Anxiety and perceptual structure: Individual differences in neuropsychological function.

Studied the cognitive performance of 24 high and 36 low trait anxious undergraduates under conditions of high and low situational stress, using tasks requiring greater contribution of the right or left hemisphere. In addition, a perceptual task was adapted from visual information processing research to assess Ss' global or analytic approaches to perception; if anxiety increased the left hemisphere's contribution to perception, anxious Ss might be expected to be more analytic and detail oriented. Results show no significant differences on left hemisphere tasks but a significant interaction of trait by state anxiety for right hemisphere tasks: Low trait Ss performed better and high trait Ss performed more poorly under situational stress. Trait anxiety showed a significant main effect on visual information processing strategy, low Ss tending to be more global and high Ss tending to process the stimulus analytically. Results support the utility of a neuropsychological model in describing the effects of emotion on perception. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

High-precision continuous-flow measurement of delta13C and deltaD of atmospheric CH4

We describe our development of a CH4 preconcentration system for use with continuous-flow gas chromatograph combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Precision of measurement of delta13C-CH4 is 0.05/1000 (1sigma) on multiple 60-mL aliquots of the same ambient air sample. The same front-end on-line CH4 preconcentration system allows us to measure deltaD of CH4 by gas chromatography IRMS when the combustion furnace is replaced with a pyrolysis oven (GC/P/IRMS). Precision of measurement for deltaD-CH4 is 1.5/1000 (1sigma) using 120 mL of ambient air based on multiple aliquots of the same air sample. These are the first reported measurements of atmospheric CH4 using GC/P/IRMS methodology. Each isotope analysis can be made much more rapidly (30-40 min) than they could using off-line combustion of an air sample (1-6 h) followed by conventional dual-inlet IRMS measurements (12-20 min), while requiring much less total volume and retaining a comparable level of precision and accuracy. To illustrate the capabilities of our preconcentration GC/C/IRMS system, we compare the results of measurement of 24 background air samples made using both GC/C/IRMS and conventional vacuum line/dual-inlet IRMS methodology. The air samples were collected on a shipboard air sampling transect made across the Pacific Ocean in July 2000 and are part of an ongoing atmospheric CH4 research program. The average difference between the two methods of IRMS analyses on these 24 samples is 0.01 +/- 0.03/1000 (95% confidence interval) for delta3C-CH4. These are the first measurements to be reported of air samples directly intercompared for delta13C-CH4 using both GC/C/IRMS and dual-inlet IRMS measurement methodology. Measurement of deltaD-CH4 of these air samples is also presented as an illustration of the ability of this system to resolve small isotopic differences in remote air. High-precision measurement of delta13C and deltaD of atmospheric CH4 made using our coupled preconcentration GC/IRMS system will greatly improve our ability to utilize isotopic data in understanding spatial and temporal changes in atmospheric CH4 and the biogeochemistry of its sources and sinks.     

Thorium in the workplace: results from a European-based measurement comparison project

A Series of comparisons were conducted to test the capabilities of a range of metrological techniques and analytical laboratories engaged in the assay of thorium in the workplace. The results of these exercises are presented together with the decision criteria used to determine whether results are significantly different from the true value. The discussion highlights those aspects which warrant closer and further attention.     

Nonylphenol affects gonadotropin levels in the pituitary gland and plasma of female rainbow trout

Female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to 4-nonylphenol (NP) at (mean measured) concentrations of 0.7, 8.3, and 85.6 micrograms/L for 18 weeks, during early ovarian development. Fish were sampled sublethally every six weeks, and terminal samples were taken at 18 weeks. NP induced an estrogenic effect (the synthesis of vitellogenin) at concentrations of 8.3 and 85.6 micrograms/L. An effect on gonadotropin synthesis and secretion was also observed. Plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and FSH gene expression in the pituitary were the most sensitive endpoints assessed, being reduced at the lowest dose employed (0.7 microgram NP/L). Pituitary gland luteinizing hormone (LH) content was significantly lower in fish exposed to 85.6 micrograms NP/L, and LH gene expression was suppressed in fish exposed to 8.3 and 85.6 micrograms NP/L. In contrast, plasma LH concentration increased in these fish, but by a very minor absolute amount, and returned to control levels by the final sampling time. Gonadal development ceased in the fish exposed to 85.6 micrograms NP/L, and steroidogenesis in these fish was also markedly inhibited. Although the mechanisms underlying these responses are unknown, this study demonstrates that NP has adverse effects on pituitary function that can result in inhibition of ovarian development.     

