bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room temperature properties of electrical contacts to alumina composites containing silicon carbide whiskers
Authors: Bertram Brian D. , Gerhardt Rosario A.
Published: April 2009

The electrical properties of contacts to hot-pressed alumina composites having variable volume fractions of SiC whiskers (Vw) were investigated with impedance spectroscopy and current-mode atomic force microscopy at room temperature. Three different contact materials were studied: sputtered Pt, sputtered Ag, and conductive Ag paint. Electrode properties were characterized while fresh due to instability over long times (∼100 h). For percolated samples with Vw≥0.10, the electrical response of the electrodes is manifested in the complex impedance plane by a semicircle whose properties are rooted in Schottky barrier blocking at metal contacts to surface whiskers participating in percolated linkages. This process was modeled with a parallel resistor-capacitor (RcCc) equivalent circuit having a relaxation frequency ωc. The dependences of the specific contact resistance (ρs) and specific capacitance (Cs) on Vw were in agreement with the microlevel interpretation above. The three contact materials exhibited significantly different properties, indicating sensitivities to metal work function and metal-whisker interfacing. Both Rc and ωc have exponential dependences on dc bias (Vdc) which are related through the equivalent circuit model. The strengths of these exponentials and the degree of nonlinearity in I-Vdc curves increase with the fraction of Vdc dropping at the electrodes. The dependence of Cs on Vdc also indicated symmetrical Schottky blocking and was used to estimate charge carrier concentration in the whiskers as 1017–1019 cm−3 and a barrier height of 0.2–1.6 eV for sputtered Ag.
The truncation model of the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Sánchez-Arriaga G. , Hada T. , Nariyuki Y.
Published: April 2009

The derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation is explored using a truncation model with three resonant traveling waves. In the conservative case, the system derives from a time-independent Hamiltonian function with only one degree of freedom and the solutions can be written using elliptic functions. In spite of its low dimensional order, the truncation model preserves some features from the DNLS equation. In particular, the modulational instability criterion fits with the existence of two hyperbolic fixed points joined by a heteroclinic orbit that forces the exchange of energy between the three waves. On the other hand, numerical integrations of the DNLS equation show that the truncation model fails when wave energy is increased or left-hand polarized modulational unstable modes are present. When dissipative and growth terms are added the system exhibits a very complex dynamics including appearance of several attractors, period doubling bifurcations leading to chaos as well as other nonlinear phenomenon. In this case, the validity of the truncation model depends on the strength of the dissipation and the kind of attractor investigated.
Nanoscale structure of dissolved air bubbles in water as studied by measuring the elements of the scattering matrix
Authors: Bunkin N. F. , Suyazov N. V. , Shkirin A. V. , Ignatiev P. S. , Indukaev K. V.
Published: April 2009

Results of experiments with laser modulation interference microscopy and the Mueller-matrix scatterometry show that macroscopic scatterers of light waves are present in doubly distilled water free of external solid impurities. The experimental data can be interpreted using a computational model of micron-scale clusters composed of polydisperse air bubbles having effective radii of 70–90 nm. The fractal dimension of such clusters was evaluated as 2.4–2.8 and their concentration appeared to be approximately 106 cm−3.
Calculation of orientational correlation functions for free anisotropic rotational diffusion revisited
Authors: Kalmykov Yuri P.
Published: April 2009

A simple matrix method for evaluating the orientational correlation functions of arbitrary rank j pertaining to free noninertial anisotropic rotational diffusion of rigid Brownian particles is presented. The first- and second-rank correlation functions are calculated analytically for a diagonal diffusion tensor.
Prediction of spin-spin coupling constants in solution based on combined density functional theory/molecular mechanics
Authors: Møgelhøj Andreas , Aidas Kestutis , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Sauer Stephan P. A. , Kongsted Jacob
Published: April 2009

We present theory and implementation of calculation of spin-spin coupling constants within combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods. Special attention is given to the role of explicit solvent polarization as well as the molecular consequences due to hydrogen bonding. The model is generally applicable but is here implemented for the case of density functional theory. First applications to liquid water and acetylene in aqueous solution are presented. Good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained in both cases, thereby showing the strength of our approach. Finally, spin-spin coupling constants across hydrogen bonds are discussed considering for the first time the role of an explicit solvent on this class of spin-spin couplings.
A modified potential for HO2 with spectroscopic accuracy
Authors: Brandão João , Rio Carolina M. A. , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: April 2009

