bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Types, Prevalence, and Potential Clinical Significance of Medication Administration Errors in Assisted Living
Authors: Young Heather M. , Gray Shelly L. , McCormick Wayne C. , Sikma Suzanne K. , Reinhard Susan , Johnson Trippett Linda , Christlieb Carol , Allen Tiffany
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To describe the types and potential clinical significance of medication administration errors in assisted living (AL).

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional observational study.

SETTING: This study was conducted in 12 AL settings in three states (Oregon, Washington, and New Jersey).

PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 29 unlicensed assistive personnel and 510 AL residents.

MEASUREMENTS: Medication administration observations, chart review, and determination of rates, types, and potential clinical significance of errors using standardized methodology.

RESULTS: Of 4,866 observations, 1,373 errors were observed (28.2% error rate). Of these, 70.8% were wrong time, 12.9% wrong dose, 11.1% omitted dose, 3.5% extra dose, 1.5% unauthorized drug, and 0.2% wrong drug. Excluding wrong time, the overall error rate dropped to 8.2%. Of the 1,373 errors, three were rated as having potential clinical significance.

CONCLUSION: A high number of daily medications are given in AL. Wrong time accounted for the majority of the errors. The bulk of the medications are low risk and routine; to promote optimal care delivery, clinicians need to focus on high‐risk medications and residents with complex health problems.
Identification of Older Patients with Heart Failure Who May Be Candidates for Hospice Care: Development of a Simple Four‐Item Risk Score
Authors: Huynh Bao C. , Rovner Aleksandr , Rich Michael W.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of 6‐month mortality in older patients with heart failure (HF) and to develop a risk score for identifying potential candidates for hospice care.

DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of a previously conducted randomized, clinical trial.

SETTING: Barnes‐Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred eighty‐two patients with HF aged 70 and older.

INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to conventional care or a multidisciplinary intervention designed to reduce rehospitalization.

MEASUREMENTS: All‐cause 6‐month mortality.

RESULTS: Patients were followed for up to 14 years; 43 (15.2%) died within 6 months of hospital discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four independent predictors of 6‐month mortality: serum urea nitrogen of 30 mg/dL or greater (odds ratio (OR)=5.78, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.65–12.66), systolic blood pressure less than 120 mmHg (OR=4.81, 95% CI=1.94–11.91), peripheral arterial disease (OR=3.09, 95% CI=1.26–7.58), and serum sodium less than 135 mEq/L (OR=2.27, 95% CI=0.98–5.27). Patients were stratified into four risk groups based on the presence or absence of these four risk factors. Six‐month mortality rates for patients with zero, one, two, or three or more risk factors were 3.7%, 16.3%, 41.0%, and 66.7%, respectively (P<.05). The presence of three or more risk factors was associated with a positive predictive value of 66.7% and a negative predictive value of 86.4%.

CONCLUSION: Although additional studies are needed, these findings suggest that a simple four‐item risk score can identify older patients with HF at high risk of dying within 6 months. This may enable clinicians to better advise patients about prognosis, adjust management accordingly, and if appropriate, facilitate referral for hospice care. Conversely, patients with a more‐favorable prognosis may be suitable candidates for more‐aggressive interventions.
Gait Dysfunction in Mild Cognitive Impairment Syndromes
Authors: Verghese Joe , Robbins Matthew , Holtzer Roee , Zimmerman Molly , Wang Cuiling , Xue Xiaonan , Lipton Richard B.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic clinical and quantitative assessment of gait in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) syndromes.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Einstein Aging Study, a community‐based longitudinal aging study.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty‐four individuals with amnestic MCI (a‐MCI), 62 with nonamnestic‐MCI (na‐MCI), and 295 healthy controls identified from the Einstein Aging Study participants.

MEASUREMENTS: Comparison of clinical and quantitative gait performance in subjects with MCI subtypes with that of cognitively normal older adults.

RESULTS: Neurological gaits were more common in a‐MCI (31.5%, P=.008) but not in na‐MCI (19.4%, P=.55), than in controls (16.3%). Quantitative gait in multiple parameters was worse in both MCI subtypes than in controls. Factor analysis revealed three independent factors representing pace, rhythm, and variability. Subjects with a‐MCI had worse rhythm and variability scores than those with na‐MCI and controls. Subjects with na‐MCI had worse performance on the pace domain than the other two groups. Subjects with MCI and gait abnormalities had higher disability scores than subjects with MCI without gait abnormalities.

CONCLUSION: Gait dysfunction is common in older individuals with amnestic and nonamnestic subtypes of MCI.
Stage 2 Pressure Ulcer Healing in Nursing Homes
Authors: Bergstrom Nancy , Smout Randall , Horn Susan , Spector William , Hartz Arthur , Limcangco M. Rhona
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify resident and wound characteristics associated with Stage 2 pressure ulcer (PrU) healing time in nursing home residents.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with convenience sampling.

SETTING: One hundred two nursing homes participating in the National Pressure Ulcer Long‐Term Care Study (NPULS) in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred seventy‐four residents aged 21 and older with length of stay of 14 days or longer who had at least one initial Stage 2 (hereafter Stage 2) PrU.

