compare an interventional protocol with a standard protocol for preventing the acquisition of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design.

Prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, nonblinded clinical trial.

Setting.

Medical ICUs of 2 French university hospitals.

Participants.

Five hundred adults with an expected length of stay in the ICU greater than 48 hours.

Interventions.

For the intervention group, the protocol required repeated MRSA screening, contact and droplet isolation precautions for patients at risk for MRSA at ICU admission and for MRSA-positive patients, and decontamination with nasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine body wash for MRSA-positive patients. For the standard group, the standard precautions protocol was used, and the results of repeated MRSA screening in the standard group were not communicated to investigators.

Main Outcome Measure.

MRSA acquisition rate in the ICU. An audit was conducted to assess compliance with hygiene and isolation precautions.

Results.

In the intent-to-treat analysis (n= 488), the MRSA acquisition rate in the ICU was similar in the standard (13 [5.3%] of 243) and intervention (16 [6.5%] of 245) groups (P=.58). The audit showed that the overall compliance rate was 85.5% in the standard group and 84.1% in the intervention group (P=.63), although compliance was higher when isolation precautions were absent than when they were in place (88.2% vs 79.1%;P<.001). MRSA incidence rates were higher without isolation precautions (7.57‰) than with isolation precautions (2.36‰;P=.01).

Conclusions.

Individual allocation to MRSA screening, isolation precautions, and decontamination do not provide individual benefit in reducing MRSA acquisition, compared with standard precautions, although the collective risk was lower during the periods of isolation.

Trial Registration.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00151606.
Risk of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in the Dental Healthcare Setting: A Narrative Review
Authors: Petti Stefano , Polimeni Antonella
Published: October 2011

Objective.

Information on the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection transmission in dental healthcare settings was incomplete only few years ago; therefore, MRSA infection control guidelines were necessarily based on data extrapolated from other fields. Recently, publication of specific studies have made it possible to review such risk.

Methods.

Studies of MRSA infection in dentistry were searched for using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Google and were allocated into the following sections: (1) direct evidence: documented cases of MRSA transmission in dentistry; (2) indirect evidence: carriage rates among dental healthcare providers (DHCPs) and patients (high carriage rates suggest that transmission is likely); (3) speculative evidence: MRSA occurrence in the dental environment (high environmental contamination probably increases the risk of infection); and (4) speculative evidence: MRSA carriage in human dental plaque and saliva (oral carriers may spread MRSA in the environment during dental therapy, with consequent environmental contamination and probable increased risk of infection).

Results.

Our findings were as follows. First, transmission has been ascertained during surgical interventions, particularly in surgical units and among head and neck cancer patients. Second, carriage rates among DHCPs were lower than those among other healthcare workers. Carriage rates among adult patients were low, whereas among pedodontic and special care patients rates were higher than those in the general population. Third, MRSA has been detected in the environment of emergency and surgical units and in dental hospitals. Some individuals in poor general condition were oral MRSA carriers.

Conclusions.

The occupational risk of MRSA infection among DHCPs is minimal. Among special patients (eg, special care, hospitalized and cancer patients) the risk of infection is high, whereas among the remaining patients undergoing conventional therapy such risk is probably low.
Epidemiology of Hospital-Acquired Urinary Tract–Related Bloodstream Infection at a University Hospital
Authors: Chang Robert , Greene M. Todd , Chenoweth Carol E. , Kuhn Latoya , Shuman Emily , Rogers Mary A. M. , Saint Sanjay
Published: October 2011

Little is known about the epidemiology of nosocomial urinary tract-related bloodstream infection. In a case series from an academic medical center, Enterococcus (28.7%) and Candida (19.6%) species were the predominant microorganisms, which suggests a potential shift from gram-negative microorganisms. A case-fatality rate of 32.8% highlights the severity of this condition.
A Clinical Prediction Rule for Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Healthcare-Acquired Gram-Negative Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Tolomeo Pam , Bilker Warren B. , Lautenbach Ebbing
Published: October 2011

Data from a case-control study were used to derive and internally validate a prediction rule for identifying fluoroquinolone resistance in healthcare-acquired gram-negative urinary tract infection. This prediction rule has an excellent sensitivity and specificity (C-statistic, 0.816). External validation is necessary before implementing this rule to optimize empirical antibiotic use in clinical practice.
Detection of qacA/B in Clinical Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from a Regional Healthcare Network in the Eastern United States
Authors: McGann Patrick , Kwak Yoon I. , Summers Amy , Cummings James F. , Waterman Paige E. , Lesho Emil P.
Published: October 2011

We describe the clinical, microbiologic, and molecular features of the first series of qacA/B-containing strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from infected US patients. All qac-carrying strains were clonally diverse, and qacA strains exhibited increased tolerance to chlorhexidine as measured by minimum inhibitory concentrations, minimum bactericidal concentrations, and postexposure colony counts.
Basic hypergeometric functions and orthogonal Laurent polynomials
Authors: Costa Marisa , Godoy Eduardo , Lamblém Regina , Ranga A.
Published: October 2011