Extended Lifetimes of Gold(III) Chloride Catalysts using Copper(II) Chloride and 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine 1‐Oxyl (TEMPO)

The turnovers of a gold(III) chloride catalyst were increased by 3,300% with the addition of several equivalents of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and catalytic amounts of copper(II) chloride. A three‐component coupling reaction between piperidine, phenylacetylene, and benzaldehyde yielded a propargylic amine in quantitative conversions and isolated yields when gold(III) chloride was added in catalytic amounts, but the gold catalyst decomposed and had little to no reactivity when a second set of piperidine, phenylacetylene, and benzaldehyde was added after the reaction was complete. Thus, only one cycle was possible with gold(III) chloride. The addition of TEMPO and copper(II) chloride to reactions with gold(III) chloride maintained the catalytic activity of gold for up to 33 cycles. This result demonstrates a new way to greatly increase the turnovers of a gold(III) chloride catalyst with the addition of inexpensive, commercially available reagents.     

Alternative images of the citizen: Implications for public policy.

Argues that in attempting to understand socially significant political issues and problems, political scientists and other policy makers have made heavy use of psychological models of the citizen. It is argued that instead of drawing such models from psychology, their efforts have utilized the psychological models of the citizen suggested by economic theory. As a result, the potential effects of citizens' concerns with distributive and procedural fairness—factors typically excluded from economic theories—have been ignored in studying citizens' political evaluations and behaviors. Evidence is given to show (1) that political evaluations and behaviors are influenced by justice-based concerns and (2) the need to broaden the image of the psychology of the citizen to include the influence of citizens' concerns about fairness. (93 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Carcinoids of unknown origin: comparative analysis with foregut, midgut, and hindgut carcinoids

The purpose of this study was to analyze our results of surgical treatment of arthrogryposis of the elbow and to compare our tendon transfer results using range of motion (ROM) criteria versus functional use criteria. Eighteen tendon transfers for elbow flexion in 14 children with arthrogryposis with an average follow-up period of 4 years (range, 1-14 years) and 6 elbow capsulotomies with triceps lengthening in 6 children with arthrogryposis with an average follow-up period of 5 years (range, 2-9 years) were evaluated. Each child was assessed by a questionnaire regarding functional use of the upper extremity, physical examination of ROM and strength, and a videotaped activities of daily living evaluation. Tendon transfer results were classified and compared using 2 methods of evaluation: postoperative strength and ROM and effective functional use of the tendon transfer to perform activities of daily living. The 6 elbow capsulotomies improved from an average preoperative arc of 17 degrees of motion (average extension, -2 degrees; average flexion, 19 degrees) to an average final follow-up arc of 67 degrees (average extension, -25 degrees; average flexion, 92 degrees). The 18 tendon transfers evaluated by strength and ROM criteria showed 9 triceps to biceps transfers in 9 arms (7 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor), 5 pectoralis to biceps transfers in 4 arms (1 good, 3 fair, and 1 poor), and 4 latissimus dorsi to biceps transfers in 3 arms (2 good and 2 fair). Evaluation by functional use criteria gave the same result in 13 transfers and downgraded the result in 5; the downgraded results were due to resultant flexion contracture or limited functional use because the transfer was in the nondominant arm. Based on this review, optimal surgical candidates for tendon transfer are children older than 4 years, who have full passive ROM of the elbow in the dominant arm, and at least grade 4 strength of the muscle to be transferred.     

Fluorescent THF‐Based Fructose Analogue Exhibits Fructose‐Dependent Uptake

Recent publications suggest that high dietary fructose might play a significant role in cancer metabolism and can exacerbate a number of aspects of metabolic syndrome. Addressing the role that fructose plays in human health is a controversial question and requires a detailed understanding of many factors including the mechanism of fructose transport into healthy and diseased cells. Fructose transport into cells is thought to be largely mediated by the passive hexose transporters Glut2 and Glut5. To date, no probes that can be selectively transported by one of these enzymes but not by the other have been identified. The data presented here indicate that, in MCF‐7 cells, a 1‐amino‐2,5‐anhydro‐D ‐mannitol‐based fluorescent NBDM probe is transported twice as efficiently as fructose and that this takes place with the aid of Glut5. Its Glut5 specificity and differential uptake in cancer cells and in normal cells suggest this NBDM probe as a potentially useful tool for cross‐cell‐line correlation of Glut5 transport activity.     

THERMODYNAMICS OF MOISTURE SORPTION IN ALFALFA PELLETS

ABSTRACT

Experimental data on sorption isotherms of alfalfa pellets were used to determine the thermodynamic functions (differential heat of sorption, spreading pressure, net integral enthalpy and entropy) of the pellets. The thermodynamic functions were then utilized in modeling the specific heats of pellets as a function of moisture content. The estimated values of the thermodynamic functions at different moisture contents confirmed the results of an earlier study on the influence of moisture sorption on the physical integrity of the pellets. The changes in the thermodynamic properties and physical integrity were prominent when the moisture of the pellets were between 0.10 and 0.12 (mass fraction basis). Using the differential heat of sorption, it was determined that alfalfa pellets have higher affinity for moisture uptake when compared to wheat and lentils. The specific heat of the solids of alfalfa pellets had a parabolic relationship with moisture whereas the specific heat of water fraction increased linearly with moisture content of the pellets.