MEASUREMENTS: Data collected for each resident over a 12‐week period included resident characteristics and PrU characteristics, including area when first reached Stage 2. Data were obtained from medical records and logbooks.

RESULTS: There were 1,241 initial Stage 2 PrUs on 774 residents; 563 (45.4%) healed. Median time to heal was 46 days. Initial area was significantly associated with days to heal. Using Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses, median days to heal was 33 for small (≤1 cm2), 53 days for medium (>1 to ≤4 cm2), and 73 days for large (>4 cm2) ulcers. Using Cox proportional hazard regression models to examine effects of multiple variables simultaneously, small and medium ulcers and ulcers on residents with agitation and those who had oral eating problem healed more quickly, whereas ulcers on residents who required extensive assistance with seven to eight activities of daily living (ADLs), who temporarily left the facility for the emergency department (ED) or hospital, or whose PrU was on an extremity healed more slowly.

CONCLUSION: PrUs on residents with agitation or with oral eating problems were associated with faster healing time. PrUs located on extremities, on residents who went temporarily to the ED or hospital, and on residents with high ADL disabilities were associated with slower healing time. Interaction between PrU size and place of onset was also associated with healing time. For PrU onset before or after admission to the facility, smaller size was associated with faster healing time.
The effect of gamma irradiation on the quality of apheresis platelets during storage for 7 days
Authors: Tynngård Nahreen , Studer Monika , Lindahl Tomas L. , Trinks Marie , Berlin Gösta
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: This study compares the quality of gamma‐irradiated versus nonirradiated platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) during storage for 7 days as assessed by various in vitro methods. A new technique, free oscillation rheometry (FOR), which measures clotting time and coagulum elasticity, was also used to evaluate the PLT function.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Single‐donor PLTs were collected by apheresis technique (n = 20). The PLTs from each donor were divided into two PCs, one gamma‐irradiated with 25 Gy and the other used as a nonirradiated control. Blood gases, metabolic variables, and swirling were analyzed from Day 0. Samples taken on Days 1, 5, and 7 were also analyzed for hypotonic shock response (HSR), P‐selectin, and glycoprotein (GP)Ib expression by flow cytometry and coagulation by FOR.

RESULTS: Swirling, HSR, and the percentage of GPIb‐expressing cells were well maintained for 7 days of storage. pH was always within accepted range (6.4‐7.4). Glucose decreased and lactate increased during the storage period (p < 0.05). P‐selectin expression increased during storage (p < 0.05). The FOR clotting time remained constant, whereas the build‐up of elasticity was slower after storage (p < 0.05). No difference was found between irradiated and nonirradiated PCs.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate a well‐preserved quality of gamma‐irradiated apheresis PLTs during storage for 7 days as assessed by in vitro methods, with no difference compared to nonirradiated PLTs.
Place Matters, But How? Rural Identity, Environmental Decision Making, and the Social Construction of Place
Authors: Alkon Alison Hope , Traugot Michael
Published: May 2008

This article investigates the relationship between environmental policy and the social construction of place in two neighboring California counties. We examine two counties with dramatic geographic and sociodemographic differences that drew on similar place narratives in order to justify collaborative solutions to agricultural–environmental conflicts. Each narrative trumpets the importance of agriculture to each county's place character and praises the ability of well–intentioned county residents to work together. Our cases illuminate two processes through which place is socially constructed with regard to extralocal factors: place comparison allows residents to highlight potential risks by contrasting their own places with others while place meta–narratives allow actors to draw on culturally available notions of types of places. We conclude by discussing the relationship between place narratives and other factors that can affect policy choice, and therefore, shape the landscape itself.
Ecology of Denominational Fundamentalism in a Metropolis
Authors: Form William , Dubrow Joshua
Published: May 2008

This article examines the spatial distribution of all edifices of mainline, evangelical, and fundamentalist Protestant denominations and other religions in a Midwestern metropolis. Classic ecological theory holds that people minimize their travel costs by patronizing organizations closest to their residence. This has been generally verified for economic organizations, but not for churches that emphasize sentiment and noneconomic values. Since residential areas of American cities tend to be socioeconomically stratified and denominations and religions manifest a similar tendency, we predict a general convergence of church and member residential location. For seven tiers surrounding downtown that extend to the suburbs, rising house values accompany rising representation of mainline churches. The exurban zone exhibits the greatest diversity in the socioeconomic status of its residents and denominations. The inner city around downtown contains a higher and lower socioeconomic district for whites and African Americans. The denominational composition in all four districts conforms to the theory's predictions. Downtown churches are an exception to ecological theory because sentiment and family tradition pull members from the entire metropolitan region. We conclude that, with this exception, the convergence of church location, denomination, and member residence supports ecological theory for noneconomic organizations such as churches.
Thermodynamically Stable SiwCxNyOz Polymer‐Like, Amorphous Ceramics Made from Organic Precursors
Authors: Morcos Riham M. , Navrotsky Alexandra , Varga Tamas , Ahn Dongjoon , Saha Atanu , Poli Fabrizia , Müller Klaus , Raj Rishi
Published: May 2008

