Health sciences as an interdisciplinary challenge: the development of a new scientific field

Health sciences in Central Europe have been established in recent years as the academic complement to public health. Unlike the situation outside Europe the link between academia, administration and practical application has become a distinct characteristic of this European philosophy. In this article the two questions are posed: 1. as to which structural problems characterize research into health and illness today and 2. how far can the establishment of an interdisciplinary sphere of "health sciences" provide adequate solutions? The authors also sketch the outlines of the new health sciences as an intergrating and "trans-paradigmatical" teaching and research field and they consider the relationships of health sciences to practice in general, and their relevance to the health services in particular. The challenges in the future for public health and therefore for the health sciences will be enormous. A breakthrough in this field will probably not be achieved until the research interests of clinical specialists and researchers oriented towards social and behavioural sciences are linked over a broad front. It is also hoped that from this connection-embeded in open scientific discourse-"health sciences" will arise, not as part of medicine, and not as part of this social sciences, but with their own claims and specific conceptions as to how the problems of our health system can be resolved.     

Blast-furnace smelting as an example of an integrated approach to the design of gas-cleaning units

The experience that the company has gained in different sectors of industry, its huge inventory of completed projects, the excellent qualifications of its staff, the fact that it uses proven methods of calculation and observes the pertinent standards, and its collaborations with other leading Russian and foreign companies allow its specialists to not only devise sophisticated strategies for the reconstruction of existing facilities, but also to design highly efficient new gas-cleaning systems that meet customers’ requirements and satisfy international standards.     

A novel electrostatic approach to enzyme mechanisms: carbonic anhydrase as an example

A novel electrostatic approach to the manner in which enzymes catalyze reactions is developed. In this development, the author's interpretations of, and additions to, the late K. Fajans' theory of electronic structure (referred to as the Quanticule theory of chemical binding) are presented. This theory is based upon electron densities, in analogy to density functional theory. It is used to derive formulations of molecular structure, (Fajans' formulations) which show the charges of the atomic components. These charges are shown to be reduced by polarization to what are commonly referred to as partial charges. These formulations relate to the exchange of charged atomic components during reactions. The relevance of the formulations to the catalytic activity of enzymes is illustrated with carbonic anhydrase. When viewed in terms of Fajans' formulations, the active site is seen to consist of an array of charged atoms. The positive and negative charges tend to alternate. When closely positioned, these charges provide a basis for drawing atomic components of the molecules, which are exchanged in a given reaction, into the new positions. The charges are shown to be related to the binding of substrates to the enzyme and the positioning of them so that they can interact, to the reaction itself, to an essential proton transfer, and to the dissociation of the product from the enzyme. This more extensive scope of electrostatic interactions provides a more simple view of the manner in which the catalysis is accomplished. Such catalysis is consistent with a number of other proposals about enzyme mechanisms, and appears to be applicable to a large majority of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.     

Single-particle-diagnosis approach: An efficient strategy for discovering new nitride phosphors

Discovery of novel phosphors is extremely important to target the ever change of the solid state lighting technology. In this paper, we present a high-speed way to discover new phosphors, namely single-particle-diagnosis approach. This approach is based on investigating the crystal structure and luminescence of a tiny single crystal, without the necessity of the growth of large-size single crystals or the preparation of single phase powder samples. The concept of the approach and some new nitride phosphors explored by this approach are shown in this paper.     

Stability surveillance testing: an effective and efficient approach

Stability surveillance programs are run to confirm on a regular basis the registered shelf-life of pharmaceutical products in relation to the relevant climatic zone(s). The "selected date" and the "fixed interval" procedures are compared with respect to their applicability for obtaining a reliable estimate of the true shelf-life. Advantages of the selected date over the fixed interval approach are (1) a more reliable estimate of the true shelf-life, and (2) a more efficient approach in terms of time and costs.     