A three-complex-parameter class of orthogonal Laurent polynomials on the unit circle associated with basic hypergeometric or

q
q

-hypergeometric functions is considered. To be precise, we consider the orthogonality properties of the sequence of polynomials
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{

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, where

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and

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and

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. Explicit expressions for the recurrence coefficients, moments, orthogonality and also asymptotic properties are given. By a special choice of the parameters, results regarding a class of Szegő polynomials are also derived.
Super-Job
Authors: Zuckerman Bruce
Published: October 2011

The chapter deviates from the world of biblical scholarship and turns to a story from Yiddish literature. The chapter discusses a figure created in the image of Job—Y. L. Perets’ “Bontsye Shvayg” also known as Bontsye the Silent. Perets tries to make implications by placing Joban themes in the background of his tale so readers will see the connection between two characters. There is a huge difference between the two though because Job was once rich with family, friends, and honor while Bontsye suffers silently with virtually no respite from the time he was born until he dies. Even though he is far more unfortunate than Job, he has never complained making him “Super-Job.” Perets aim to present that suffering is an ordinary phenomenon but what makes Bontsye exceptional was that he suffered in silence. It is also interesting to read about the incident when Bontsye was faced with the Presiding Judge and the implications of what he asked for in exchange for all the suffering he endured, revealing his true nature and the true meaning of his silence. The chapter explains Perets anger to the Jewish society who thinks that a noble silence is the only pious response to the afflictions the community endures.
Barriers to Interpretation and the “Bontsye-Model”
Authors: Zuckerman Bruce
Published: October 2011

To understand better the dynamics of their development, contrapuntal interpretations of traditional literary works cannot be separated from historical and cultural environments. When a turn is made from the modern history of Bontsye back to the ancient history of the book of Job there are various problems. The problems identified are: the lack of firm criteria to associate any part of the poetic sections of the book of Job; unclear meaning of the “Poem of Job”; pressing concern whether the original Poem has suffered any deletions, and lastly, the lack of ability to analyze the structure of Job considering its original unusual dialect. The discussions of problems easily lead to an array of potential additions and subtractions to the original “Poem of Job.” R. H. Pfeiffer, based on the “Edomite theory”, suggested that the Poem of Job was a literary product of the school of Wisdom centered in Edom, making its language more of Edomite rather than Hebrew. A philologist named N. H. Tur-Sinai, on the other hand, believed that Job was originally written in Arabic. All these confusions with the original written language of Job pose a potentially serious problem. The best solution so far is playing Job against Bontsye. The Bontsye-model allows one to read the score of ancient biblical composition found in the more modern Yiddish interpretations. Pitting Job in terms of the Bontsye-model allows a better insight not only on the book of Job but also how they are connected with one another.
The Art of Parody: The Death Theme
Authors: Zuckerman Bruce
Published: October 2011

The chapter believes that Job is the most death-oriented book in the Bible making Job one of the most basic resources, with regard to death in the Ancient Near East. The poet of Job was able to use the theme of death conventionally but with a further purpose or serving parodistic ends. Joban depicts death as a place where all mortals eventually go (Sheol, “There”) or, simply put, the ultimate ending to mortals. In Job’s lament, the poet’s use of the death-motif showed a slight variation from the norm when not only Job wishes that he is at death’s door but that he might as well be already dead. In this point, Job is seen parallel to Jeremiah’s desires which proves that a sufferer so driven in despair feels moved to repudiate his very existence. The poet wants readers to see how things are not meshing together conventionally as Job wants to affirm his innocence and demand justice by asking to be dead. On the other hand, Job requests God for protection from the wrathful Deity who is the same God. Being popular endeavor for rulers in Ancient Near East, Job also wanted to make a stone inscription, leaving a memorial of how his Redeemer saved him through his resurrection. Nowadays, the resurrection in Job can be considered as his words of hope that endures all men who follow his path towards oblivion.
Intervening Themes
Authors: Zuckerman Bruce
Published: October 2011

As time continues, the book of Job has been under many editorial hands and some have gone beyond changing the text itself, thus these are referred to as editorial interventions. It is necessary to note though that regardless of how the texts were modified, the changes did materially alter and soften the Job in the “Poem,” making his pronouncements jive with the traditional view. Large modifications of Job occured in the earliest translation of the book which has become known as the Old Greek version of Job (i.e. inclusion of genealogy, loss of innocent children) and not in the Hebrew version. A version of Job which vociferously argues his rights in the presence of God still maintains his hope and trust in the Almighty, a part of the book that effectively resolves the apparent contradictions between “Job the Patient” and “Job the Impatient.” The chapter also shows that the Masoretes are not to be blamed for the change of Job for it was only their way of preserving a well-known tradition. This change is also seen as a reclamation rather than an alteration. The Jews of ancient times read Job for the same reason that Bontsye Shvayg is read at present—to find a figure to represent their suffering and loss, someone they could identity with and whose endurance gives them hope too. This is also the main reason why they sustained an image of a “patient Job” in the same way the people of our modern time sustain an image of “silent Bontsye.”
Conclusion: The Joban Fugue
Authors: Zuckerman Bruce
Published: October 2011