Seven ground state potential energy surfaces for the hydroperoxyl radical are compared. The potentials were determined from either high-quality ab initio calculations, fits to spectroscopic data, or a combination of the two approaches. Vibration-rotation calculations are performed on each potential and the results compared with experiment. None of the available potentials is entirely satisfactory although the best spectroscopic results are obtained using the Morse oscillator rigid bender internal dynamics potential [Bunker et al., J. Mol. Spectrosc. 155, 44 (1992)]. We present modifications of the double many-body expansion IV potential of Pastrana et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 94, 8093 (1990)]. These new potentials reproduce the observed vibrational levels and observed vibrational levels and rotational constants, respectively, while preserving the good global properties of the original potential.
Neoclassical momentum transport in a collisional stellarator and a rippled tokamak
Authors: Simakov Andrei N. , Helander Per
Published: April 2009

Short mean-free path two-fluid equations are employed to evaluate the lowest order nonambipolar radial current in plasma confined by a three-dimensional toroidal magnetic field. The result is used to obtain a necessary condition for intrinsic ambipolarity of plasma transport in such a field and to derive a criterion for the importance of the toroidal field ripple for collisional tokamak plasma rotation. The ripple effects on toroidal plasma rotation are found to be negligible if the characteristic perpendicular length scale is determined by the pedestal width of order the poloidal ion gyroradius (as may be the case in the H-mode regime), but may conceivably become important for more shallow plasma gradients.
Electrical bistabilities and memory mechanisms of organic bistable devices based on colloidal ZnO quantum dot-polymethylmethacrylate polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Son Dong Ick , You Chan Ho , Kim Won Tae , Jung Jae Hun , Kim Tae Whan
Published: April 2009

Transmission electron microscopy images showed that colloidal ZnO quantum dots (QDs) were distributed around the surface of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements on the Al/colloidal ZnO QDs blended with PMMA polymer layer/indium-tin-oxide/glass devices at 300 K showed a current bistability. The maximum ON/OFF ratio of the current bistability for the organic bistable devices (OBDs) was as large as 5×104, and the cycling endurance time of the ON/OFF switching for the OBDs was above 105. The memory mechanisms of the fabricated OBDs are described on the basis of the I-V results.
Fiber-coupled surface-emitting photonic crystal band edge laser for biochemical sensor applications
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Lee Jeongkug , Jeon Heonsu , Kim Hyo Jin
Published: April 2009

We report on a refractive index sensor platform based on a surface-emitting photonic crystal (PC) Γ-point band edge laser (BEL). A simple butt-end fiber coupling makes the BEL system compact, while the translational symmetry of the PC pattern removes the necessity of fiber alignment. The laser wavelength shifts linearly to longer wavelengths as the refractive index of the environmental medium increases. Our BEL system had an index resolution of ∼10−3. Taking into account the alignment-free nature, as well as its ultracompactness and high fiber-coupled laser output, the BEL system is well suited to a label-free sensor platform for biochemical applications.
Wavelength agile superlattice quantum dot infrared photodetector
Authors: Ariyawansa G. , Perera A. G. U. , Huang G. , Bhattacharya P.
Published: April 2009

A dual-band superlattice quantum dot infrared photodetector, providing bias-selectability of the response peaks, is demonstrated. The active region consists of two quantum dot superlattices separated by a graded barrier, enabling photocurrent generation only in one superlattice for a given bias polarity. Two response bands, one consisting of three peaks at 2.9, 3.2, and 4.9 μm and the other consisting of three peaks at 4.4, 7.4, and 11 μm, were observed up to 120 K for reverse and forward biases, respectively. The specific detectivity values at 80 K are 3.2 and 2.6×109 Jones for the 4.9 and 7.4 μm peaks.
Tapered fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer for simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature
Authors: Lu Ping , Men Liqiu , Sooley Kevin , Chen Qiying
Published: April 2009

An approach to achieve simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature is proposed by using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer realized on tapered single-mode optical fiber. The attenuation peak wavelength of the interference with specific order in the transmission spectrum shifts with changes in the environmental refractive index and temperature. By utilizing S-band and C/L-band light sources, simultaneous discrimination of refractive index and temperature with the tapered fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer is demonstrated with the corresponding sensitivities of −23.188 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) and 0.071 nm/ °C, and −26.087 nm/RIU (blueshift) and 0.077 nm/°C (redshift) for the interference orders of 169 and 144, respectively.
Predicting mortality of ponderosa pine regeneration after prescribed fire in the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
Authors: Battaglia Mike , Smith Frederick W. , Shepperd Wayne D.
Published: April 2009

