Updated : Tue, 6 Jan 2009 2:14:38 MST
Background: A multi-state consortium was developed to conduct baseline data collection and intervention research on fetal alcohol syndrome. Each state employed support specialists whose job it was to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption in women who were at high risk for drinking alcohol during their pregnancy. The purpose of this paper is to report how support specialists in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota were trained to assess client need and how client need was actually assessed in the field. Methods: A qualitative process evaluation was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with state staff involved in support specialist training and consortium activities and the support specialists themselves. Inductive analyses were conducted with interview data. Results: Need determination varied by state and for North Dakota within the state. How support specialists were trained to assess need and how need was assessed in the field was mostly congruent. Conclusions: Process evaluation is an effective method for providing practical and useful answers to questions that cannot be answered by outcome evaluation alone. (Source: Behavioral and Brain Functions)
Publ.Date : Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100
"eXasis", the drivable "glass" car: the third concept car developed by Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience AGZumikon / Leverkusen – "There's never been anything like it" were the words used in the online edition of an acclaimed international news magazine to describe its editor's reaction when the first sketches of the new Rinspeed concept car, "eXasis", appeared on the Internet, "and it looks like no other vehicle before it". In fact, the illustrations could only hint at what Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht had thought up in collaboration with the experts from Bayer MaterialScience AG – one of the largest plastics producers in the world – to mark his company's 30th anniversary: a drivable "glass" car with a completely transparent body and floor made of Makrolon®. Once again, this Rinspeed creation has been built by the Swiss engineering specialists Esoro, and will be shown to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18, 2007), 40 years after Bayer presented the first "all-plastic car" at the K67 Plastics Fair in Germany in 1967."Everyone who sees the eXasis for the first time raves about the glass car, but they actually mean our transparent high-tech plastic," says Ian Paterson, the member of the Bayer MaterialScience Board of Management responsible for Innovation, describing the typical reaction to the prototype. "Many people only talk about innovation. We do it, in conjunction with our partners." In fact, nearly all the Bayer MaterialScience business units were involved in the development of the concept car, providing products such as surface coatings and polyurethanes (for molding tools). but it was the plastics experts from BMS with their Makrolon® polycarbonate who were responsible for the transparency of the eXasis. Frank M. Rinderknecht: "In this ethereal transparency, the true spirit of the eXasis becomes visible. An abstract idea becomes material, visions become a tangible car. Yet the eXasis still doesn't seem to have quite arrived in our material world." made in 1967: "K 67", the first "all-plastic car" of the world made by BayerSo is it just a clever 3D projection, a fata morgana or perhaps a four-wheel ‘objet d'art’? In any case, the third vehicle to emerge from the cooperation between the two companies differs fundamentally from the other two: the futuristic-looking "Senso" and the pure-blooded "zaZen" sports car. The eXasis is a completely new development, in other words it is not based on a production-line vehicle. The insect-like, shiny yellow body with the exposed wheels looks like a mix of the legendary Auto-Union racing cars from the first half of the last century and an off-road vehicle, offering room for two people, one behind the other. The reinterpretation of the frequently cited cigar form is crowned in the "sexy" rear section with an attractively integrated ventilator and a superb matching, highly polished Remus exhaust muffler. And the transparency also provides an unrestricted view of the compact 2-cylinder 750 ccm Weber engine, which, very unusually, sits above the transmission.The eXasis is a real eye-catcher with nothing to hide. The outer Makrolon® shell, molded by the Swiss firm Mecaplex and coated with a tinge of yellow by the German hard coatings specialist, KRD, reveals the vehicle's load-bearing aluminum chassis. The chassis looks as if it has been cut from a solid piece of material, and in fact the bulkheads are. Despite this, the entire construction exudes a sense of lightness like bamboo, underlined by a Lesonal chrome effect finish based on Bayer MaterialScience's Desmodur® and Desmophen®. To finish the surfaces of the knobs and levers, the Bayer experts came up with a special soft-feel coating based on waterborne binders – their sole aim being to pamper the eyes and hands of the driver. "eXasis", the drivable "glass" car: the third concept car developed by Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience AGThe two