Zen meditation and behavior self-control: Similarities, differences, and clinical applications.

Studies the behaviors involved in 2 self-control strategies: Zen meditation and behavioral self-management. The first technique is derived from the Eastern "religious-philosophical" tradition of Zen Buddhism; the other is derived from Western laboratory and field settings and is based on social learning theory. Using naturalistic observation and experimental analysis, Zen breath meditation is conceptualized as a sequence of behaviors involving certain cues and consequences, and thereby under explicit contingency arrangements. Behavioral self-management techniques are similarly analyzed, and results of these analyses are compared and contrasted. After briefly reviewing the clinical outcome literature for both strategies, it is concluded that rehabilitative and preventive benefits may be gained from a combination of the 2 techniques. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Computerized tomography in the diagnosis of cerebral atrophy

Computerized tomograms were studied of 67 adults whose lumbar pneumoencephalograms were normal or showed ventricular dilatation with or without widening of the sulci. The maximum ventricular area, measured from 80 x 80 matrix printouts, correlates well with measures of ventricular size on the pneumoencephalogram. An area of 10 cm2 is suggested as the upper limit of normal. The correlation between measures of sulcal width on computerized tomography and pneumoencephalography is less precise, but normal sulci and gross degrees of cortical atrophy can be identified.     

"Scotopic Sensitivity in Coyotes (Canis latrans)": Erratum.

Reports an error in the original article by Steven W. Horn and Philip N. Lehner (Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1975[Nov], Vol 89[6], pp. 1070-1076). The corrected sentence beginning in the first line on page 1074 is published here. (The following abstract of this article originally appeared in record 2005-09231-001). Measured the absolute scotopic limen for light intensity for 3 10-mo-old female coyotes. The methodology was similar to that used by D. S. Blough (see record 1959-07701-001) in determining psychological thresholds in pigeons. Ss were operantly conditioned to depress 1 of 2 foot treadles, left or right, depending on the condition of the stimulus light. Scotopic adaptation curves for each S were generated. Nonlinear aggression curves were then fitted to the raw data. The mean scotopic thresholds did not differ significantly. However, time to the curves' asymptotes did differ significantly for 1 S. The adaptation curves showed a distinct rod-cone "break," and retinal histology confirmed that the coyote has a duplex retina with a preponderance of rods. In addition, electroretinographic analysis showed the relative contributions of rods and cones at various light intensities and indicated a rod-cone break at approximately 15 min. Scotopic spectral sensitivity curves were also generated. Ss' scotopic visual threshold was exceeded by the natural illumination available under many nocturnal conditions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Response-acquisition and cognitive self-statement modification approaches to dating-skills training.

Three training programs for girl-shy males were designed using an empirically derived domain of problem situations from shy males and response alternatives from a "competent" population. The effectiveness of a response-acquisition treatment was compared with a cognitive self-statement modification treatment, a combination of these 2 treatments, and a waiting-list control group (no treatment). Two enhanced-treatment groups were used to control for the longer time of the combined-treatment group. 61 college men replying to the program announcement were randomly assigned to 1 of the 6 groups. Assessment included in vivo measures made by women phoned by the Ss, questionnaire measures, and ratings of role-play performance in taped, laboratory, problem situations. A 6-mo follow-up assessment was also included. Results indicate that Ss trained in cognitive self-statement modification showed significantly better performance in role-play situations for which they were not trained, made significantly more phone calls, and made a significantly better impression on the women than Ss in other groups. These effects were generally maintained at follow-up, and the cognitive self-statement groups' performance on the role-play measures improved from posttreatment to follow-up. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dynamic mechanical analysis of polymers in the liquid state: Use of a perforated shim stock support

This report summarizes some initial results on the use of a perforated brass shim stock support to extend the useful range of dynamic mechanical testing well over 100 degrees above the traditional limiting polymer softening points of T_g or T_m. Weak secondary relaxations were observed above T_g in both polyisobutylene (PIB) and polystyrene (PS) homopolymer, copolymer, and blend systems and above T_m in gutta percha (trans-polyisoprene). The DuPont 981 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)–990 Thermal Analyzer system was used to characterize these weak liquid state processes. The DMA instrument deforms the specimen in flexure, thus minimizing the shear component present in some other techniques. Specimen-coating weights are typically in the range 20–40 mg. The perforations are particularly useful for polymers having low inherent adhesion to metals or systems which are very brittle in the glassy state, e.g., low MW PS's and many methacrylates.     