Reduction of crown fire hazard in Pinus ponderosa forests in the Black Hills, SD, often focuses on the removal of overstorey trees to reduce crown bulk density. Dense ponderosa pine regeneration establishes several years after treatment and eventually increases crown fire risk if allowed to grow. Using prescribed fire to control this regeneration is hampered by the limited knowledge of fire-related mortality threshold values for seedlings (<1.4 m tall) and saplings (0.25 to 10 cm diameter at breast height). The present study was initiated to assess fire-related mortality of ponderosa pine seedlings and saplings on prescribed burns across the Black Hills. We established plots in several burn units after the first post-fire growing season to measure crown volume scorch, crown volume consumption, basal scorch, and ground char for ponderosa pine seedlings and saplings. Logistic regression was used to model the probability of mortality based on tree size, flame length, and direct fire effects. Tree size, flame length, crown damage, ground char, and basal char severity were all important factors in the prediction of mortality. Observed mortality was >70% for seedlings but was only 18 to 46% for sapling-sized trees. The differences in mortality thresholds for ponderosa pine seedlings and saplings highlight their susceptibility to different damage pathways and give managers several options when designing burn prescriptions.
Ecological thresholds and the status of fire-sensitive vegetation in western Arnhem Land, northern Australia: implications for management
Authors: Edwards Andrew C. , Russell-Smith Jeremy
Published: April 2009

The paper examines the application of the ecological thresholds concept to fire management issues concerning fire-sensitive vegetation types associated with the remote, biodiversity-rich, sandstone Arnhem Plateau, in western Arnhem Land, monsoonal northern Australia. In the absence of detailed assessments of fire regime impacts on component biota such as exist for adjoining Nitmiluk and World Heritage Kakadu National Parks, the paper builds on validated 16-year fire history and vegetation structural mapping products derived principally from Landsat-scale imagery, to apply critical ecological thresholds criteria as defined by fire regime parameters for assessing the status of fire-sensitive habitat and species elements. Assembled data indicate that the 24 000 km2 study region today experiences fire regimes characterised generally by high annual frequencies (mean = 36.6%) of large (>10 km2) fires that occur mostly in the late dry season under severe fire-weather conditions. Collectively, such conditions substantially exceed defined ecological thresholds for significant proportions of fire-sensitive indicator rain forest and heath vegetation types, and the long-lived obligate seeder conifer tree species, Callitris intratropica. Thresholds criteria are recognised as an effective tool for informing ecological fire management in a variety of geographic settings.
High-throughput, high-accuracy array-based resequencing
Authors: Zheng Jianbiao , Moorhead Martin , Weng Li , Siddiqui Farooq , Carlton Victoria E. H. , Ireland James S. , Lee Liana , Peterson Joseph , Wilkins Jennifer , Lin Sean , Kan Zhengyan , Seshagiri Somasekar , Davis Ronald W. , Faham Malek
Published: April 2009

Although genomewide association studies have successfully identified associations of many common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with common diseases, the SNPs implicated so far account for only a small proportion of the genetic variability of tested diseases. It has been suggested that common diseases may often be caused by rare alleles missed by genomewide association studies. To identify these rare alleles we need high-throughput, high-accuracy resequencing technologies. Although array-based genotyping has allowed genomewide association studies of common SNPs in tens of thousands of samples, array-based resequencing has been limited for 2 main reasons: the lack of a fully multiplexed pipeline for high-throughput sample processing, and failure to achieve sufficient performance. We have recently solved both of these problems and created a fully multiplexed high-throughput pipeline that results in high-quality data. The pipeline consists of target amplification from genomic DNA, followed by allele enrichment to generate pools of purified variant (or nonvariant) DNA and ends with interrogation of purified DNA on resequencing arrays. We have used this pipeline to resequence ≈5 Mb of DNA (on 3 arrays) corresponding to the exons of 1,500 genes in >473 samples; in total >2,350 Mb were sequenced. In the context of this large-scale study we obtained a false positive rate of ≈1 in 500,000 bp and a false negative rate of ≈10%.
Reproducing Human Arm Motion Using a Kinematically Coupled Humanoid Shoulder–Elbow Complex
Authors: Stanišić M. M. , Goehler C. M.
Published: April 2009

A challenge that is gaining interest in robotics is the development of humanoids, which are robots that assume an anthropomorphic form. A difficulty with humanoid design is the kinematic interpretation of human joints and the development of mechanisms that can mimic human motion. The focus of this work is the development of a kinematic description of the shoulder–elbow complex. A mechanism capable of reproducing voluntary human reaching motions is introduced along with the procedural method of implementing the coupled motions that exist within the human shoulder complex and shoulder–elbow complex. Experimental results are presented highlighting the accuracy of this mechanism along with the similarities to human configurations.
Blood, stress, and tiRNAs
Authors: Williams Ruth
Published: April 2009

Two studies identify the pathways to tRNA destruction under stress.
Modulation functions of aperiodic crystals by the maximum entropy method in superspace
Authors: Smaalen Sander van , Li Liang
Published: April 2009

