Single-equation models for the tear film in a blink cycle: realistic lid motion.

We consider model problems for the tear film over multiple blink cycles that utilize a single equation for the tear film; the single non-linear partial differential equation that governs the film thickness arises from lubrication theory. The two models that we consider arise from considering the absence of naturally occurring surfactant and the case when the surfactant is strongly affecting the surface tension. The film is considered on a time-varying domain length with specified film thickness and volume flux at each end; only one end of the domain is moving, which is analogous to the upper eyelid moving with each blink. Realistic lid motion from observed blinks is included in the model with end fluxes specified to more closely match the blink cycle than those previously reported. Numerical computations show quantitative agreement with in vivo tear film thickness measurements under partial blink conditions. A transition between periodic and non-periodic solutions has been estimated as a function of closure fraction and this may be a criterion for what is effectively a full blink according to fluid dynamics.

Phase Transformations in the High-Tc Superconducting Compounds, Ba2RCu3O7-δ (R = Nd, Sm, Gd, Y, Ho, and Er).

The phase transformation between the orthorhombic and tetragonal structures of six high-T c superconductors, Ba2RCu3O7- δ , where R = Nd, Sm, Gd, Y, Ho, and Er, and δ = 0 to 1, has been investigated using techniques of x-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA) and electron diffraction. The transformation from the oxygen-rich orthorhombic phase to the oxygen-deficient tetragonal phase involves two orthorhombic phases. A superlattice cell caused by oxygen ordering, with a' = 2a, was observed for materials with smaller ionic radius (Y, Ho, and Er). For the larger lanthanide samples (Nd, Sm, and Gd), the a' = 2a type superlattice cell was not observed. The structural phase transition temperatures, oxygen stoichiometry and characteristics of the T c plateaus appear to correlate with the ionic radius, which varies based on the number of f electrons. Lanthanide elements with a smaller ionic radius stabilize the orthorhombic phase to higher temperatures and lower oxygen content. Also, the superconducting temperature is less sensitive to the oxygen content for materials with smaller ionic radius. The trend of dependence of the phase transformation temperature on ionic radius across the lanthanide series can be explained using a quasi-chemical approximation (QCA) whereby the strain effect plays an important role on the order-disorder transition due to the effect of oxygen content on the CuO chain sites.

Ba(OH)2 Equilibria in the System Ba-O-H-F, With Application to the Formation of Ba2YCu3O6.5 + x From BaF2-Precursors.

The ex situ process for fabricating Ba2YCu3O6.5 + x superconducting tapes from BaF2- based precursors involves a hydration/oxidation reaction at ≈730 °C to 750 °C generally written as: [Formula: see text] However, microscopic observations of partially processed films suggest the presence of a transient liquid phase during conversion. Alternatively, the conversion reaction can be rewritten as the sum of several intermediate steps, including the formation of a barium hydroxide liquid: [Formula: see text] To evaluate the possibility of a hydroxide liquid conversion step, thermodynamic calculations on the stability of Ba(OH)2(liq) have been completed from 500 °C to 900 °C at 0.1 MPa p total. Based on currently available data, the calculated phase diagrams suggest that a viable hydroxide reaction path exists in the higher part of this temperature range. The calculations indicate that Ba(OH)2(liq) may be stable at log [Formula: see text] (Pa) values from ≈4 to 5, provided log p HF (Pa) values can be maintained below 0 to -1. Limited experimental confirmation is provided by results of an experiment on BaF2(s) at 815 °C, 0.1 MPa [Formula: see text], in which essentially all F at the surface was replaced by O. It is therefore possible that processing routes exist for producing Ba2YCu3O6.5 + x based on the presence of a Ba(OH)2 liquid, which might have an effect on conversion rates and texturing in the superconducting film.

A self-assessment program for multidisciplinary mental health teams.

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe a self-assessment training program for multidisciplinary mental health teams that was developed in a public multihospital system, the process of implementing the training at a state psychiatric hospital, and a measurement instrument, the Scale for Leadership Assessment and Team Evaluation (SLATE), which they have used for self-assessment of multidisciplinary teams and which is currently being studied. They assessed whether changes in team self-assessments could be seen after the training program. METHODS: A total of 102 mental health professionals from 12 inpatient units representing the disciplines of psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, and occupational and activity therapy completed the SLATE before and after participation in a training program that consisted primarily of team self-assessment in the context of treatment planning sessions. The training program included structured feedback, didactics, consultation, and videotaping of sessions. Aggregate data were used to compare mean item scores for the SLATE overall and for its four subscales (team, psychiatrist, participation, and treatment plan) at baseline and after the training. RESULTS: Scores increased significantly for the overall SLATE and for all four subscales, indicating improved team functioning in the areas addressed. The increase in mean score was greatest for the subscale that assessed the leadership of the psychiatrist. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment planning sessions can be used successfully by multidisciplinary mental health teams to examine team functioning in various areas in a self-assessment model. Participation in a training program that included videotaping of sessions, consultation, and structured attention to team functioning was associated with improved ratings of team functioning.

Standard Reference Material (SRM 1990) For Single Crystal Diffractometer Alignment.