Development of a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol for rapid detection and differentiation of four cockroach vectors (group I "Dirty 22" species) responsible for food contamination and spreading of foodborne pathogens: public health importance

Assessing the adulteration of food products and the presence of filth and extraneous materials is one of the measures that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes in implementing regulatory actions of public health importance. To date, 22 common pest species (also known as the "Dirty 22" species) have been regarded by this agency as the spreaders of foodborne diseases. We have further categorized the Dirty 22 species into four groups: I has four cockroach species, II has two ant species, III has 12 fly species, and IV has four rodent species. The presence of any Dirty 22 species is also considered an indicator of unsanitary conditions in food processing and storage facilities. In this study, we describe the development of a two-step nested PCR protocol to amplify the small subunit ribosomal gene of group I Dirty 22 species that include four cockroach species: Blattella germanica, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana, and Supella longipalpa, along with the development of a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method for rapid detection and differentiation of these violative species. This method will be utilized when the specimen cannot be identified with conventional microscopic taxonomic methods, especially when only small body parts are separated and recovered from food samples for analysis or when these body parts are in a decomposed state. This new PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism will provide correct identification of group I Dirty 22 species; this information can then be used in regulation and prevention of foodborne pathogens.     

Post-traumatic stress disorder and smoking: a systematic review.

We conducted a systematic review of what is known about the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and smoking to guide research on underlying mechanisms and to facilitate the development of evidence-based tobacco treatments for this population of smokers. We searched Medline, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and identified 45 studies for review that presented primary data on PTSD and smoking. Smoking rates were high among clinical samples with PTSD (40%-86%) as well as nonclinical populations with PTSD (34%-61%). Most studies showed a positive relationship between PTSD and smoking and nicotine dependence, with odds ratios ranging between 2.04 and 4.52. Findings also suggest that PTSD, rather than trauma exposure itself, is more influential for increasing risk of smoking. A small but growing literature has examined psychological factors related to smoking initiation and maintenance and the overlapping neurobiology of PTSD and nicotine dependence. Observational studies indicate that smokers with PTSD have lower quit rates than do smokers without PTSD. Yet a few tobacco cessation treatment trials in smokers with PTSD have achieved quit rates comparable with controlled trials of smokers without mental disorders. In conclusion, the evidence points to a causal relationship between PTSD and smoking that may be bidirectional. Specific PTSD symptoms may contribute to smoking and disrupt cessation attempts. Intervention studies that test behavioral and pharmacological interventions designed specifically for use in patients with PTSD are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population.     

On the sources of methane to the los angeles atmosphere

We use historical and new atmospheric trace gas observations to refine the estimated source of methane (CH(4)) emitted into California's South Coast Air Basin (the larger Los Angeles metropolitan region). Referenced to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) CO emissions inventory, total CH(4) emissions are 0.44 ± 0.15 Tg each year. To investigate the possible contribution of fossil fuel emissions, we use ambient air observations of methane (CH(4)), ethane (C(2)H(6)), and carbon monoxide (CO), together with measured C(2)H(6) to CH(4) enhancement ratios in the Los Angeles natural gas supply. The observed atmospheric C(2)H(6) to CH(4) ratio during the ARCTAS (2008) and CalNex (2010) aircraft campaigns is similar to the ratio of these gases in the natural gas supplied to the basin during both these campaigns. Thus, at the upper limit (assuming that the only major source of atmospheric C(2)H(6) is fugitive emissions from the natural gas infrastructure) these data are consistent with the attribution of most (0.39 ± 0.15 Tg yr(-1)) of the excess CH(4) in the basin to uncombusted losses from the natural gas system (approximately 2.5-6% of natural gas delivered to basin customers). However, there are other sources of C(2)H(6) in the region. In particular, emissions of C(2)H(6) (and CH(4)) from natural gas seeps as well as those associated with petroleum production, both of which are poorly known, will reduce the inferred contribution of the natural gas infrastructure to the total CH(4) emissions, potentially significantly. This study highlights both the value and challenges associated with the use of ethane as a tracer for fugitive emissions from the natural gas production and distribution system.     

Antioxidant Activity and Sensory Evaluation of a Rosmarinic Acid‐Enriched Extract of Salvia officinalis

An extract of Salvia officinalis (garden sage) was prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO₂) extraction, followed by hot water extraction. The resulting extract was enriched in polyphenols, including rosmarinic acid (RA), which has shown promising health benefits in animals. The extract contained RA at a concentration of 28.4 mg/g, representing a significant enrichment from the RA content in sage leaves. This extract was incorporated into oil‐in‐water emulsions as a source of lipid antioxidants and compared to emulsions containing pure rosmarinic acid. Both treatments were effective in suppressing lipid oxidation. The extract was evaluated by a trained sensory panel in a tea formulation. While the panel could discriminate among extract‐treated and control samples, panelists demonstrated high acceptability of the sage extract in a tea.