The maximum entropy method (MEM) can be used to determine the electron density in the unit cell of periodic crystals from phased x-ray diffraction data. As a straightforward extension of this method, the MEM formalism can be applied to the generalized electron density in the unit cell of superspace describing the structures of aperiodic crystals. The principles of the MEM are discussed as they need to be modified for the application of the MEM to generalised electron densities in (3+d)-dimensional superspace (d is an integer). A critical discussion is given of the potential of the MEM for the determination of modulation functions of incommensurately modulated crystals and composite crystals as well as for the determination of atomic occupation domains of quasicrystals.
Evolutionary dynamics of transferrin in Notropis
Authors: Wares J. P.
Published: April 2009

This study reports on the development of comparative data for the transferrin (TF) gene in cyprinid fishes, focusing on the genus Notropis. While previous studies have suggested varied patterns of adaptation influencing the diversity at this gene locus both within and among species, sequence data for (TF) in Notropis exhibit limited evidence for selection. However, there are significant effects of sequence variation associated with Notropis lutipinnis, suggesting some form of diversifying selection acting among populations of this species. Overall, the gene performs well as a second locus for phylogenetic and biogeographic inference and may help improve description of the pattern and the process of diversification in Notropis.
The name of the father: conflict between Louis and Alexander Agassiz and theEmbiotocasurfperch radiation
Authors: Bernardi G.
Published: April 2009

The surfperch genusEmbiotocacurrently comprises two species,Embiotoca jacksoni, the black surfperch, andEmbiotoca lateralis, the striped surfperch. Originally, however, Louis Agassiz described a third species in the genusEmbiotoca, the rainbow surfperch,Embiotoca caryi. This latter name was changed by Louis’ son, Alexander, toHypsurus caryi, a name that remains valid. In this study, new molecular data (3545 bp of DNA from four mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA regions) indicated that the rainbow surfperch should be retained within the genusEmbiotoca, a result consistent with recent morphological data. Adaptive radiation combined with sexual selection resulting in rapid morphological changes in the rainbow surfperch may have contributed to the conflicting position of this species.
Evaluating habitat effects on population status: influence of habitat restoration on spring‐run Chinook salmon
Authors: HONEA JON M. , JORGENSEN JEFFREY C. , McCLURE MICHELLE M. , COONEY THOMAS D. , ENGIE KIM , HOLZER DAMON M. , HILBORN RAY
Published: April 2009

1. A key element of conservation planning is the extremely challenging task of estimating the likely effect of restoration actions on population status. To compare the relative benefits of typical habitat restoration actions on Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), we modelled the response of an endangered Columbia River Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) population to changes in habitat characteristics either targeted for restoration or with the potential to be degraded.

2. We applied a spatially explicit, multiple life stage, Beverton‐Holt model to evaluate how a set of habitat variables with an empirical influence on spring‐run Chinook salmon survivorship influenced fish population abundance, productivity, spatial structure and diversity. Using habitat condition scenarios – historical conditions and future conditions with restoration, no restoration, and degradation – we asked the following questions: (i) how is population status affected by alternative scenarios of habitat change, (ii) which individual habitat characteristics have the potential to substantially influence population status and (iii) which life stages have the largest impact on population status?

3. The difference in population abundance and productivities resulting from changes in modelled habitat variables from the ‘historical’ to ‘current’ scenarios suggests that there is substantial potential for improving population status. Planned restoration actions directed toward modelled variables, however, produced only modest improvements.

4. The model predicted that population status could be improved by additional restoration efforts directed toward further reductions in the percentage of fine sediments in the streambed, a factor that has a large influence on egg survival. Actions reducing fines were predicted to be especially effective outside the national forest that covers most of the basin. Scenarios that increased capacity by opening access to habitat in good condition also had a positive but smaller effect on spawner numbers.

5. Degradation in habitat quality, particularly in percent fine sediments, within stream reaches located in the national forest had great potential to further reduce this population’s viability. This finding supports current forest planning efforts to minimise road density and clear‐cut harvests and to return forest stand structure in dry regions to the historical condition that promoted frequent low‐intensity fires rather than catastrophic stand‐replacing fires, as these landscape factors have been shown to influence percent fine sediment in streams.

6. Together, these results suggest that planning focusing on protecting currently good habitat, reducing fine sediments to promote egg survival and increasing spawner capacity will be beneficial to endangered spring‐run Chinook population status.
Contraception and women over 40 years of age: mixed‐method systematic review
Authors: Roberts Angela , Noyes Jane
Published: April 2009

Title.  Contraception and women over 40 years of age: mixed‐method systematic review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a mixed‐method systematic review to identify barriers to, and facilitators of, contraceptive needs and choices of women over 40 years old.

Background.  Women over 40 years of age who do not want to conceive have specific needs for contraception to prevent unwanted, unplanned and unintended pregnancies prior to menopause.

Data sources.  Six databases were searched for published and grey literature from September 1997 to September 2007, along with the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Internet, professional networks and hand searching were also used.

Review methods.  Mixed‐method synthesis using Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co‐ordinating Centre phased design.