This communication reports new results on the enthalpy of formation of pseudo‐amorphous ceramic compounds constituted from silicon, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen (SiCNO), made from the polymer route. Again, like the SiCO materials, although with one exception, the enthalpy of formation from crystalline components (SiO2 cristobalite, β‐Si3N4, SiC, and excess C) is negative. Some of the alloyed oxygen–nitrogen compositions yield enthalpies that are much more negative (∼100 kJ/g·atom) in comparison with compositions that contain mainly oxygen or nitrogen (∼20 kJ/g·atom). The exception, having a N/O ratio near 2, has a positive value for the enthalpy. This may reflect the presence of nanoclusters of stoichiometric Si2N2O instead of the pseudo‐amorphous nanodomain structure seen for the other samples.
Thermophysical Properties of Complex Rare‐Earth Zirconate Ceramic for Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Ling Liu , Qiang Xu , Fuchi Wang , Hongsong Zhang
Published: May 2008

Two complex rare‐earth zirconates (La0.4Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.4 and (Sr0.1La0.3Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.3 for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. Their phase composition, microstructure, and thermophysical properties were investigated. X‐ray diffractometry results revealed that single‐phase (La0.4Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.4 and (Sr0.1La0.3Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.3 with pyrochlore structure were prepared, and the scanning electron microscopy results showed that the microstructures of the products were dense and no other phases existed among the grains. With the temperature increasing, the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of the ceramics increased, while the thermal conductivity decreased. The results indicated that the CTE of (Sr0.1La0.3Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.3 was slightly higher than that of (La0.4Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.4 and the thermal conductivity of (Sr0.1La0.3Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.3 was lower than that of (La0.4Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.4. These results imply that the thermophysical properties of (Sr0.1La0.3Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.3 are better than that of (La0.4Sm0.5Yb0.1)2(Zr0.7Ce0.4)2O7.4 as the material for the ceramic layer in the TBC system.
Phase Structure, Microstructure, and Electrical Properties of Sb‐Modified (K, Na, Li) (Nb, Ta) O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Chang Yunfei , Yang Zupei , Xiong Lirong , Liu Zonghuai , Wang Zenglin
Published: May 2008

Lead‐free (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.80−xTa0.20Sbx)O3 piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the ordinary sintering method. The much higher Pauling electronegativity of Sb compared with Nb makes the ceramics more covalent. By increasing x from 0.00 to 0.06, the phase structure of the ceramics changed from the tetragonal to the pseudocubic phase, and both the bands in the Raman scattering spectra shifted to lower frequency numbers. The grain growth of the ceramics was improved by substituting Sb5+ for Nb5+. By increasing x, the dielectric properties were optimized and the variation of dielectric constants before and after poling became smaller. Only the tetragonal–cubic phase transition was observed above room temperature in all the ɛr–T curves. The degree of diffuseness increased from 1.29 at x=0.00 to 1.96 at x=0.06, indicating that the ceramics at x=0.06 changed to an approximate ideal relaxor ferroelectric. The temperature dependences of fr and kp became better by increasing x properly. Significantly, the ceramics with x between 0.00 and 0.04 had high density and outstanding electrical properties (d33=241–272pC/N, kp=0.42–0.52, ɛr=1258–1591, tan δ=0.015–0.025, Tc=280°–355°C, Ec=10.62–12.60 kV/cm, and Pr=16.19–20.13 μC/cm2). Besides, the underlying mechanism for variations of the electrical properties due to Sb5+ substitution was explained in this work.
Incorporation of Aluminum into C–S–H Structures: From Synthesis to Nanostructural Characterization
Authors: Russias Julie , Frizon Fabien , Cau‐Dit‐Coumes Celine , Malchère Annie , Douillard Thierry , Joussot‐Dubien Christophe
Published: May 2008

C–A–S–H (C=CaO, A=Al2O3, S=SiO2, H=H2O in cement nomenclature) phases have been synthesized from CaO, SiO2, and AlNaO2. The initial CaO/SiO2 (C/Sinitial) ratios varied from 0.8 to 1.5 and the initial Al2O3/SiO2 (A/Sinitial) ratio was set to 0.1. Samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and chemical analyses of their equilibrium solutions. This paper describes experiments using a low‐voltage scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM‐in‐SEM) imaging system that allows transmission observations in an environmental scanning electron microscope. Observations of the nanostructure were also performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two types of morphologies were clearly observed: fine fibrillar aggregates and small plates, the latter being particularly sensitive to beam damage. Despite their different appearance, both of these phases were amorphous, and the small plates were richer in aluminum. The fraction of the small plate phase increased with the C/Sinitial ratio. TEM interpretations showed that C–A–S–H phases were not stable under the electron beam and high‐magnification observations could significantly modify their structure. Images and chemical analyses acquired with STEM‐in‐SEM appeared as valuable sources of information because they offered a large observation field comparable to a transmission electron microscope and better magnification resolution than a classical scanning electron microscope.
Oviposition site selection by herbivorous beetles: a comparison of two thistle feeders, Cassida rubiginosa and Henosepilachna niponica
Authors: Fujiyama Naoyuki , Torii Chiharu , Akabane Michiko , Katakura Haruo
Published: May 2008