occupants sit in special seats designed in cooperation with Recaro. Each seat consists of twelve transparent Makrolon® ribs – the same number as a human being has. The head restraint and armrests are made of transparent Technogel®. The Hightex/Sellner Group, which is specialized in interior design, was responsible not only for the futuristic seat coverings and the design of the fabric-covered steering wheel, it has also added a number of other stylish highlights. One example is the innovative application of aluminized glass fiber material with a diamond-shape design on the wheel rims, trim, wishbones, fuel tank and headlamps. The two transparent indicator and function displays are an absolute delight, both technically and optically. They seem to hover on both sides in the driver's field of vision. By touching them, various functions can be displayed and controlled. Each of the touch-panels is made of a transparent CD/DVD Makrolon® blank that has been coated with electrically conductive Baytron® from H.C. Starck to trigger the switch functions. The displays were developed by the Swiss safety and closure system specialists, Kaba. The personalized access system to the car is also be integrated in the touch panels. The "eXasis" is powered by an extremely lightweight, 150 bhp Weber engine driven by CO2-emission-reducing bioethanol. In view of the fact that the car weighs only 750 kg because of its lightweight plastic construction, one horsepower has to shift only 5 kg – and that is about the same as a very nippy Porsche. Rinspeed was also able to persuade some state-owned companies and government departments to become involved in the eXasis project. The fuel is provided by Alcosuisse, the profit center of the Swiss Alcohol Board, while the Swiss Federal Office of Energy has chosen the eXasis to take part in a study on the subject of lightweight construction and ecology. More information on bioethanol and Germany's first fuel station brand for environmentally friendly fuels can be found on the Internet at www.biofuel24.de.To transfer all this power to the road, the KW chassis specialists have accommodated the tailor-made spring and shock absorber units vertically in the front in the partition wall and horizontally at the rear. The tires are Pirelli's 22-inch High-Performance P Zero, mounted on forged five-spoke wheels manufactured by the German wheel maker, AEZ. Here too, attention to detail is evident: the wheels are decorated with transparent "inlays" of Makrolon® that look like small windows. Despite the attractive sweeping contours that blend smoothly into the car's transparency, the eXasis is ‘edgy’ and definitely has a character of its own. But everybody who has the pleasure of driving it is agreed on one thing: glancing down through the transparent floor while the car is moving gives a very special kind of thrill Other companies involved in the “eXasis” project were:AEZ Leichtmetallräder GmbH - www.aez-wheels.comAlcosuisse - www.eav.admin.ch/alcosuisse/ Biofuel24Europe - www.biofuel24.deBundesamt für Energie - www.bfe.admin.chEsoro AG - www.esoro.chKaba AG - www.kaba.comKRD Coatings GmbH – www.krd-sicherheitstechnik.de/coatings KW automotive GmbH - www.kw-gmbh.deLesonal Gmbh - www.lesonal.deMecaplex AG - www.mecaplex.chProtoscar SA - www.protoscar.comRecaro GmbH - www.recaro.comRemus Innovation - www.remus.atRevoflex AG - www.revoflex.chSharp Electronics - www.sharp.chSträhle + Hess GmbH & Co. KG - www.straehle-hess.deOesterleSlr - www.oesterleslr.deSchwaller Movement Engineering AGSellner GmbH - www.sellner.deSC Schäfer - www.sc-schaefer.comSwissauto - Wenko AG - www.wenko.chWeber Automotive - www.weber-motor.deInformation for editors:Extensive information and illustrative material are available online on: www.rinspeed.com and www.presse.bayerbms.deMore languages:French - Italian - Spanish A detailed TV-feed is available from Medialink: Tel.: +44 2075542704 E-mail: mediarelations@europe.medialink.comForward-looking statementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. (Source: Bayer Company News)
Publ.Date : Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:26:03 +0100
Endothelin-1 and prevalent coronary heart disease in older men and women (the rancho bernardo study). Am J Cardiol. 2007 Feb 15;99(4):486-90 Authors: Kanaya AM, Barrett-Connor E, Wassel Fyr CL Endothelin-1 has been implicated in atherosclerotic and ischemic heart disease. No population-based studies have examined the association of endothelin-1 with coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 961 older women and men. CHD was defined as a history of myocardial infarction, coronary surgery, angina, or major Q-wave abnormality on electrocardiography. We examined the association of endothelin-1 with CHD after adjusting for known risk factors and atherosclerosis measures. A total of 248 women and 156 men had CHD. Median endothelin-1 levels were similar by gender and higher among those with versus those without CHD (3.3 vs 3.1 pg/ml, p <0.001). After adjusting for age, smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use, exercise, aspirin, cholesterol-lowering medication, and hormone therapy use, endothelin-1 had a stronger association with CHD in women (odds ratio [OR] 3.02, (95% confidence interval 1.43 to 6.37) than in men (OR 1.82, 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 4.51). Age modified the effect of endothelin-1 with CHD in men (OR 0.47 for age <75 years vs 3.84 in men >/=75 years, p = 0.05 for interaction). Further adjustment for ankle-brachial index and carotid intima media thickness did not alter these results. In conclusion, higher endothelin-1 levels are independently associated with CHD in women of all ages and among older men only. PMID: 17293190 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)