Contrast hysterosonography: an efficient means of investigation in gynecology. Review of the literature

The structure of WA8242B, a potent novel inhibitor against phospholipase A2, was fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and chemical degradation. The success of total synthesis of WA8242B confirmed the structure and allowed the pharmacological study of WA8242B. The structures of WA8242A1 and A2 were also described.     

Imidazolium triflate as an efficient promoter for O-selective phosphitylation of N-unprotected nucleosides via the phosphoramidite approach

A novel method for the preparation of nucleotides via the phosphoramidite approach with imidazolium triflate 1 as a promoter has been developed. This approach required no protecting groups for nucleoside bases of building blocks.     

Diagnostics of persistent viruses: human cytomegalovirus as an example

Infections with persistent viruses such as herpesviruses have become of significant clinical importance with the increasing number of immunocompromised patients at risk to suffer from severe disease. As antiviral chemotherapy is available for herpesvirus infections, the diagnostic methods for rapid and sensitive detection of symptomatic infection have been developed and recently refined. In human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the use of recombinant viral antigens provides a rationale to improve serological assays. This may be of use for the discrimination of primary versus secondary infection. Early diagnosis of symptomatic HCMV infection in immunosuppressed patients can be most effectively achieved by the detection of a viral tegument protein, pp65, in peripheral blood leukocytes. This early diagnosis has been shown to be of major importance for the effective treatment of these patients. HCMV infection in solid organs can be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against viral proteins. HCMV involvement in diseases of the central nervous system in AIDS patients can be verified by the detection of very small amounts of HCMV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction. This method may prove useful for monitoring HCMV encephalitis and neuropathy.     

The use of standardized assessment in occupational therapy: the BaFPE-R as an example

Before 1970, most assessments administered by occupational therapists were informal and nonstandardized. Since the 1970s, the use of scientifically sound instruments has increased. One such standardized assessment, the Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation (BaFPE), was developed to measure the functional performance of psychiatric clients. This study was designed to explore the use of a revised version of BaFPE as an example of standardized assessment in occupational therapy. The BaFPE was selected as an example of an assessment extensively used in psychiatric occupational therapy practice. A qualitative study that used in-depth semistructured interviews was conducted with a convenience sample of occupational therapists. The occupational therapists who were interviewed described and explained making several adaptations and modifications to the recommended administration and scoring of the BaFPE. An analysis of the interview data suggested that standardized assessments are valued as indicators of professional status. However, the interview responses also suggested that the demands of test standardization were incongruent with the values that guide occupational therapy practice. The findings of this study suggest that the future development and use of standardized instruments should be consistent with the values of the profession. In particular, assessments that recognize the diverse nature and needs of individual clients are required.     

Strategic consultation: The evolution and application of an efficient approach.

Examines how strategic therapy principles can be applied to consultation practice. These principles focus on a conceptual shift in thinking about a problem and its solution, which allows of more effective and often more innovative solutions to consultation problems. In the 1st principle, failed attempted solutions are seen as reinforcing and maintaining problems. The 2nd principle is the notion that it is necessary to develop solutions that implement 2nd order change. The 3rd concept proposes that it is important to change the consultee's perceptions of the problem in order to assist in developing and implementing new solutions. These principles of strategic consultation can also be applied in many settings and can be incorporated in many other consultation approaches. These principles focus on a conceptual shift in thinking about problems and their solutions. This shift allows for more effective, efficient, and often more innovative solutions to consultation problems. A step-by-step procedure is presented. A case example demonstrates how the approach can be implemented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Negative regulatory molecules in the neuroendocrine and immune systems: suppressin as an example

The technique of renal time ultrasound of the scrotum is described. The examination was performed in 50 patients and 15 normal males at the Sahinbey Hospital. Given the clinical diagnosis ultrasound proved reliable in almost all cases. In this study ultrasonography of the scrotum has been found to be the most useful method demonstrating testicular diseases.     

Psychology's role in statewide education reform: Kentucky as an example.