In insects that feed on plants in both adult and larval stages, it is often difficult to distinguish oviposition preference from adult feeding preference, because oviposition can occur at or in proximity to feeding sites. In the present study, characteristics of oviposition site selection of two beetle species, Cassida rubiginosa Müller (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Henosepilachna niponica (Lewis) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were investigated in the field and laboratory, with particular attention to relationships with adult feeding sites. In the field, distances between adult feeding scars and egg masses differed for C. rubiginosa and H. niponica, with the former being very small and the latter averaging 24.6 cm. The same tendencies for the distances between adult feeding scars and egg masses of the two beetle species were confirmed in cages in which only female beetles were released. Cassida rubiginosa restricted egg laying to host plants in the field and to leaves in laboratory assays. On the other hand, H. niponica placed 8% of egg masses on plants adjacent to host plants in the field and often placed eggs on artificial substrates rather than leaf discs in laboratory assays. These results suggest that oviposition and female feeding sites are virtually inseparable in the case of C. rubiginosa, while H. niponica females do not necessarily keep to host plant leaves as oviposition substrates and they tend to oviposit at some distance from their feeding sites. Results are discussed in relation to proximate and ultimate causes of host selection behavior.
Immediate reimplantation of primary teeth: a histological study in dogs
Authors: Boer Farlí Aparecida Carrilho , Percinoto Célio , Ferelle Antonio , Cunha Robson Frederico
Published: May 2008

Abstract –  Reimplantation of primary teeth has been the subject of various clinical and histological studies, but very little is known about the effect of this treatment on primary teeth. The aim of the present study was to histologically evaluate the biological response of dog primary teeth after immediate reimplantation. Twelve dogs were divided into two groups according to postoperative time: 1 week and 3 weeks. Twenty‐one upper and lower intermediate incisors were extracted and submitted to endodontic treatment, reimplantation and splinting. The 21 homologous teeth not submitted to treatment served as controls. The animals were killed after the respective experimental periods, and the obtained specimens were processed for histological analysis. Most dogs of the 1‐week group exhibited the following alterations: gingival epithelium was inserted in the cemento‐enamel junction, with a small number of chronic inflammatory cells being observed in the gingival corium; the periodontal ligament was partially reestablished, with a more expressive chronic inflammatory infiltrate being observed in the apical third; small root resorption was observed on the palatine/lingual side in the apical third. In contrast, in 3‐week animals, gingival epithelial insertion was predominantly absent on the buccal side, and a moderate chronic inflammatory infiltrate was present; the periodontal ligament generally showed no bone‐cementum reinsertion especially on the palatine/lingual side, with an expressive inflammatory infiltrate in the apical region, and large root resorption was mainly observed on the palatine and lingual sides. In conclusion, reimplantation causes histological alterations in the tooth and its supporting periodontal structures that suggest the impossibility of its maintenance.
Effects of haemorrhagic hypotension on carotid chemosensory discharge in the kitten
Authors: Bairam A , Hannhart B , Marchal F
Published: May 2008

Hypotension is known to affect the rate of carotid chemosensory activity in the adult cat, but the relationship between arterial blood pressure and carotid sinus nerve discharge has not been established in the kitten. The purpose of this study was to determine the response of carotid chemosensory afferents to hypotension induced in normoxia and in hyperoxia in eight kittens aged 1 to 25 days. Hypotension was obtained by a gradual decrease in blood volume. The activity of a few chemosensory fibres was recorded from one carotid sinus nerve. Baseline steady‐state mean arterial blood pressure and carotid chemosensory activity were, respectively, 70.0 ± 4.3 mmHg and 7.6 ± 1.9 impulse/s (mean ± SEM) in normoxia and 56.3 ± 6.7 mmHg and 0.58 ± 0.2 impulse/s in hyperoxia. Lowering arterial blood pressure below 37.5 ± 3.5 mmHg in normoxia and 26.8 ± 2.3 mmHg in hyperoxia was associated with a consistent increase in the rate of chemosensory discharge. Above this threshold, blood pressure variations had little effect on carotid chemoreceptor activity. These data are qualitatively similar to those of adult cats and provide evidence that, in newborn kittens, changes in arterial blood pressure will not influence carotid chemosensory discharge unless these changes are out of the physiological range.
Ocular complications in young adults with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus since childhood
Authors: Kokkonen J , Laatikainen L , Dickhoff K V , Miettinen R , Tuominen M , Lautala P , Salmela P
Published: May 2008

