Reversed scan direction reduces electron beam damage in EBSD maps.

The deleterious effects of electron beam damage on high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps of undeformed quartz are significantly reduced by scanning in the direction opposite to that dictated by widely used EBSD acquisition software. Higher quality electron backscatter patterns are produced when the electron beam moves progressively down the sample (the apparent 'up' direction in the resulting maps) for all step sizes where beam damage affects EBSD map quality (≤ ∼0.4 µm in this study). The relative improvement associated with downward scanning increases as step size is reduced. A comparison of high-resolution maps made in experimentally deformed quartz demonstrates that downward scanning reduces by a factor of ∼2 the lower limit in step size relative to maps scanned in the conventional direction. The electron beam damages quartz at its point of entry, forming ∼0.1-µm diameter bumps visible in Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Downward scanning produces better results because it minimizes the flux of electrons through these loci of damaged crystal.

Skilled nursing facilities--a clinical opportunity for pharmacists.

It is suggested that nursing homes, as opposed to hospitals, provide the pharmacist with one of the best opportunities to practice clinical pharmacy. Restraining forces to clinical pharmacy include the reluctance of other health professionals to accept the pharmacist in clinical roles, and inadequate reimbursement for monitoring services. These restraining forces are less prevalent in nursing homes. Further, the great reliance on drug therapy in nursing homes, coupled with regulations requiring the pharmacist to assume a drug monitoring role, create a favorable atmosphere for clinical pharmacy practice. The importance of documenting the benefits of clinical pharmacy service is discussed.

A system for the analysis of foot and ankle kinematics during gait.

A five-camera Vicon (Oxford Metrics, Oxford, England) motion analysis system was used to acquire foot and ankle motion data. Static resolution and accuracy were computed as 0.86 +/- 0.13 mm and 98.9%, while dynamic resolution and accuracy were 0.1 +/- 0.89 and 99.4% (sagittal plane). Spectral analysis revealed high frequency noise and the need for a filter (6 Hz Butterworth low-pass) as used in similar clinical situations. A four-segment rigid body model of the foot and ankle was developed. The four rigid body foot model segments were 1) tibia and fibula, 2) calcaneus, talus, and navicular, 3) cuneiforms, cuboid, and metatarsals, and 4) hallux. The Euler method for describing relative foot and ankle segment orientation was utilized in order to maintain accuracy and ease of clinical application. Kinematic data from a single test subject are presented.