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Copyright of Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Three challenges facing police psychologists when performing an indirect assessment of an armed and barricaded subject of a Crisis Negotiation Team activation are (1) the limited amount of information available, (2) the typically very short amount of time in which to perform the assessment, and (3) the need to simultaneously consider the professional ethical issues inherent in the situation. Sharing some of the burden with well-trained crisis negotiators equipped with a non-clinical, uncomplicated system for generating useful hypotheses regarding a subject's emotional state during the activation and the subject's emotional capacity when not in crisis can supplement and contribute meaningfully to the assessment. The Emotional Age Estimate responds to the challenges of limited information and time. It aims at contributing a useful supplement to the process of generating an indirect assessment of the subject. The first step is conceptualizing the subject's current and ongoing behavior as unremarkable for someone with the emotional development of a 2-, 4-, or 6-year-old. The second step is conceptualizing the subject's behavior on a typical day as demonstrating the capacity of someone with the emotional development of at least a 4-, 15-, or 21-year-old (based on reports by family members, friends, and associates) and other sources of information (criminal history, mental health history, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although 12-13% of Namibians are reported to struggle with psychological distress, very few practitioners are available to provide mental health services in Namibia. Those practitioners who are available are often trained from Western counseling and psychiatric perspectives that may not readily align to beliefs about illness held constructed in Namibian cultures. Institutional effort is invested in the education and use of mental health practitioners, including counselors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists. However, little is known about the experiences of these providers. Therefore, this study, a grounded theory ethnography, was undertaken as part of broader ethnographic work to understand how mental health practitioners (N = 7) in Northern Namibia view their work with Aawambo Namibians given that Namibian mental health practitioners are few but embedded in the country's health care system. Four categories were identified in analyses: Provision of Mental Health Services in the North, Practitioners' Conceptualizations of Psychological Distress: Western and Aawambo Influences, Beliefs about Mental Health Services in the North, and Integration of Traditional Treatment and Counseling. Results are discussed with respect to cultural competence in Namibian mental health practice and potential for integrating traditional practices and mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We quantify the effect of Gaussian white noise on fast-slow dynamical systems with one fast and two slow variables, which display mixed-mode oscillations owing to the presence of a folded-node singularity. The stochastic system can be described by a continuous-space, discrete-time Markov chain, recording the returns of sample paths to a Poincaré section. We provide estimates on the kernel of this Markov chain, depending on the system parameters and the noise intensity. These results yield predictions on the observed random mixed-mode oscillation patterns. Our analysis shows that there is an intricate interplay between the number of small-amplitude oscillations and the global return mechanism. In combination with a local saturation phenomenon near the folded node, this interplay can modify the number of small-amplitude oscillations after a large-amplitude oscillation. Finally, sufficient conditions are derived which determine when the noise increases the number of small-amplitude oscillations and when it decreases this number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gefaesschirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The role of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on positions 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T of the multi-drug-resistance gene 1 ( MDR1) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. To further elucidate the potential impact of MDR1 two-locus genotypes on susceptibility to IBD and disease behaviour. Three hundred eighty-eight German IBD patients [244 with Crohn’s disease (CD), 144 with ulcerative colitis (UC)] and 1,005 German healthy controls were genotyped for the two MDR1 SNPs on positions 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T. Genotype–phenotype analysis was performed with respect to disease susceptibility stratified by age at diagnosis as well as disease localisation and behaviour. Genotype distribution did not differ between all UC or CD patients and controls. Between UC and CD patients, however, we observed a trend of different distribution of the combined genotypes derived from SNPs 2677 and 3435 (χ2 = 15.997, df = 8, p = 0.054). In subgroup analysis, genotype frequencies between UC patients with early onset of disease and controls showed significant difference for combined positions 2677 and 3435 (χ2 = 16.054, df = 8, p = 0.034 for age at diagnosis ≥25, lower quartile). Herein the rare genotype 2677GG/3435TT was more frequently observed (odds ratio = 7.0, 95% confidence interval 2.5 – 19.7). In this group severe course of