A cross‐sectional study in 80 insulin‐dependent diabetic patients born 1963–1968 who experienced the onset of diabetes before 15 years of age showed that at a mean age of 21.6 (range 17–25) years and after a mean duration of diabetes of 13.3 (range 6–24) years, 80% of the patients had retinopathy: 70% had background and 10% proliferative changes. Retinopathy correlated with the duration of the diabetes and poor glucose control at 15 years of age but not with the actual level of glycated haemoglobin. The severity of retinopathy was worse in women than in men. One patient (1.2%) was blind. Two patients had had cataract operations and 66% had myopic refraction in one or both eyes. In 61 patients a further period of ophthalmological follow‐up of 3–4 years was included. After 20 years of diabetes, all had retinopathy and 29% had proliferative changes: 33% had received laser treatment after 8–27 (mean 16.1) years of diabetes. Altogether, 2 patients (2.5% of the original series) were blind. For prevention of diabetic retinopathy and blindness, good glucose control from puberty and careful ophthalmological follow‐up after transfer of the patient from paediatric to adult diabetes care play major roles.
Study of final height in Turner's syndrome: ethnic and genetic influences
Authors: Rochiccioli (Toulouse) P , David (Lyon) M , Malpuech (Clermont Ferrand) G , Colle (Bordeaux) M , Limal (Angers) J M , Battin (Bordeaux) J , Mariani (Nice) R , Sultan (Montpellier) C , Nivelon (Dijon) J L , Simonin (Marseille) G , Bost (Grenoble) M , Chatelain (Lyon) P , Bertrand (Besancon) A M , Freycon (St Etienne) R , Bouquier (Limoges) J J , Pierron (Toulon) P
Published: May 2008

In understanding Turner's syndrome, spontaneous adult height is a prerequisite for an accurate assessment of the therapeutic efficiency of growth hormone treatment. The heights described in the literature reveal significant differences (136–147 cm). Our collaborative study pooled results from 16 pediatrie endocrinology centers and obtained a large number of spontaneous adult heights (n= 216). The selective criteria were: chronological age (CA) > 18 years, bone age (BA) > 16 years, typical karyotype, no treatment with growth hormone or anabolic steroids. Mean CA was 23.3 ± 5.6 years. Chromosomal anomalies were: monosomy X 56%; mosaicism 37.2%; structural aberration 10.6%. Mean final height in the whole group was 141.5 (129–160) cm. There was no significant difference in height between the three groups: monosomy X(n=121:141.1±6.4 cm); mosaicism (n= 72: 141.5 ± 7.5 cm); X anomaly (n= 23: 141.4±5.0 cm). Mean parental height was 170.4 ± 7.1 cm (father) and 160.1 ± 6.2 cm (mother). Parental height and patients' heights correlated significantly, but more so with fathers' heights (r= 0.50) than with mothers'(r= 0.42). The correlation was still apparent with the target height (r= 0–55). The results of different series in the literature show the existence of significant variations as mean final heights are between 136 and 147 cm. These differences can be explained by the variations in normal female heights in each country. We have found in these different countries a very strong correlation (r= 0.9I) between normal height and final height in Turner's syndrome. It is therefore necessary to know the spontaneous final height for Turner's syndrome in different countries in order to judge the efficacy of growth hormone treatment, and also to take into account the target height of each child in order to evaluate individual results.
Methods for evaluation of growth in Turner's syndrome: critical approach and review of the literature
Authors: Haeusler G , Frisch H
Published: May 2008

Patients with Ullrich‐Turner syndrome (UTS) are treated increasingly with growth hormone (GH) to improve growth velocity and final height. For evaluation of the effectiveness of this treatment, different methods have been applied and we demonstrate that the results depend, to some extent, on the specific method that has been used for analysis of data. We have analysed height and growth velocity data as well as the applied methodology from 13 studies on spontaneous growth in UTS. Most studies were based on calculations of annual means or medians of data collected in a longitudinal/cross‐sectional manner; others used mathematical models. Growth velocities were calculated longitudinally in individual patients or were derived from height curves graphically or mathematically. Individual height data for a given age varied between 2.6 and 7.7 cm, when estimated annual means were applied, and between 0.4 and 5.8 cm when mathematical models were used. Reported data on growth velocity were almost identical in all studies except for the age of expected puberty, when some authors found a minor pubertal growth spurt. Standard deviations for growth velocity increased at the time of pubertal age and amounted to up to 70% of the respective growth velocity. When various UTS height standards were applied for evaluation of treatment effects, we found a difference of up to 100% of the SD score due to the different SD values of reference data. Results expressed as height SD score may be biased by relatively low mean heights of reference data at adolescent ages.
Evaluation of early stimulation programs for enhancing brain development
Authors: Bonnier Christine
Published: May 2008

The term ‘early intervention’ designates educational and neuroprotection strategies aimed at enhancing brain development. Early educational strategies seek to take advantage of cerebral plasticity. Neuroprotection, a term initially used to characterize substances capable of preventing cell death, now encompasses all interventions that promote normal development and prevent disabilities, including organisational, therapeutic and environment‐modifying measures, such as early stimulation programs. Early stimulation programs were first devised in the United States for vulnerable children in low‐income families; positive effects were recorded regarding school failure rates and social problems. Programs have also been implemented in several countries for premature infants and low‐birth‐weight infants, who are at high risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The programs target the child, the parents or both. The best evaluated programs are the NIDCAP (Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program) in Sweden for babies <1500 g in neonatal intensive care units and the longitudinal multisite program IHDP (Infant Health and Development Program) created in the United States for infants <37 weeks or <2500 g.

