Arthroscopic stabilization of the ankle

Arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization is a method for repair of the anterior talofibular ligament which involves decreased morbidity and minimal soft tissue disruption while restoring function and stability to the joint. This technique utilizes soft tissue anchoring systems that reinforce or repair the anterior talofibular ligament. Several techniques are described for the various types of ligamentous injuries. These methods are compared and contrasted with standard open reconstructive and reparative techniques. Advantages of the newer anchoring systems are discussed.     

Paraganglioma of the external auditory canal

A rare case of paraganglioma of the external auditory canal is presented. It was treated by excision and no recurrence has been noted after 18 months of follow up.     

Nutrient Intake Report: a coordination of patient dietary assessment between physicians and registered dietitians

The Nutrient Intake Report (NIR) is based on a 7-day dietary recall questionnaire used previously in research for dietary assessment and adapted for clinical use. Used to provide information and counseling as part of total patient care, the NIR acts as a cornerstone for dietary education and interaction between physician, registered dietitian, and patient. The NIR is ordered by physicians or registered dietitians, scanned and assessed by a registered dietitian, and incorporated into the laboratory section of the medical record. It documents the patient's dietary intake in the context of his or her diagnosis and general health status. The NIR also opens a dialogue between physicians and registered dietitians. Incorporation of the NIR into the medical record makes the work of the registered dietitian available to other health practitioners, which is welcome in an era when licensing and reimbursement are contingent on systematic documentation of dietary assessment and its role in patient care.     

Influence of manufacturing process of indium tin oxide sputtering targets on sputtering behavior

Thin films of In₂O₃+SnO₂ (indium tin oxide or ITO) have wide utility because they are electrically conductive and transparent at visible wavelengths. A preferred method for making highest quality ITO coatings is reactive sputtering from targets of mixed indium and tin oxides. The resulting film properties are highly dependent upon the deposition conditions, and upon post-deposition film treatments. Film data and sputtering efficiency are also effected by sputtering target characteristics.

This study evaluated the influence of the targets on the electrical resistivity of deposited ITO films, and the effect of target properties on the sputtering rate. A matrix of 12 targets was tested; all had composition 90 wt.%In₂O₃+10 wt.%SnO₂. The effects of varying target density, degree of target oxide reduction from complete stoichiometry, and target purity were measured.

The results are, in summary, (1) partial reduction of oxide targets from complete stoichiometry does not influence film resistivity, (2) the data indicate a small (perhaps negligible) dependence of film resistivity upon target density, (3) higher target density tends to promote enhanced deposition rate, and (4) purposeful addition of silicon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, and sodium at high levels to ITO targets degrades film resistivity depending upon the total concentration of impurities added, but independently of the contaminating species.