Education reform initiatives are being widely debated at national, state, and local levels. In response to both legislative initiatives and public opinion, our nation's schools are trying to change from old patterns of operation, which for many students have proven unsuccessful, to emerging paradigms that promote learning and human development in integrated school–community environments. Professionals concerned with the development of emerging educational paradigms are challenged to reconsider their roles in light of research findings and increased demands for accountability. In this article, new opportunities for psychologists to work with children and youth are highlighted. Particular focus is placed on psychologists engaged in education reform efforts in Kentucky, which passed sweeping statewide education reform legislation in 1990 (Kentucky Education Reform Act, 1990). Consideration is given to emerging models for psychological service delivery, and implications for psychologists trained in various specialities to contribute to national school reform efforts are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

rhDNase as an example of recurrent event analysis

We consider counting process methods for analysing time-to-event data with multiple or recurrent outcomes, using the models developed by Anderson and Gill, Wei, Lin and Weissfeld and Prentice, Williams and Peterson. We compare the methods, and show how to implement them using popular statistical software programs. By analysing three data sets, we illustrate the strengths and pitfalls of each method. The first example is simulated and involves the effect of a hidden covariate. The second is based on a trial of gamma interferon, and behaves remarkably like the first. The third and most interesting example involves both multiple events and discontinuous intervals at risk, and the three approaches give dissimilar answers. We recommend the AG and marginal models for the analysis of this type of data.     

Developing an interface between engineering and the social sciences: An interdisciplinary team approach to solving societal problems.

Maintains that if interdisciplinary teams are to be successful in solving broad societal problems, academicians and practitioners must be cognizant of the interdependence of disciplines. A systems approach is offered to describe an interdisciplinary team engaged in an intensive problem-solving experience. A similar approach is used to evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary team teaching on student attitudes and behavior. The goal of both the course and the problem-solving experience was the development of an interface between engineering and the social sciences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development of an alcohol withdrawal clinical pathway: an interdisciplinary process

Studies show that as many as 40 percent of all patients in general hospitals are admitted because of complications related to alcoholism. However, the literature has little in specific clinical pathways, treatment protocols, or guidelines for the interdisciplinary care of these patients in the acute care setting. Furthermore, the little information that is published shows a lack of consistency in recommended treatment regimes. This article reviews a coordinated, interdisciplinary effort in developing and implementing a clinical pathway for alcohol withdrawal.     

The ω-phase as an example of an unusual shear transformation

The conditions leading to formation of the metastable ω-phase in Ti, Zr, and Hf alloys are described and earlier experimental observations directly related to ω -phase formation are summarized. New experimental results are presented which show that increased oxygen content suppresses athermal ω-phase formation in Ti-V alloys. A mechanism of ω-phase formation based on the formation of a linear displacement defect is described and it is shown that both the earlier and new experimental results are consistent with this mechanism. Additional experimental results on variations in electrical and physical properties in Ti alloys are also shown to be consistent with the linear displacement defect model. This paper is based on a presentation made at a symposium on “Phase Transformations in Less Common Metals: A Dialogue,” held at the Fall Meeting in Cleveland on October 16, 1972, under the sponsorship of the Phase Transformations Activity, Materials Science Division, American Society for Metals.     

Building a model for prevention practice: Depression as an example.

Preventing mental illness has become increasingly emphasized as a priority for psychologists. Unfortunately, clinicians who want to incorporate prevention activities into their practice have few available models to guide how they might accomplish such a task. Using the literature on the prevention of depression, the authors make specific recommendations to clinicians who are interested in expanding their practice by offering preventive interventions in addition to their usual treatment activities. Topics discussed include choosing target populations for the intervention, using a theoretical orientation to guide the intervention, selecting specific ingredients to include in the intervention, deciding among different intervention modalities, and obtaining financial reimbursement for prevention work. Prevention work can be a novel solution to help meet the unsatisfied needs of patients, clinicians, and society. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)