Photoemission spectroscopy of the strong-coupling superconducting transitions in lead and niobium

We study the changes in the electronic structure associated with low- T(c) strong-coupling superconducting transitions in Pb and Nb using ultrahigh-resolution (2.3 meV) temperature-dependent (5.3-12.0 K) photoemission spectroscopy. We observe peaks in the density of states on entering the superconducting-phase accompanying gap formation and spectacular redistribution of spectral weight at low energy scales as a function of temperature. The well-known peak-dip feature of the high- T(c) cuprates is seen in Pb, making it a characteristic of strong-coupling superconductivity.

Effects of activity of daily living and gender on circadian rhythms of the elderly in a nursing home

The objective of this study was to confirm the effects of ADL (Activity of Daily Living) and gender on circadian rhythms of the elderly in a nursing home. Twenty-one elderly volunteers, aged over 65 years, were divided in four groups depending on their ADL and gender: subjects with almost no problem in ADL (H males, H females) and those who were almost bedridden (L males, L females). Oral temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, time of sleep and wake, subjective sleepiness, overall feeling and vitality were measured every 4 hours during the day continuously for six days. The circadian rhythm was calculated by using the least squares fit of cosine function. Subjective sleep quality was also surveyed. In the sleep/wake rhythm, the mesor was significantly higher in L males compared to the other groups and the amplitude was significantly lower in L females compared to other groups. The subjective sleepiness was higher in L males compared to the other groups and L females showed a higher sleepiness compared to H females. No significant difference among the group was observed in subjective sleep quality. In conclusion, these results indicate that the subjective sleepiness and sleep/wake rhythm differ depending on ADL and gender, although no significant difference was observed in physiological parameters. ADL and gender based difference in subjective sleepiness and sleep/wake rhythm should be taken into account with regard to the care of the elderly in nursing homes.

A survey of bedroom and bed climate of the elderly in a nursing home

Bedroom and bed climate of the elderly in a nursing home were surveyed. Twenty-two elderly subjects were divided into four groups depending on their Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and gender. The four groups were: male and female subjects with almost no problems in daily life and an ADL score higher than 5 [H males, H females] and male and female subjects who normally stayed in bed all day with an ADL score lower than 2 [L males, L females]. The temperature and humidity of the bedroom and bed climate were measured continuously for 24 hours. Bedding and clothing condition, subjective sensational vote and subjective sleep evaluation were surveyed before and after sleep for five days continuously. In the daytime, bedroom and bed climate temperature was significantly lower in H females than in the other groups. At night, no significant effect of gender and ADL was observed in bed climate, which was maintained at 33-35 degrees C, RH50-60% in all the groups. Bedding under the body increased significantly in L males and L females compared with H males and H females. The number of underwear increased significantly in H females. Subjective sleep evaluation was significantly better in H females than the other groups. These results suggest that ADL and gender based differences should be taken into account with regard to the care of the elderly in a nursing home.