Training in cognitive, supportive-expressive, and drug counseling therapies for cocaine dependence.

This study assessed the effects of training on the performance of 65 therapists in delivering manual-guided therapies to 202 cocaine-dependent patients. Changes in ratings of therapists' adherence and competence was assessed in 3 treatment modalities: supportive-expressive dynamic therapy (SE), cognitive therapy (CT), and individual drug counseling. Effects of manual-guided training on the therapeutic alliance were also assessed. Training effects were examined through a hierarchical linear modeling approach that examined changes both within cases and across training cases. A large effect across cases was detected for training in CT. Supportive-expressive therapists and individual drug counselors demonstrated statistically significant learning trends over sessions but not over training cases. Training in SE and CT did not have a negative impact on the therapeutic alliance, although alliance scores for trainees in drug counseling initially decreased but then rebounded to initial levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Performing a cost-effectiveness analysis: surveillance of patients with ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the principles of cost-effectiveness analysis, this third article in the "Primer on Economic Analysis for the Gastroenterologist" applies published criteria for appraising an economic analysis to a study of the cost-effectiveness of surveillance of patients with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: We review and apply the 10 standard criteria for critical appraisal and evaluation of cost-effectiveness analyses. SUMMARY: We outlined the development and critique of a decision analytic model that examines the cost-effectiveness of surveillance of patients with ulcerative colitis, and we compared the cost-effectiveness of surveillance of patients with ulcerative colitis to other well-accepted medical practices.     

LIQUID-LIQUID EQUILIBRIA OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: MEASUREMENT, CORRELATION AND PREDICTION†

The knowledge of phase equilibria is an important step in the development of extraction processes. This knowledge is usually gained from experiments. However, this procedure is expensive when a suitable solvent has to be found for a specific separation. Therefore methods for predicting phase equilibria are needed. While formerly these methods were largely based on empirical assumptions, the use of the concept of local compositions by Wilson⁶ offers a semi-empirical approach.

There is one disadvantage of this approach: the parameters of models like UNIQUAC or NRTL have to be fitted to different types of data, to liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) for the immiscible pairs of components and to vapour-liquid equilibria (VLE) or other data for the miscible pairs in a system with mutual solubility.

To demonstrate the problem we performed measurements in the binary systems: n-octane/aniline and methylcylohexane/aniline. of both liquid-liquid equilibrium and vapour-liquid equilibrium: for the second type of measurements ebulliomeiry was used. The prediction of LLE has been improved with two new concepts. One is based on the well-known UNIFAC method. The use of the Lyngby-Dorlmund data bank made it possible to determine a new parameter table merely based on LLE data.

The second method is based on common UNIQUAC parameters which have been determined with the data base.     

Characteristics of solid suspensions in a bubble column without and with draft tube

In order to investigate the suspension behaviour of solid particles in bubble columns without and with draft tube, minimum gas velocities for generating and maintaining complete solid suspension were determined. Experiments were carried out in a bubble column with a diameter of 200 mm and a height of 2 500 mm. The bubble column could be equipped with a draft tube with a diameter of 120 mm and a length of 1 500 mm. The state of suspension was determined by measuring the hydrostatic pressure as a result of suspended solid particles with an inductive pressure gauge. Solid content ε_s, solid density ?_s, particle size d_p, particle shape, particle size distribution, and solid wettability were varied. Furthermore measurements of integral gas holdup were carried out.