Conclusion: Although the NIDCAP and the IHDP targeted different populations, they produced similar effects in several regards: efficacy was greatest with programs involving both the parents and the child; long‐term stimulation improved cognitive outcomes and child–parent interactions; cognition showed greater improvements than motor skills and larger benefits were obtained in families that combined several risk factors including low education attainment by the mothers.
Quality of life in chronic illness: children, parents and paediatricians have different, but stable perceptions
Authors: Janse A J , Sinnema G , Uiterwaal C S P M , Kimpen J L L , Gemke R J B J
Published: May 2008

Aim: Quality of life assessments can be helpful to estimate the well‐being of chronically ill children. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in perception of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among children, parents and paediatricians at the time of diagnosis and after initial treatment in four chronic diseases.

Methods: HRQoL was assessed with the Health Utilities Index mark 3 (HUI3). The HUI3 consists of eight attributes (vision, hearing, speech, ambulation, dexterity, emotion, cognition and pain).

Results: Nineteen paediatricians and 60 patients (aged 10–17 years) and their parents with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, asthma or with cystic fibrosis admitted for pneumonia participated in the study.

Health and well‐being perceptions were clearly different among paediatricians, parents and patients, both at diagnosis and after initial treatment. Perception differences were more prominent in the subjective attributes, emotion and pain. The agreement for these attributes was 23% and 5%, respectively. Paediatricians assessed the patients to have less pain than the patients and parents did. The reverse was true for the attribute emotion. At follow‐up, the agreement was higher for the attributes ambulation and pain.

Conclusion: At the onset of a chronic disease and after initial treatment, paediatricians, parents and children have different perceptions of the child's quality of life, particularly as to the subjective attributes pain and emotion. In view of these differences in perception among patients, their caregivers and paediatricians, this study suggests that whenever possible, multi‐respondent assessment of HRQoL should be considered.
BEYOND POLITICS AND POSITIONS: A CALL FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN FAMILY COURT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Salem Peter , Dunford‐Jackson Billie Lee
Published: May 2008

The domestic violence advocacy and family court communities have each grown dramatically over the last three decades. Although these professional communities share many values in common, they often find themselves at odds with one another on a host of issues. This article examines the practical, political, definitional, and ideological differences between the two communities and calls for them to join forces and collaborate on behalf of children and families.
Factors related to fatigue among older patients with heart failure in primary health care
Authors: Hägglund Lena , Boman Kurt , Stenlund Hans , Lundman Berit , Brulin Christine
Published: May 2008

Aim.  Our aim was to explore the relationship between fatigue and physical, mental, social and demographic factors among older patients with heart failure, with special reference to gender.

Background.  If interventions aimed at preventing or alleviating fatigue are to be successful, more knowledge about factors associated with fatigue is needed.

Design.  A cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods.  Forty‐nine patients aged 77.7 ± 8.7 years (21 men and 28 women) with verified heart failure from one primary healthcare centre answered a questionnaire including Multi‐dimensional Fatigue Inventory, 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey, Geriatric Depression Scale, Self‐Transcendence Scale, Resilience Scale, Social Provision Scale and demographic variables. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results.  Levels of general fatigue were high (mean 14.6 ± 3.9). Female gender (β = 0.280, P = 0.033) and role function for physical reasons (β = −0.458, P = 0.001) explained 36% of the variance in general fatigue.

Conclusions.  Fatigue was more closely related to limitations in role functioning for physical reasons than to reduced physical function per se or to mental and social factors. Women reported more fatigue than men.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Caregivers should examine the impact of fatigue in everyday life for each individual.
Transitions in men’s caring identities: experiences from home‐based care to nursing home placement
Authors: Eriksson Henrik , Sandberg Jonas
Published: May 2008

Objectives.  The aim of this study is to describe, from a gender identity perspective, the experiences of older men involved in the process of caring for a partner at home and the placement into a nursing home.

Background.  Few studies have paid attention to the importance of gender when considering the social experiences of older men providing care for an ill spouse and finally placing a partner in a nursing home. Further understanding is much needed of how older men experience the process of caring for a spouse from a gender identity perspective.

Design.  A qualitative constructivist approach was adopted for this study.

Participants.  Data consists of interviews with seven men that have been informal carers and experienced the placement of their wife in a nursing home.

Methods.  Interviews were analysed with a constructivist approach.

Results.  The results indicate that men go through two transitions in their gender identity during the caregiving process and placement. From the mutual loving relationship of being a loving husband, the social responsibility of daily care of their wives changes the situation into that of being a caring husband, and finally with the move to a nursing home there is a transition from intimate care to a relationship based on friendship.