An international project was successfully completed which involved two major undertakings: (1) a round-robin to demonstrate the viability of the selected standard and (2) the certification of the lattice parameters of the SRM 1990, a Standard Reference Material(®) for single crystal diffractometer alignment. This SRM is a set of ≈3500 units of Cr-doped Al2O3, or ruby spheres [(0.420.011 mole fraction % Cr (expanded uncertainty)]. The round-robin consisted of determination of lattice parameters of a pair of crystals: the ruby sphere as a standard, and a zeolite reference to serve as an unknown. Fifty pairs of crystals were dispatched from Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute to volunteers in x-ray laboratories world-wide. A total of 45 sets of data was received from 32 laboratories. The mean unit cell parameters of the ruby spheres was found to be a=4.7608 ű0.0062 Å, and c=12.9979 ű0.020 Å (95 % intervals of the laboratory means). The source of errors of outlier data was identified. The SRM project involved the certification of lattice parameters using four well-aligned single crystal diffractometers at (Bell Laboratories) Lucent Technologies and at NRC of Canada (39 ruby spheres), the quantification of the Cr content using a combined microprobe and SEM/EDS technique, and the evaluation of the mosaicity of the ruby spheres using a double-crystal spectrometry method. A confirmation of the lattice parameters was also conducted using a Guinier-Hägg camera. Systematic corrections of thermal expansion and refraction corrections were applied. These rubies- are rhombohedral, with space group [Formula: see text]. The certified mean unit cell parameters are a=4.76080±0.00029 Å, and c=12.99568 ű0.00087 Å (expanded uncertainty). These certified lattice parameters fall well within the results of those obtained from the international round-robin study. The Guinier-Hägg transmission measurements on five samples of powdered rubies (a=4.7610 ű0.0013 Å, and c = 12.9954 ű0.0034 Å) agreed well with the values obtained from the single crystal spheres.

New areas for psychological assessment in general health care settings: what to do today to prepare for tomorrow.

Unique roles of the professional psychologist are outlined with respect to increasingly restrictive utilization practices of managed care. Suggestions of how to develop less traditional venues of practice, the types of instruments to use, and report formats, along with ways to persuade primary care physicians (PCPs), managed care organizations, and facilities to utilize psychological assessment services are provided. Medical cost offsets, cost-efficient quality of care, and models of practice are also discussed.

Melting and Vaporization of the 1223 Phase in the System (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O).

The melting and vaporization of the 1223 [(Tl,Pb):(Ba,Sr):Ca:Cu] oxide phase in the system (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O) have been investigated using a combination of dynamic methods (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, effusion) and post-quenching characterization techniques (powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry). Vaporization rates, thermal events, and melt compositions were followed as a function of thallia loss from a 1223 stoichiometry. Melting and vaporization equilibria of the 1223 phase are complex, with as many as seven phases participating simultaneously. At a total pressure of 0.1 MPa the 1223 phase was found to melt completely at (980 ± 5) °C in oxygen, at a thallia partial pressure (pTl2O) of (4.6 ± 0.5) kPa, where the quoted uncertainties are standard uncertainties, i.e., 1 estimated standard deviation. The melting reaction involves five other solids and a liquid, nominally as follows: [Formula: see text] Stoichiometries of the participating phases have been determined from microchemical analysis, and substantial elemental substitution on the 1212 and 1223 crystallographic sites is indicated. The 1223 phase occurs in equilibrium with liquids from its melting point down to at least 935 °C. The composition of the lowest melting liquid detected for the bulk compositions of this study has been measured using microchemical analysis. Applications to the processing of superconducting wires and tapes are discussed.

An assessment of teratology training provided by masters level genetic counseling programs.

The increasing demand in the clinical genetics setting for information about teratogen exposures has created a need for genetic counselors to have the capabilities to appropriately address patient concerns. In order to assess how training in teratogen counseling is currently being conducted, the GLaRGG Teratogen Subcommittee surveyed all 17 genetic counseling training programs in North America in September 1993. Information was obtained from training programs about coursework, resources, and clinical training. In addition, each training program was asked to provide information about how their teratogen training needs could better be met. While all programs responded that some information in their coursework applicable to teratogen counseling was provided, there was wide variation in the amount of time devoted to this topic. The programs also greatly differed in the provision of clinical training in teratogen counseling. For both coursework and clinical work, genetic counselors were the main trainers in teratogen counseling. In spite of this, fewer than 25% of training programs have a defined teratogen clinical rotation. Data from the survey are discussed and recommendations presented.

Use of fluorescent in situ hybridization for marker chromosome identification in congenital and neoplastic disorders.

Identifying marker chromosomes of unknown origin in the clinical cytogenetics laboratory has been a problem historically, despite advances in specialized staining techniques. Determination of the origin of these marker chromosomes in patients with congenital or malignant neoplastic disorders is essential for more complete diagnosis, counseling, and treatment. The authors describe the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific alpha-satellite DNA probes to identify the origin of marker chromosomes in two patients with congenital disorders and three patients with malignant neoplastic disorders. The impact of firm identification of the marker chromosome for the diagnosis of these patients is discussed. The authors also discuss the feasibility of using this technique routinely in the clinical cytogenetics laboratory.