Findings.  Guidelines to inform clinical decision‐making were located but did not take account of age‐related social factors affecting women’s choices or local service availability. Women’s access to services and contraceptive choices were influenced by educational level, general awareness of available methods, fear of side effects, women’s social standing, religious and cultural beliefs, personal control, and confidentiality. The main factors influencing compliance and continuation rates were knowledge, positive experience and confidence, unacceptable side effects and safety concerns, information, support and advice, and ongoing husband/partner influences.

Conclusion.  The utility of clinical guidelines could be improved by incorporating socio‐cultural factors and women’s views. Novel approaches to evidence translation and facilitation are required. Focusing on user‐led, age‐appropriate services rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach could improve the contraceptive choices and outcomes for women over 40 years old.
Midlife African‐American women’s protective and risky practices related to HIV
Authors: Mallory Caroline , Harris Gardenia , Stampley Cheryl
Published: April 2009

Title.  Midlife African‐American women’s protective and risky practices related to HIV.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the relationships between social, cultural and individual factors and midlife African‐American women’s risk taking and protective practices related to HIV/AIDS.

Background.  The extent of the HIV epidemic among women of African descent around the world is difficult to discern, but women of color are disproportionately affected. While the risk factors for HIV infection are clearly defined, the context for sexual risk‐taking and protective practices is poorly understood for midlife African‐American women.

Method.  The study was guided by grounded theory methods. The Afrocentric Paradigm, Theory of Gender and Power, and Social Cognitive Theory formed the basis for developing semi‐structured interview and focus group schedules. Theoretical sampling and principles of emergent design were used to guide data collection and analysis. Interview and focus group data were collected between 2003 and 2006. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparison to develop descriptive themes, and member checking was used to verify findings.

Findings.  African‐American women (n = 36) who were between the ages of 40 and 64 years and HIV negative volunteered for the study. Participants characterized their sexual decision‐making as two conflicting processes –‘Taking Responsibility’ and ‘Getting Caught Up’– related to being accountable for sexual decision‐making and having strong sexual desires.

Conclusion.  Stereotypical views of midlife African‐American women must be overcome to ensure that they are treated appropriately in the clinical setting. Increasing emphasis on developing woman‐controlled HIV prevention approaches holds the greatest hope for controlling the epidemic among women.
Prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis: literature review
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Schoonhoven Lisette , Verhaeghe Sofie , Heyneman Alexander , Defloor Tom
Published: April 2009

Title.  Prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis: literature review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review conducted to describe the current evidence about the prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis and to formulate recommendations for clinical practice and research.

Background.  Incontinence‐associated dermatitis is a common problem in patients with incontinence. It is a daily challenge for healthcare professionals to maintain a healthy skin in patients with incontinence.

Data sources.  PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, reference lists and conference proceedings were explored up to September 2008.

Review methods.  Publications were included if they reported research on the prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis. As little consensus about terminology was found, a very sensitive filter was developed. Study design was not used as a selection criterion due to the explorative character of the review and the scarce literature.

Results.  Thirty‐six publications, dealing with 25 different studies, were included. The implementation of a structured perineal skin care programme including skin cleansing and the use of a moisturizer is suggested. A skin protectant is recommended for patients considered at risk of incontinence‐associated dermatitis development. Perineal skin cleansers are preferable to using water and soap. Skin care is suggested after each incontinence episode, particularly if faeces are present. The quality of methods in the included studies was low.

Conclusions.  Incontinence‐associated dermatitis can be prevented and healed with timely and appropriate skin cleansing and skin protection. Prevention and treatment should also focus on a proper use of incontinence containment materials. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of various interventions.
Rotating shift‐related changes in hormone levels in intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Korompeli Anna , Sourtzi Panayota , Tzavara Chara , Velonakis Emmanouel
Published: April 2009

Title.  Rotating shift‐related changes in hormone levels in intensive care unit nurses.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate if an irregular rotating shift system, including night shifts, can cause changes to the secretion of hormones in nurses.

Method.  In 2006, 32 healthy intensive care unit nurses completed the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI) and blood samples were collected from each participant at the beginning and end of each shift. Change in hormone levels between the beginning and end of morning shifts were examined and compared between nurses on morning only and rotating shifts. Correlations between change in hormone concentrations and scores from the SSI are presented.

Results.  The mean reduction of cortisol level between the two measurements was statistically significantly greater for the ‘rotating’ than ‘morning’ shift group (P = 0·032). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in overall mean change from the first to the second measurement of prolactin, triiodothyronine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone. Levels of thyroxine increased statistically significantly in the ‘rotating’ group (P = 0·049) but not in the ‘morning’ group. The morningness scale score was greater for the ‘rotating’ group, while greater job satisfaction levels were found in the ‘morning’ group. Statistically significant correlations were found between thyroid‐stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and prolactin changes and specific scales of the SSI questionnaire.

