Piezo-locking a diode laser with saturated absorption spectroscopy.

We demonstrate modulation-based frequency locking of an external cavity diode laser, utilizing a piezo-electrically actuated mirror, external to the laser cavity, to create an error signal from saturated absorption spectroscopy. With this method, a laser stabilized to a rubidium hyperfine transition has a FWHM of 130 kHz over seconds, making the locked laser suitable for experiments in atomic physics, such as creating and manipulating Bose-Einstein condensates. This technique combines the advantages of low-amplitude modulation, simplicity, performance, and price, factors that are usually considered to be mutually exclusive.

The efficacy and safety of moclobemide compared to clomipramine in the treatment of panic disorder.

The primary objectives of this multicenter study were to determine the efficacy and safety of moclobemide, a selective reversible inhibitor of monoamino oxidase A, as drug treatment in DSM-III-R panic disorder with and without agoraphobia. In a comparative double-blind, randomized parallel-group design with fixed-flexible dose moclobemide 450 mg per day was compared to clomipramine 150 mg per day, as that drug was considered standard treatment of panic disorder in Europe. 135 patients were randomized and treated for a period of eight weeks. No other treatment was given. By the end of week 8, 49% of the patients treated with moclobemide and 53% of those treated with clomipramine were seen as treatment responders since they were without panic attacks. 78% of the patients in the moclobemide and 88% in the clomipramine group were considered responders according to clinical global impression of change. No significant differences were found between the two treatments at week 8. Adverse events were observed with significantly higher frequency among patients treated with clomipramine, particularly due to anticholinergic side effects. Close to 20% of those treated with moclobemide experienced headache, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, or dry mouth, but other adverse effects were infrequent. In conclusion, moclobemide in a dose of 450 mg per day seems to be a good drug alternative for treatment of panic disorder with and without agoraphobia.

Spectroscopic and morphologic characterization of the dentin/ adhesive interface.

The potential environmental risks associated with mercury release have forced many European countries to ban the use of dental amalgam. Alternative materials such as composite resins do not provide the clinical function for the length of time characteristically associated with dental amalgam. The weak link in the composite restoration is the dentin/adhesive bond. The purpose of this study was to correlate morphologic characterization of the dentin/adhesive bond with chemical analyses using micro-Fourier transform infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopy. A commercial dental adhesive was placed on dentin substrates cut from extracted, unerupted human third molars. Sections of the dentin/adhesive interface were investigated using infrared radiation produced at the Aladdin synchrotron source; visible radiation from a Kr+ laser was used for the micro-Raman spectroscopy. Sections of the dentin/adhesive interface, differentially stained to identify protein, mineral, and adhesive, were examined using light microscopy. Due to its limited spatial resolution and the unknown sample thickness the infrared results cannot be used quantitatively in determining the extent of diffusion. The results from the micro-Raman spectroscopy and light microscopy indicate exposed protein at the dentin/adhesive interface. Using a laser that reduces background fluorescence, the micro-Raman spectroscopy provides quantitative chemical and morphologic information on the dentin/adhesive interface. The staining procedure is sensitive to sites of pure protein and thus, complements the Raman results. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Antiferromagnetism in Pressure-Amorphized Fe2SiO4.

Amorphous Fe(2)SiO(4) synthesized at elevated pressures exhibits a Néel transition at a temperature identical to that observed in the crystalline form, T(N) = 65 (+/-2) kelvin at zero pressure. This behavior contrasts sharply with observations on other disordered systems, such as spin glasses, which characteristically exhibit strong "frustration" of the spins and consequent marked suppression of the Néel transition.

Handicraft or interactional groups: a comparative outcome study of neurotic inpatients.

A comparative outcome study of 2 contrasting activity-based groups with 80 hospitalized nonpsychotic patients is described. One group focused on activities designed to evoke emotional or interpersonal reactions followed by a subsequent reflection. The other focused on handicrafts and non-emotionally challenging activities. Ego strength was also measured with an instrument developed in conjunction with the study. The 2 groups were demonstrated to be consistent with the preconditions and significantly different by independent scoring of videotaped sessions. There was a greater rated therapeutic gain in the interactional group at discharge, but patient ratings did not differ between groups. There were no differences at follow-up between the groups. Measured ego strength strongly predicted outcome after correcting for the initial symptom levels. Ego strength did not interact with activity type. Clinical diagnosis did not predict differential outcome. The groups had no differential effects on specific symptom clusters or social functioning.

Memory Glass: An Amorphous Material Formed from AlPO4.

A glass exhibiting structural memory has been produced through the compression of a single crystal of AlPO(4) berlinite to 18 gigapascals at 300 kelvin. The unique and extraordinary characteristic of this glass is that upon decompression below 5 gigapascals it transforms back into a single crystal with the same orientation as the starting crystal. This glass has a "memory" of the previous crystallographic orientation of the crystal from which it forms.