Determination of trace isoflavone phytoestrogens in biological materials by capillary electrochromatography

Capillary electrochromatography using a specialty monolithic matrix was utilized in developing a rapid and highly efficient separation of isoflavones in biological materials. Without a preconcentration technique, it is relatively easy to reach ppm-ppb concentrations of these compounds in soy-based foods and verify them structurally using a photodiode array detector. With on-column preconcentration, we were able to measure low-ppb levels in human serum. Using blood samples from human volunteers, whose diet was supplemented by a soy-based product, the method has been validated for high-throughput screening of isoflavones in clinical studies.     

Evaluation of a sudden brake warning system: Effect on the response time of the following driver

This study used a video-based braking simulation dual task to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the effect of a sudden brake warning system (SBWS) in a leading passenger vehicle on the response time of the following driver. The primary task required the participants (N = 25, 16 females, full NZ license holders) to respond to sudden braking manoeuvres of a lead vehicle during day and night driving, wet and dry conditions and in rural and urban traffic, while concurrently performing a secondary tracking task using a computer mouse. The SBWS in the lead vehicle consisted of g-force controlled activation of the rear hazard lights (the rear indicators flashed), in addition to the standard brake lights. Overall, the results revealed that responses to the braking manoeuvres of the leading vehicles when the hazard lights were activated by the warning system were 0.34 s (19%) faster compared to the standard brake lights. The SBWS was particularly effective when the simulated braking scenario of the leading vehicle did not require an immediate and abrupt braking response. Given this, the SBWS may also be beneficial for allowing smoother deceleration, thus reducing fuel consumption. These preliminary findings justify a larger, more ecologically valid laboratory evaluation which may lead to a naturalistic study in order to test this new technology in ‘real world’ braking situations.     

Donald Winslow Fiske (1916-2003).

Reports the death of Donald Winslow Fiske (1916-2003). Fiske's contributions to methodology in the field of personality research, including the development of the multitrait-multimethod approach, are noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Human lysosomal elastase. Catalytic and immunological properties

1. The elastase of human spleen was shown to exhibit endopeptidase activity against azo-casein and elastin. 2. Activity against several synthetic substrates was detected, and benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanine 2-naphthyl ester was found to be a good substrate for routine use. 3. The enzyme showed a broad pH optimum in the range of 8.2-9.2 against azo-casein and the synthetic substrate. 4. The effect of inhibitors on the spleen elastase showed it to be a serine proteinase with a specificity similar to that of porcine pancreatic elastase. 5. Specific antisera were raised against the enzyme, and it was shown to be immunologically identical with the lysosomal elastase of human neutrophil leucocytes.     

Models, architecture, levitation: design-based research into post-secular architecture

Architects theorise their work through the practices of writing and drawing, but they largely ignore theorisation of, or through the architectural model. Whilst architectural drawings are often discussed in relation to ideas, architectural models are more likely to be discussed in relation to matter. The division between intellectual and material aspects of architecture can be traced back to the Italian Renaissance when architectural labour became associated with intellectual rather than manual labour. Architectural models have tended to escape theoretical consideration because they have been associated with matter, manual labour and craft, and therefore dissociated from the intellectual.

With reference to mediaeval models of divinity, the paper discusses how the mind was considered superior to matter because it permitted access to the spiritual. Whilst we live in a predominantly secular age where the spiritual dimension itself is suspect, the supremacy of the intellectual is maintained.

With reference to a levitating architectural model constructed by the author, the paper discusses how the strategy of design by making challenges the hierarchy of the intellectual over the material by adopting an embodied approach. Furthermore it examines how the division and dissociation between spiritual and material dimensions might be rethought through the notion of 'ensoulment'.