Conclusion.  Ergonomic shift schedules sympathetic to the body clock and nurses’ preferences should be adopted to mitigate the adverse effects on health.
‘I can actually talk to them now’: qualitative results of an educational intervention for emergency nurses caring for clients who self‐injure
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Moyle Wendy , Billett Stephen , Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie
Published: April 2009

Aim and objectives.  This Australian study evaluated the effectiveness of a solution‐focused education intervention in extending and improving emergency nursing responses to patients who present because of self‐injury.

Background.  Emergency nurses commonly report lack of training and feeling unskilled in managing people who present because of self‐harm. Most educational interventions have provided content knowledge, yet rarely have they focused on conveying the value of health promotion strategies such as proactive skills and coping strategies.

Design.  A mixed method pretest–posttest group design was used.

Methods.  Nurses (n = 36) were interviewed to examine differences in professional identity, awareness of self‐injury and clinical reasoning.

Results.  The qualitative results are presented in this paper and these showed improvements in knowledge and understanding of self‐harm, self‐belief in nurses’ capacity to positively influence clients and the value of health promotion skills. The intervention produced a positive attitudinal shift towards clients and an expressed intention to act in ways that were more person‐centred and change oriented.

Conclusions.  The solution‐focused education intervention appears to show promise as an intervention for enabling nurses to value their unique contribution to providing a health service that is more proactive and health‐promoting.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Interactive education bringing psychosocial skills to technical nursing staff builds confidence, competence and more person‐focused care.
Aged‐care nurses’ knowledge of nursing documentation: an Australian perspective
Authors: Daskein Robyn , Moyle Wendy , Creedy Debra
Published: April 2009

Aim. This study investigated registered nurses’ knowledge of documentation used in aged‐care nursing home facilities in Queensland, Australia.

Background. The purpose of nursing documentation is to communicate health information, facilitate quality assurance and research, demonstrate nurses’ accountability and, within Australia, to support funding of residents’ care. Little is known about the relationship between RNs’ knowledge of nursing documentation, the documentation process within residential aged care and the outcomes of the documentation.

Design. Cross‐sectional, retrospective design.

Method. The study was conducted with a large sample of RNs (n = 360) located in 162 Queensland aged‐care facilities. Participants completed a postage‐return questionnaire in which they identified factors that influence their knowledge and understanding of documentation.

Results. Participants reported that they have considerable knowledge of nursing documentation. They also indicated that they were most knowledgeable about policies on documentation and writing discharge instructions. However, their knowledge of nursing assessments ranked fifth and they were least knowledgeable about reading reports each shift.

Conclusions. The modified version of Edelstein's questionnaire provided a valid and reliable instrument for measuring RNs’ knowledge of nursing documentation. A factor analysis of the 16 items in the Knowledge scale showed excellent reliability. The data indicated that RNs in aged‐care facilities have high levels of knowledge about documentation. Specific recommendations relate to the implementation of comprehensive documentation education programs that reflect the needs of organisations and the level of RNs’ skills and knowledge concerning documentation.

Relevance to clinical practice. Accurate nursing documentation is relevant to residents’ care outcomes and to government funding allocations. Measuring RNs’ knowledge of nursing documentation can identify factors that impede and facilitate their documentation of care.
The impact of pressure ulcer risk assessment on patient outcomes among hospitalised patients
Authors: Saleh Mohammad , Anthony Denis , Parboteeah Sam
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives.  To determine whether use of a risk assessment scale reduces nosocomial pressure ulcers.

Background.  There is contradictory evidence concerning the validity of risk assessment scales. The interaction of education, clinical judgement and use of risk assessment scales has not been fully explored. It is not known which of these is most important, nor whether combining them results in better patient care.

Design.  Pretest–posttest comparison.

Methods.  A risk assessment scale namely the Braden was implemented in a group of wards after appropriate education and training of staff in addition to mandatory wound care study days. Another group of staff received the same education programme but did not implement the risk assessment scale and a third group carried on with mandatory study days only.

Results.  Nosocomial Pressure Ulcer was reduced in all three groups, but the group that implemented the risk assessment scale showed no significant additional improvement. Allowing for age, gender, medical speciality, level of risk and other factors did not explain this lack of improvement. Clinical judgement seemed to be used by nurses to identify patients at high risk to implement appropriate risk reduction strategies such as use of pressure relieving beds. Clinical judgement was not significantly different from the risk assessment scale score in terms of risk evaluation.