disease behaviour depended on the combined MDR1 SNPs (χ2 = 16.101, df = 6, p = 0.017 for age at diagnosis ≥25). No association of MDR1 genotypes with disease subgroups in CD was observed. While overall genotype distribution did not differ, combined MDR1 genotypes derived from positions 2677 and 3435 are possibly associated with young age onset of UC and severe course of disease in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Genetic variants within DLG5 were recently reported to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of our study was to test for allelic and haplotype associations of six DLG5 variants in 668 IBD patients from two European populations. Furthermore, we evaluated whether DLG5 variants alter gastrointestinal permeability in Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Six DLG5 variants (p.R30Q, p.P1371Q, p.G1066G, rs2289308, DLG_e26, p.D1507D) were genotyped in two study populations: (1) German IBD patients (CD n = 250; ulcerative colitis (UC) n = 150) and German healthy controls (n = 422); (2) Hungarian IBD patients (CD n = 144; UC n = 124) and Hungarian healthy controls (n = 205). Subtyping analysis was performed in respect of CARD15 mutations and clinical characteristics. We also tested for differences within DLG5 genotypes in German CD patients with respect to gastroduodenal and intestinal permeability measured by triple-sugar-test. RESULTS: Allele as well as genotype frequencies of DLG5 variants did not differ between IBD patients and controls in either study population. Indeed, the p.R30Q polymorphism was found more frequently in controls than in patients. The distribution of DLG5 genotypes in German and Hungarian CD patients with CARD15 mutations was not different from patients without mutated CARD15. We did also not observe any association between DLG5 variants and clinical parameters. Importantly, DLG5 variants were not associated with gastroduodenal or intestinal permeability. CONCLUSIONS: We could not replicate that DLG5 is a relevant disease susceptibility gene for IBD in German or Hungarian subjects. In addition, we have no evidence that DLG5 variants are involved in altered gastrointestinal permeability in CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of stochastic exit from a planar domain, whose boundary is an unstable periodic orbit, and which contains a stable periodic orbit. This problem arises when investigating the distribution of noise-induced phase slips between synchronized oscillators, or when studying stochastic resonance far from the adiabatic limit. We introduce a simple, piecewise linear model equation, for which the distribution of first-passage times can be precisely computed. In particular, we obtain a quantitative description of the phenomenon of cycling: The distribution of first-passage times rotates around the unstable orbit, periodically in the logarithm of the noise intensity, and thus does not converge in the zero-noise limit. We compute explicitly the cycling profile, which is universal in the sense that it depends only on the product of the period of the unstable orbit with its Lyapunov exponent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, is a cytokine that induces B-cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion. We have determined the three-dimensional structure of BLyS to 2.0 Å resolution and identified receptor recognition segments using limited proteolysis coupled with mass spectrometry. Similar to other structurally determined TNF-like ligands, the BLyS monomer is a β-sandwich and oligomerizes to form a homotrimer. The receptor-binding region in BLyS is a deeper, more pronounced groove than in other cytokines. The conserved elements on the 'floor' of this groove allow for cytokine recognition of several structurally related receptors, whereas variations on the 'walls' and outer rims of the groove confer receptor specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slow drift (with speed ε) of a parameter through a pitchfork bifurcation point, known as the dynamic pitchfork bifurcation, is characterized by a significant delay of the transition from the unstable to the stable state. We describe the effect of an additive noise, of intensity σ, by giving precise estimates on the behaviour of the individual paths. We show that until time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhaled anaesthetic sevoflurane is metabolised into two products that have the potential to produce renal injury. Fluoride ions are produced by oxidative defluorination of sevoflurane by the cytochrome P450 system in the liver. Until recently, inorganic fluoride has been thought to be the aetiological agent responsible for fluorinated anaesthetic nephrotoxicity, with a toxic concentration threshold of 50 μmol/L in serum. However, studies of sevoflurane administration in animals and humans have not shown evidence of fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity, despite serum fluoride concentrations in this range. Compound A (fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl] vinyl ether) is a breakdown product of sevoflurane produced by its interaction with carbon dioxide absorbents in the anaesthesia machine. The patient then inhales compound A. Compound A produces evidence of transient renal injury in rats. The mechanism of compound A renal toxicity is controversial, with the debate focused on the role of the renal cysteine conjugate β-lyase pathway in the biotransformation of compound A. The significance of this debate centres on the fact that the β-lyase pathway