Conclusions.  The results show that older caregiving men undergo a process involving a reconstruction of gender identity. To formally recognize men’s caring activities and to make them sustainable, we believe that men in an informal caring relationship need support.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses need to recognize the identity struggles resulting in sadness and suffering that are related to changes in men’s lives during the caregiving process. Understanding the dynamics and changes that occur when men take on a caring task is important for the development of their role as carers.
A review of the literature in 2006
Authors: MacKinlay Elizabeth , Hudson Rosalie
Published: May 2008

In this, the first of three papers, attention is drawn to the literature for one year, reflecting a sample of the interrelated themes of ageing, spirituality and nursing. It is clear that nurses are unsure how to include this component of care in their daily practice. However, with the rapidly increasing ageing population, and the recent escalation of literature on spirituality, it seems timely to analyse some of these findings and to consider the implications for practice. Some of the major emerging themes have been identified in this paper, with a view to further exploration of the themes in the second paper, and expanding the discussion in the third paper.
Inspecting Profile Errors of Conjugate Disk Cams With Coordinate Measurement
Authors: Chang Wen-Tung , Wu Long-Iong , Fuh Kuang-Hua , Lin Chen-Chou
Published: May 2008

To inspect cam profile errors, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is frequently employed. The coordinate data of discrete points at the cam surface are measured by a CMM in order to further evaluate the actual cam profile with complicated interpolation algorithms, and then the cam contour approximated by these algorithms may be compared with the theoretical one. In this paper, a direct and simple analytical method, instead of a numerical interpolation algorithm, is proposed for inspecting the profile deviations of conjugate disk cams with coordinate measurement data. The method is based on the derived correlation between the radial-dimension errors and the normal-direction errors of conjugate cam profiles. To verify the proposed method, an experiment of inspecting a pair of conjugate disk cam profiles was conducted. The experimental results obtained from the proposed method were compared with those obtained by using the Hermite interpolation method. It shows that this method is accurate and more efficient for inspecting the profile errors of conjugate disk cams.
Substructure Coupling of Microend Mills to Aid in the Suppression of Chatter
Authors: Mascardelli Brock A. , Park Simon S. , Freiheit Theodor
Published: May 2008

Microend milling offers the ability to machine microparts of complex geometry relatively quickly when compared with photolithographic techniques. The key to good surface quality is the minimization of tool chatter. This requires an understanding of the milling tool and the milling structure system dynamics. However, impact hammer testing cannot be applied directly to the prediction of tool tip dynamics because microend mills are fragile, with tip diameters as small as 10μm. This paper investigates the application of the receptance coupling technique to mathematically couple the spindle/micromachine and arbitrary microtools with different geometries. The frequency response functions (FRFs) of the spindle/micromachine tool are measured experimentally through impact hammer testing, utilizing laser displacement and capacitance sensors. The dynamics of an arbitrary tool substructure are determined through modal finite element analyses. Joint rotational dynamics are indirectly determined through experimentally measuring the FRFs of gauge tools. From the FRFs, chatter conditions are predicted and verified through micromilling experiments.
On the mechanism of tritium desorption from stainless steel
Authors: Akaishi K. , Torikai Y. , Murata D. , Penzhorn R.-D. , Watanabe K. , Matsuyama M.
Published: May 2008

Stainless-steel specimens (15×15×0.5mm3) containing homogeneously distributed tritium were used for the experiments. To investigate the fate of tritium in the surface region, about 70μm were chemically etched and the regrowth of tritium on the top surface layer determined as function of time by β-ray-induced x-ray spectrometry. Simultaneously, the specimen was flushed with an argon gas stream at ambient temperature and the released tritium collected in water bubblers. The chronically liberated tritium retained in the bubblers was quantified in regular intervals using a liquid-scintillation counting technique. It was found to consist predominantly of tritiated water (99%); the rest probably being tritium-containing hydrogen. In this work, a model for the transport of hydrogen is proposed that allows quantitative evaluation of the experimental results. It is demonstrated that the numerical simulation accurately predicts the amount of tritium progressively trapped on the surface and that slowly released at ambient temperature from the bulk of the stainless-steel material.
Characterization of high quality InN grown on production-style plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy system
Authors: Gherasoiu I. , O’Steen M. , Bird T. , Gotthold D. , Chandolu A. , Song D. Y. , Xu S. X. , Holtz M. , Nikishin S. A. , Schaff W. J.
Published: May 2008

In this work, the authors report step-flow growth mode of InN on [0001] oriented GaN templates, using a production-style molecular beam epitaxy system, Veeco GEN200®, equipped with a plasma source. Using adaptive growth conditions, they have obtained a surface morphology that exhibits the step-flow features. The root mean squared roughness over an area of 5×5μm2 is 1.4nm with monolayer height terrace steps (0.281nm), based on atomic force microscopy. It has been found that the presence of In droplets leads to defective surface morphology. From x-ray diffraction, they estimate edge and screw dislocation densities. The former is dominant over the latter. Micro-Raman spectra reveal narrow E22 phonon lines consistent with excellent crystalline quality of the epitaxial layers. The Hall mobility of 1μm thick InN layers, grown in step-flow mode, is slightly higher than 1400cm2∕Vs, while for other growth conditions yielding a smooth surface with no well-defined steps, mobility as high as 1904cm2∕Vs at room temperature has been measured. The samples exhibit high intensity photoluminescence (PL) with a corresponding band edge that shifts with free carrier concentration. For the lowest carrier concentration of 5.6×1017cm−3, they observe PL emission at ∼0.64eV.
Operational regimes of the saddle field plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system
Authors: Johnson Erik V. , Zukotynski Stefan , Kherani Nazir P.
Published: May 2008