Conclusions.  It is questioned whether the routine use of a risk assessment scale is useful in reducing nosocomial pressure ulcer. It is suggested clinical judgement is as effective as a risk assessment scale in terms of assessing risk (though neither show good sensitivity and specificity) and determining appropriate care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinical judgement may be as effective as employing a risk assessment scale to assess the risk of pressure ulcers. If this were true it would be simpler and release nursing time for other tasks.
Equine skin tumours in 20 horses resembling three variants of human melanocytic naevi
Authors: Schöniger Sandra , Summers Brian A.
Published: April 2009

Melanocytic tumours are important in horses, especially grey horses. Intradermal common melanocytic naevi, cellular blue naevi and combined cellular blue naevi are subgroups of human melanocytic tumours, which have not been reported in horses. In this study, we describe 20 horses with skin tumours similar to these naevi of humans. These tumours represented individual skin masses in male and female horses of different breeds. Tumours resembling human intradermal common melanocytic naevi were noted in 12 horses aged between 2 and 17 years. Seven horses aged between 4 and 15 years developed cutaneous lesions similar to human cellular blue naevi. A combined cellular blue naevus‐like tumour was diagnosed in a 20‐year‐old horse. All tumour types formed expansile, well‐demarcated, non‐encapsulated, symmetrical masses. Tumours similar to intradermal common melanocytic naevi were composed of nests of round and spindeloid neoplastic cells, often embedded in myxomatous stroma. Lesions resembling cellular blue naevi were formed by intradermal bundles of ovoid to elongated cells separated by collagen fibres. The combined cellular blue naevus‐like tumour resembled human cellular blue naevus with in addition, an overlying junctional common melanocytic naevus. Neoplastic cells in all groups contained varying amounts of melanin pigment and were immunopositive for S100. These equine skin tumours differ from the commonly recognized equine melanocytic tumours by their cytomorphological features, random location and the absence of an increased tumour frequency in grey horses. The resemblance of these tumours to three distinct subgroups of human naevi expands the complexity of equine proliferative cutaneous melanocytic lesions.
Hematoporphyrin‐based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats
Authors: Ferreira Isabelle , Rahal Sheila C. , Rocha Noeme S. , Gouveia Ana H. , Corrêa Thais P. , Carvalho Yuri K. , Bagnato Vanderlei S.
Published: April 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a haematoporphyrin derivative (Photogem®, General Physics Institute and clustes Ltda) as photosensitizer and light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source was evaluated in 12 cats with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lesions were illuminated with LEDs, (300 J/cm for 30 min) 24 h after the administration of the photosensitizer. Clinical responses were classified as complete disappearance of the tumour with total re‐epithelialization; partial response (a reduction greater than 50%); and no response (less than 50% reduction). Tumours localized to the pinna treated with one (n = 3) or two (n = 4) applications of PDT yielded no response. Highly invasive tumours of the nose and nasal planum also showed no response, after two treatments (n = 2). A combination of PDT and surgery was performed in three cases. Two cats showed partial response and one complete response with one application of therapy 30 days after nasal surgery. Small and noninfiltrative lesions (n = 3) of the nasal planum showed a PR with one application (n = 2) and a CR with two applications (n = 1). This study shows that PDT using Photogem® and LEDs can provide local control of low‐grade feline squamous cell carcinoma. The addition of PDT to surgery in more invasive cases may help prevent recurrence.
Post‐traumatic peripheral arteriovenous fistula manifesting as digital haemorrhages in a cat: diagnosis with contrast‐enhanced 3D CT imaging
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Pease Anthony , Linder Keith E. , Olivry Thierry
Published: April 2009

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are defined as congenital or acquired abnormal direct communications between an artery and a vein leading to abnormal blood circulation. This report describes an unusual manifestation of acquired peripheral AVF in a cat for which the diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomographic (CT) imaging and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction. A 10‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a 2‐month history of nonhealing, crusting, erosive and ulcerative skin lesions on the dorsal right forepaw. Severe chewing and biting, but not lameness, had been reported. Systemic abnormalities were not noted. Histopathology revealed increased numbers of thin‐walled and slightly grouped vascular profiles in the superficial and mid‐dermis, which were often markedly dilated and partially obscured by prominent hyaline deposits. There were a few pyknotic nuclear fragments and haemorrhages in vascular walls as well as multifocal luminal thrombosis with or without recanalization. Differential diagnoses included progressive angiomatosis with trauma or AVF with secondary regional venous hypertension. Computed tomographic images were acquired using a 16‐slice Siemens Somotom Sensation CT scanner, and 3D images were created using the Voxar 3D software. Image reconstruction revealed tortuous aberrant vasculature on the medial aspect of the radius and around the carpus compared to normal vascularization on the contralateral limb. These changes were suggestive of the diagnosis of acquired peripheral AVF. The differential diagnosis for localized, nonhealing, haemorrhagic, crusted, erosive or ulcerative distal extremity skin lesions in cats should include acquired AVF, and diagnosis may be confirmed with contrast‐enhanced CT imaging.
Breastfeeding reduces the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection among young infants: A multi‐center prospective study
Authors: Nishimura Tatsuo , Suzue Junji , Kaji Harumi
Published: April 2009

Background:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in early infancy.