is 10- to 30-fold less active in humans than in rats. Therefore, if biotransformation by this pathway is responsible for the production of nephrotoxic metabolites of compound A, humans may be less susceptible to compound A renal toxicity than are rats. In three studies in human volunteers and one in surgical patients, prolonged (8-hour) sevoflurane exposures and low fresh gas flow rates resulted in significant exposures to compound A. Transient abnormalities were found in biochemical markers of renal injury measured in urine. These studies suggested that sevoflurane can result in renal toxicity, mediated by compound A, under specific circumstances. However, other studies using prolonged sevoflurane administration at low flow rates did not find evidence of renal injury. Finally, there are substantial data to document the safety of sevoflurane administered for shorter durations or at higher fresh gas flow rates. Therefore, the United States Food and Drug Administration recommends the use of sevoflurane with fresh gas flow rates at least 1 L/min for exposures up to 1 hour and at least 2 L/min for exposures greater than 1 hour. We believe this is a rational, cautious approach based on available data. However, it is important to note that other countries have not recommended such limitations on the clinical use of sevoflurane and problems have not been noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the limiting fluctuations of the order parameter in the Hopfield model of spin glasses and neural networks with finitely many patterns at the critical temperature 1/β[sub c] = 1. At the critical temperature, the measure-valued random variables given by the distribution of the appropriately scaled order parameter under the Gibbs measure converge weakly towards a random measure which is non-Gaussian in the sense that it is not given by a Dirac measure concentrated in a Gaussian distribution. This remains true in the case of β = β[sub N] → β[sub c] = 1 as N → ∞ provided β[sub N] converges to β[sub c] = 1 fast enough, i.e., at speed 𝒪(1/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently a new member of the human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family named as VEGI was reported. However, very little is known about the biological activities displayed by this cytokine. In this report, we show that in myeloid cells VEGI activated the transcription factor κB (NF-κB) as determined by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, induced degradation of IκBα, and nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-κB. VEGI also activated NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression. In addition, VEGI activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase. When examined for growth modulatory effects, VEGI inhibited the proliferation of breast carcinoma (MCF-7), epithelial (HeLa), and myeloid (U-937 and ML-1a) tumor cells; and activated caspase-3 leading to PARP cleavage. VEGI-induced cytotoxicity was potentiated by inhibitors of protein synthesis. VEGI also induced proliferation of normal human foreskin fibroblast cells. The activity of VEGI could neither be neutralized by antibodies against TNF, nor could it compete with TNF binding, indicating that the activity of VEGI is not due to TNF and it binds to a distinct receptor. These results suggest that VEGI, a new member of the TNF family, has a signaling pathway similar to TNF and is most likely a multifunctional cytokine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recombinant Chinese hamster ovary clone was cultivated in a 2L Cytopilot Mini fluidized bed bioreactor using Cytoline 1 microcarriers and a 10L B. Braun stirred tank bioreactor with Cytodex 1 microcarriers. Cytoline 1 is a macroporous polyethylene microcarrier and Cytodex 1 is a solid DEAE-dextran microcarrier. Cytoline 1 microcarriers in the fluidized bed bioreactor were gently mixed by an uplifting flow. Circulation and sparging in Cytopilot Mini were separated from the fluidized microcarrier bed. Cytopilot Mini bioreactor with Cytoline 1 microcarriers offered 2.3 times more surface area than the stirred tank bioreactor. The 2L fluidized bed bioreactor accommodated approximately half the cells in the 10L stirred tank bioreactor. Moreover, Cytopilot Mini had approximately three times more product output rate and 5.5 times higher specific productivity than the stirred tank bioreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of microcarriers are commercially available. The capability of cells to successfully proliferate on microcarriers varies with cell lines and media. Choosing the right microcarrier for a particular cell line is more than a choice of a microcarrier. It is part of an integrated process design. A detailed picture of cell growth and product formation will not only be essential in identifying the kind of microcarrier, but also in determining other parts of the process, such as operation mode and media. Our initial screening on thirteen microcarriers showed that cultures on some microcarriers reached a low cell density but high cell-specific productivity, and high density microcarrier cultures have a low specific productivity. The result is a similar product output per unit volume and time for these two types of cultures. An ideal culture system shall have increased volumetric productivity at elevated cell density. This requires the process goal to be incorporated as early as cell line construction and screening. A high output process can then be realized through high density culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides new insight into the subtle interaction between visual feedback and automated handwriting movements. To separate effects of visual feedback from effects of speed/accuracy trade-off, subjects were trained to perform the tasks with rapid and automated movements. To control the visual feedback the written trace was presented only on a computer screen. In the first experiment the visual feedback of script size was manipulated. Subjects had to write the character combination ”ll” onto a pattern of squares. In some trials the script size was unpredictably enlarged by 133% or reduced by 66%. Results showed that the ongoing ”l” was not affected by the manipulation, but subjects adapted script size in the following ”l” without any change in the kinematic characteristic of the movements. In a second experiment trajectory correction strategies in perturbed writing movements were studied. Two small boxes had to be connected by rapid and single-stroke movements. In some of the trials the position of the target box was changed unpredictably to a new position. Kinematic analysis revealed that the initial movement was not aborted, but rather a second independent movement was added to correct the trajectory to the new target. Thus, this proves that a distortion of visual feedback does not directly slow down open-loop movements to allow control of the motor output in a closed-loop mode. The ballisticity and automation was maintained during movement correction. Our findings fit perfectly well with recent theories of kinematic organization where complex movements are composed by elemental movement strokes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Orthopaedic & Traumatic Surgery / Archiv für Orthopädie, Mechanotherapie und Unfallchirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To compare information gained by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in chronic achilles tendinopathy with regard to the nature and severity of the lesion.Design: Imaging of both achilles tendons with ultrasonography and MRI was performed prior to unilateral surgery. Operative findings and histological biopsies together served as a reference.Patients: Twenty-seven patients (22 men, 5 women; mean age 44 years; 21 athletes) suffering from chronic achilles tendinopathy participated in the study. Eighteen patients had unilateral and 9 had bilateral symptoms.Results and Conclusions: Surgical findings included 4 partial ruptures, 21 degenerative lesions and 2 macroscopically normal cases. Microscopy revealed tendinosis (degeneration) in all tendon biopsies, including cases with a partial rupture, but only slight changes in the paratendinous tissues (paratenon). Ultrasonography was positive in 21 of 26 and MRI in 26 of 27 cases. Severe intratendinous abnormalities and a sagittal tendon diameter > 10 mm suggested a partial rupture. In tendons with a false negative result histopathological changes were mild and a tendency towards a better clinical outcome was noted in the sonographic cases. Assessment of the paratenon was unreliable with both methods. Ultrasonography and MRI give similar information and may have their greatest potential as prognostic instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and use of a communication system for the chemical laboratory is described. It provides local access to instruments, computers and personal work stations (PC) as well as connection to wide area networks via the X.25 standard protocol and respective gateways on the basis of the DFN services (Deutsches Forschungsnetz) dialog, remote job entry, file transfer and message handling (EAN X.400). The standardization of digital spectra is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Monatshefte Für Chemie Und Verwandte Teile Anderer Wissenschaften is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The results of the 1993 survey can be interpreted as a validation of the findings of the 1983 study. Most of the common reactions to critical incidents that were documented in the earlier study were also reported in the later survey. It is certainly of interest to note that not only were most of the same reactions reported 10 years later, they were also reported in roughly the same frequency. This supports the idea that although what constitutes a critical incident varies from person to person, the reactions to critical incidents are fairly predictable. The number of surveys completed and returned in this study was over twice as great as the number returned in the 1983 study (a 49% return rate as compared to a 22% retum rate in 1983). This significant increase in the number of surveys returned suggests a greater awareness by officers regarding critical incidents. It may also suggest an increased willingness on the part of officers to identify reactions to critical incidents as predictable and 'normal'. This shift in perception compared to perceptions in 1983 may be a result of the educational efforts of the Critical Incident Response Team members in Apprentice Police Officer Training, In-Service Training, and other informal training over the last 10 years. The core of that training has been to communicate the concept that reactions to critical incidents are normal, temporary, and treatable. It is hoped that training can continue to provide this 'inoculation effect' which seems to reduce the possible negative, long-term impact of critical incidents on police officers who have been exposed to such situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]