Surface relaxation of Cu(5 1 1).

The multilayer relaxation of the stepped Cu(5 1 1) surface has been studied by quantitative low-energy electron diffraction and analyzed using the CLEED program package. Relaxations with respect to the bulk interlayer spacing of 0.6934 Å are -9.5%, -10.4%, +8.2% and -1.8% for the first four interlayer spacings, respectively (negative sign corresponds to contraction). The relaxation sequence (- - + -…) is thus in agreement with the theoretical prediction. The deeper relaxations are damped in a non-uniform manner and the lateral relaxations are smaller than 2% of the lateral spacing. This result agrees well with theoretical studies of the same surface. The Pendry R-factor for the favored structure is 0.21.

Surface geometry of C(60) on Ag(111).

The geometry of adsorbed C(60) influences its collective properties. We report the first dynamical low-energy electron diffraction study to determine the geometry of a C(60) monolayer, Ag(111)-(2 square root of 3 x 2 square root of 3) 30 degrees -C(60), and related density functional theory calculations. The stable monolayer has C(60) molecules in vacancies that result from the displacement of surface atoms. C(60) bonds with hexagons down, with their mirror planes parallel to that of the substrate. The results indicate that vacancy structures are the rule rather than the exception for C(60) monolayers on close-packed metal surfaces.

Analysis of retro-illumination photographs for use in longitudinal studies of cataract.

Retro-illumination photography has potential for the monitoring of cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Variations in the individual illumination results have limited accurate quantification of opacities within such images. We present a new image analysis technique which minimises the effect of uneven and varying retro-illumination. The new technique has been tested for variation between photographers and over a short time period. We believe it is of value in lens assessment in combination with a semi-quantitative grading system.

Child problem solving competence, behavioral adjustment and adherence to lipid-lowering diet.

Dietary problem solving competence, behavioral adjustment and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) changes were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 55 hyperlipidemic children and adolescents more than 12 months after they had been prescribed lipid-lowering diets. Adolescents who were able to generate multiple ways to cope with dietary temptations described in hypothetical vignettes evidenced better dietary adherence than adolescents who could produce fewer coping strategies. Observation of parent-child interaction during a standard menu planning task revealed that child satisfaction with the diet was positively associated with parental attempts to solicit and reinforce the child's involvement in meal planning. Findings raise the possibility that behavioral problem solving training might improve long term dietary adherence in adolescents and encourage further research on families' responses to nutritional counseling.

A method for measuring neuroretinal rim area.

A practical method for measuring the neuroretinal rim area (NRA) of the optic nervehead is described. Sequential stereo photographs are taken on 35 mm colour transparencies using a Zeiss fundus camera with Allen stereoseparator. While examining a stereo pair with a pocket viewer the disc and cup margins are traced against the stereo image with a Rotring pen (0.1 mm tip) on a clear transparency overlying one of the photographs. This tracing is digitised and analysed by an 'edge detection' algorithm which measures the area between the traced lines, i.e. NRA. The intraobserver intraphotograph coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean) was calculated for measurements of disc area, cup area and NRA made on 10 stereo photographs of discs with various topographies. Coefficients for NRA ranged from 3.2% to 3.9% for discs with easily discernible cup margins and from 1.6% to 7.2% for discs with less obvious cups.

The design and implementation of task oriented employee evaluations.

In an effort to improve the performance review system from both the employee's and supervisor's perspective, task oriented evaluations were designed and implemented for all pharmacy employees. The system is based on clearly defined responsibilities and performance criteria for evaluating all employees. The development of responsibilities and performance criteria is discussed, highlighting the role of employee and supervisor input in the development process.

Graphic analysis of pharmacy workload as a management tool.

As pharmacy planners implement modern services and cost containment measures, a graphic analysis of pharmacy workload can assist the planner in better utilizing personnel time and assuring adequate time for the completion of additional functions by depicting the peak-trough relationship of workflow. Such analysis can be an effective tool to communicate to both peers and superiors.