The electrical potential at the substrate surface during the growth of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon in a direct current saddle field (SF) plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system has been previously shown to be a limiting factor for the formation of the microcrystalline phase in the resulting thin films. The authors examine the extension of this concept to large areas under conditions necessary to obtain microcrystalline silicon in a SF-PECVD system—namely the use of hydrogen-diluted silane as a source gas, pressures between 100 and 300 mTorr, and substrate electrical bias between 100 and 250 V. The response of the SF-PECVD system to electrical substrate bias under these conditions is examined in detail, and four regimes of operation are identified, only one of which is useful for the growth of this particular material system. The delineation of these regimes provides new constraints and guidelines for the application of SF-PECVD technology to large-area deposition of thin films sensitive to ion bombardment during growth, such as microcrystalline silicon.
Sputtering rate of micromilling on water ice with focused ion beam in a cryogenic environment
Authors: Fu Jing , Joshi Sanjay B. , Catchmark Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2008

The use of focused ion beam (FIB) milling in a cryogenic environment provides an alternative to cryomicrotome for creating submicron sections of frozen hydrated samples. Although FIB milling has been widely implemented to sculpt inorganic sample sections for analysis such as transmission electron microscopy, the application of this technique to frozen biological samples has scarcely begun. The interactions of gallium ions used in FIB with water ice as the target are still not well understood, impeding the development of this technique for routine biological analysis. In this research, amorphous water ice samples are prepared by both vapor deposition and plunge freezing, and the sputtering yield is studied based on a number of process parameters, including ion energy, temperature, and ion current. Results show that sputtering of water ice by gallium ions is a compound process of nuclear sputtering and electronic sputtering. Analytical models, originally limited to astrophysics, are adopted in this study to predict the sputtering yield of water ice by FIB. The parameters for gallium ions at keV range are estimated and validated based on the experimental data. Temperature dependence of sputtering yield is also observed in the range between 83 and 123K, in which significant increase of sputtering yield occurs when the temperature approaches 123K. Sputtering yield is not significantly affected by variation of the ion current as shown by the data. Based on these results, the process parameters involved can be characterized, and feasible settings can be developed to facilitate reproducibility and ultimately the widespread implementation of FIB to biological sample preparation.
Surface phase diagram and alloy formation for antimony on Au(110)
Authors: Parihar S. S. , Lyman P. F.
Published: May 2008

The authors have evaporated submonolayer to monolayer Sb films on the clean Au(110) surface and investigated the resultant Sb-induced reconstructions using low energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and surface x-ray diffraction. They discovered a sequence of reconstructions, namely, c(2×2), (3×3)R54.7°, (2−112), and p(5×6), with increasing coverage of Sb. The well-known (2×1) reconstruction of the clean Au(110) surface changes to c(2×2) at an Sb coverage of θ≈0.5 ML. At higher Sb coverages, there is a phase transition from c(2×2) to (3×3)R54.7°, with the (3×3)R54.7° pattern emerging at an Sb coverage of θ≈0.7 ML. Upon further deposition, the superstructure spots of the (3×3)R54.7° reconstruction each split into two, resulting in the (2−112) pattern at a coverage of θ≈0.8 ML. Finally, an Sb∕Au(110)-p(5×6) reconstruction emerges at coverages in excess of 1 ML. They have also studied the temperature dependence of the c(2×2) surface phase.
Dielectric properties of high-density-plasma fluorinated-silicate glass by doping nitrogen
Authors: Wei B. J. , Cheng Y. L. , Wang Y. L. , Lu F. H. , Shih H. C.
Published: May 2008

Nitrogen-doped fluorinated-silicate-glass (N-FSG) films were prepared by adding N2 gas to the SiH4∕SiF4∕O2∕Ar gas mixtures using high-density-plasma (HDP) chemical vapor deposition method. When N2 is increasingly added, the fluorine concentration of the films increases and the dielectric constant decreases from 3.8 to 3.4. In addition, better gap-filling ability is obtained by adding N2 due to a lowered deposition/(sputtering+etching) (D∕S+E) ratio. Moreover, these films were stabilized by a decreased change in dielectric constant after thermal treatment; indicating a significant improvement in the thermal resistivity of the films. It is proposed that the improvement of stability is correlated with the reduction of unstable fluorine bonds in the N-FSG films. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the N-FSG films was also identified by Al wiring delamination check. After annealing, the blister was observed only in non-N2 FSG film with 5.5% Si–F concentration, while no blisters or delamination were observed when N2 is introduced into the FSG process. Therefore, the N-FSG film, deposited by HDP-chemical vapor deposition, was a good candidate for the interconnect dielectric application.