Publ.Date : Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100
(Source: Gut)
Publ.Date : Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100
This study determined how multiple ecodevelopmental domains influenced dysphoria in a community sample of Latina adolescents. Risk factors tested include childhood maltreatment, parental alcohol-related problems, and polysubstance problems. Protective factors include general self-efficacy, social conformity, and family connection. Female participants ( N = 904) were recruited from the Los Angeles area. Many significant correlations were found between the ecodevelopmental domains and dysphoria. The strongest unique protective factor was family connection; others were social conformity and general self-efficacy. The only unique risk factor that emerged was physical neglect. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Community Psychology)
Publ.Date : Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0100
Characteristics and HIV risk behaviors of homeless, substance-using men who have sex with men. Addict Behav. 2007 Mar;32(3):647-654 Authors: Reback CJ, Kamien JB, Amass L During January and February 2003, 20 non-treatment seeking homeless, substance-using MSM accessing community-based prevention services in West Hollywood, California were assessed to characterize demographics, addiction and psychiatric severity using structured and semi-structured clinical interviews, and high-risk drug and sexual behavior. Participants averaged 37 years old, were mostly Caucasian/white (65%) and most identified as bisexual (58%) or gay (37%). Self-reported HIV seroprevalence was 21%. Most (53%) exchanged sex for money and/or drugs within the previous 30 days. All were diagnosed with current DSM-IV Substance Dependence Disorders, primarily alcohol (62%), amphetamine (57%), cocaine (52%), and marijuana (38%). Participants reported many (35.7) positive psychiatric symptoms on the Brief Symptom Inventory and averaged moderate Beck Depression Inventory scores (19.1). Most (75%) met criteria for Mood Disorder, 33% for Major Depressive Disorder, 43% for Antisocial Personality Disorder and averaged low (48.5) Global Assessment of Functioning scores. While the small convenience sample limits generalizability of the findings, these data provide an opportunity to gain insight into this at-risk population and, thereby, assess appropriate intervention strategies. PMID: 16876333 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Addictive Behaviors)
Publ.Date : Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0100
This study tested the efficacy of behavioral treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUD) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and who are at risk for HIV transmission. HIV-negative MSM with current AUD (N = 198) were recruited, offered treatment focused on reducing drinking and HIV risk, and followed during treatment and 12 months posttreatment. Participants (n = 89) accepted treatment and were randomized to either 4 sessions of motivational interviewing (MI) or 12 sessions of combined MI and coping skills training (MI + CBT). Other participants (n = 109) declined treatment but were followed, forming a non-help-seeking group (NHS). MI yielded significantly better drinking outcomes during the 12-week treatment period than MI + CBT, but posttreatment outcomes were equivalent. NHS participants significantly reduced their drinking as well. Service delivery and treatment research implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)
Publ.Date : Sun, 18 Feb 2007 03:07:00 +0100
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refers to a wide array of adverse developmental outcomes in children due to prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD is more widespread than Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is more severe, but FASD is harder to accurately diagnose because of fewer objective diagnostic tools. New research indicates than simple eye-movement or oculomotor tasks can be used to assess individuals with FASD. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Publ.Date : Thu, 22 Feb 2007 05:00:00 +0100
Author: NewsEditor Subject: Substance Use in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Depends on Psychosocial Factors in Child Posted: Fri 16 Feb 2007 10:05 pm (GMT 1) Is use of alcohol and-or tobacco in teenage boys a gateway to use of cannabis or other drugs? <br><i>Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health</i> ...view forum post_________________News Editor, CounsellingResource.com Also see our Daily Mental Health News Page (Source: CounsellingResource.com News and Features)
Publ.Date : Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:05:03 +0100
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