Methods:  A rapid test for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was administered by 16 general pediatricians from May 2002 to April 2005 in infants undergoing medical checkups for the common cold, all of whom were 100 days old or younger and had birthweights of more than 2500 g without underlying disease. Infants were divided into three groups: the Full breastfeeding group, the Partial group, and the Token group. RSV‐positive cases were followed up for 10 days after the initial diagnosis and the following three points were investigated: (i) the incidence of hospitalization; (ii) the duration of hospitalization; and (iii) the incidence of requiring oxygen therapy.

Results:  RSV antigen was detected in 203 of the total of 892 cases, and these were diagnosed as cases of RSV infectious disease. Although there were no significant differences in the hospitalization rate among the three groups, there were significant differences in the duration of hospitalization and the rate of requiring oxygen therapy. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the requirement of oxygen therapy was significantly lower in the Full breastfeeding group (P= 0.032; odds ratio, 0.256; 95% confidence interval, 0.074–0.892).

Conclusions:  Breastfeeding reduces the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in early infancy.
Clinical impression of brain natriuretic peptide levels in demented patients without cardiovascular disease
Authors: Naito Johji , Naka Yukiko , Watanabe Hirotoshi
Published: April 2009

Aim:  High plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations have been observed in patients with ischemic stroke, as well as cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, a recent report suggests that BNP may predict cognitive dysfunction in older patients with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to estimate the clinical impression of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in demented patients without cardiovascular disease.

Methods:  The Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS‐R), age, echocardiographic parameters, and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and BNP levels were assessed in 42 outpatients at the Dementia Care Unit in Watanabe Hospital.

Results:  Some BNP levels were more than normal reference values, while any ANP levels were no more than normal reference values. BNP levels were significantly correlated (i.e. negative correlation) with HDS‐R (r = −0.33, P = 0.03), whereas those were not significantly correlated with age and echocardiographic parameters.

Conclusion:  This study shows that BNP levels were significantly correlated with cognitive function in demented patients without cardiovascular disease, and suggests that BNP may support the assessment of cognitive dysfunction in demented patients.
Are diabetic foot ulcers complicated by MRSA osteomyelitis associated with worse prognosis? Outcomes of a surgical series
Authors: Aragón‐Sánchez J. , Lázaro‐Martínez J. L. , Quintana‐Marrero Y. , Hernández‐Herrero M. J. , García‐Morales E. , Cabrera‐Galván J. J. , Beneit‐Montesinos J. V.
Published: April 2009

Aims  The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical treatment of osteomyelitis caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with cases caused by methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).

Methods  We abstracted data of a series of 185 consecutive patients with diabetes and foot osteomyelitis undergoing surgery within the first 12 h after admission at a single hospital. Bone infection was confirmed by histopathological studies. Only cases where Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from bone specimens were included in this analysis. We analysed several variables between the two groups: MRSA vs. MSSA.

Results  MRSA bone infection was associated with higher body temperature (P = 0.02) and white blood cell count (P = 0.02) than MSSA. Patients with MRSA infections underwent a greater number of surgical procedures (P = 0.03). Limb salvage was achieved in 93.6% of the patients, with no statistically significant difference in limb salvage rates between MRSA and MSSA‐related osteomyelitis.

Conclusions  From our experience, where treatment is based on early and aggressive surgical treatment, MRSA bone infections are not associated with worse prognosis.
Multivariate Meta-Analysis: The Effect of Ignoring Within-Study Correlation
Authors: Riley Richard D.
Published: April 2009

Multivariate meta-analysis allows the joint synthesis of summary estimates from multiple end points and accounts for their within-study and between-study correlation. Yet practitioners usually meta-analyse each end point independently. I examine the role of within-study correlation in multivariate meta-analysis, to elicit the consequences of ignoring it. Using analytic reasoning and a simulation study, the within-study correlation is shown to influence the ‘borrowing of strength’ across end points, and wrongly ignoring it gives meta-analysis results with generally inferior statistical properties; for example, on average it increases the mean-square error and standard error of pooled estimates, and for non-ignorable missing data it increases their bias. The influence of within-study correlation is only negligible when the within-study variation is small relative to the between-study variation, or when very small differences exist across studies in the within-study covariance matrices. The findings are demonstrated by applied examples within medicine, dentistry and education. Meta-analysts are thus encouraged to account for the correlation between end points. To facilitate this, I conclude by reviewing options for multivariate meta-analysis when within-study correlations are unknown; these include obtaining individual patient data, using external information, performing sensitivity analyses and using alternatively parameterized models.