From the beginning, the pattern in the development of Job shows strong similarities with the writing of Bontsye Shvayg as both used parody. Eventually, forces of history affected the parodist identified as the “Ozymandias effect.” The chapter also recalls editors and authors and their contribution to the further understanding of Job as discussed in the previous chapters. These editors include Madison, Greenberg, Elihu, Samuel, Wiesel, Abel, and Perl. Finally, the focus was shifted to James who allows critical judgments to be controlled by a sense of historical context that fits the Bontsye-model quite well. The book suggests that the best way to understand how James listens to Job is to shift the metaphor and think of the book as a counterpoint—the fugue or the way melodies and harmonies develop in relationship to one another. Fugue is derived from the Latin word “fugo,” meaning “to flee.” The book of Job is like a fugue but is less predictable and more adversarial than its musical counterpart since it is a manifestation of historical rather than synchronic counterpoint. Since a less sophisticated ear may hear less of the themes, James is considered as their representative as he simply reports what he has heard. The Joban counterpoint does not end in James though since one can always consider how the various rabbis, patristic fathers, and medieval commentator, to name a few, continue to read the book of Job. The book chooses to end with James since he sets the most decisive mark on Job.
Standardized Measures Commonly Used in Geriatric Assessment
Authors: Kane Rosalie A.
Published: October 2011

Standardized assessments are systematic protocols that are used to gather information using well-defined standard elements and procedures. In standardized assessments, questions are asked, observations made, and replies recorded according to fixed rules. Standardized measures go a step beyond assessment to yield scores to describe the attributes of the older person and the older person's world that are being assessed. This chapter describes some of the more commonly used measures in the context of a discussion of why social workers need to be concerned about standardized assessment, the properties that should be considered in choosing and using assessment tools, and the domains or topics of assessment that are pertinent to social workers.
Family and Group Interventions
Authors: Greene Roberta R. , Riley Joyce
Published: October 2011

Increased research on the caregiving process has led to rising concerns about its economic, social, and psychological impact. The information garnered has countered practice trends. The burgeoning of information about the impact of caregiving, and the increased recognition that informal caregiving is a typical family experience, has propelled practitioners and theorists alike to seek interventions that might alleviate caregiver stress. Consequently, family therapy and group treatments have become more commonplace. That is, practitioners have gradually adopted or modified traditional family and group clinical social work approaches thought to be effective with the general population for use with frail older adults and their caregivers. By the mid-1980s, a growing interest in caregiver support began to close the gap between what is known about family functioning and clinical practice. This chapter discusses the development and nature of those social work family and group interventions.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Authors: Cronin Denis P.
Published: October 2011

This chapter focuses on the psychodynamic approach to treating the emotional problems of older adults. Although clinical social work remains deeply influenced by Freud's early dismissal of older adults as inappropriate for a traditional psychodynamic approach, a passionate case is made for the importance of the richness of this time in the life-cycle for gaining deep insight and working through emotional issues. The significance of an older adult's struggle with conflicts over death, the therapeutic nature of transference based on age-related issues, and the unique challenges to the therapist in this process, are discussed.
Reminiscence and Life Review
Authors: Ingersoll-Dayton Berit , Bommarito Angela
Published: October 2011

Reminiscence and life review are significant natural coping mechanisms, and, as treatment modalities, both can help older adults find meaning through reflection on their life experiences. The appeal of reminiscence and life review for geriatric social workers and other mental health professionals, is that the interventions are non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing, and easy to provide to older adults. This chapter is divided into four sections. The first section addresses the theoretical background of reminiscence and life review. The second examines the efficacy of life review and reminiscence interventions for different target groups. The third section describes successful intervention methods, and the fourth discusses implications for practice in relation to several emerging issues in reminiscence and life review research.
Origins and Contexts
Authors: Scott Clive
Published: October 2011

This chapter focuses on the history of poetry, its origin, and contexts. In this chapter, analysis centres on the invention of free verse and its evolution and developments. What features made 1886 peculiarly the year in which free verse should emerge? Speculations on this subject lead to a catalogue of the first published examples of free verse as they appeared in literary journals, the primary of which is the La Vogue. The chapter also provides survey of the contributions made by vers libéré, vers libres classiques, popular song, translations of Whitman, and the prose poem to the emergence of free verse.
Rimbaud's ‘Marine’ and ‘Mouvement’
Authors: Scott Clive
Published: October 2011

This chapter is devoted to commentaries on Rimbaud's poems, the ‘Marine’ and the ‘Mouvement’. Rimbaud's poems are generally accepted as the first samples of free verse in France. However this recognition as the first examples of free verse was met by many criticisms as these poems are largely exceptional and seemed merely to have acted as a stepping stone to the prose poems of Illuminations. Several commentators found grounds for disqualifying them as free verse. Among the critics of Rimbaud discussed here are Guyaux and Plessen and their scansion, reading, and rhythmic structure of the two poems are carefully examined and discussed.