bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Capital and Community Building: Part Two
Authors: Wallis Allan
Published: July 2004

Part One (NCR Vol. 87, No. 3) presented three perspectives on the idea of social capital: the points of view of academicians, advocates, and grantmakers. Part Two begins with a fourth perspective on social capital, that of practitioners working in communities. The article concludes by considering how empowerment evaluation can be used as a way of bringing these four perspectives together to advance formation of social capital in support of effective community building.
Molecular design of functional polymer surfaces
Authors: Koberstein Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2004

Three design principles are presented that allow for the molecular design of functional polymer surfaces: surface segregation, surface structure, and surface reorganization. These design principles are illustrated by a description of the behavior of model end‐functional polymers that accurately reflect the general behavior of essentially all possible linear functional polymer architectures. Several applications of the design principles are described to show how they may be used to provide molecular engineering solutions for problems of practical interest. The applications include the optimization of functional polymer architectures for producing adhesive and release surfaces, the suppression of dewetting by the use of functional additives to lower the surface tension of a coating, and the creation of smart polymer surfaces with selective adhesion properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2942–2956, 2004
Density functional method based on wavelets for quantum classical systems
Authors: Chuev G. N. , Fedorov M. V.
Published: July 2004

Discrete wavelets are applied to calculate distribution functions of quantum classical system treated by the density functional method. The Coifman basis set is used for approximating the correlation functions and the minimization of the free energy functional of the system. The scheme is applied to calculate properties of coupled hydrated electrons. The quality of approximation is verified by calculations of the solvation energy of the single hydrated electron and bipolaron. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
DC strong field stark effect for nonhydrogenic atoms: Consistent quantum mechanical approach
Authors: Glushkov Alexander V. , Ambrosov Sergey V. , Ignatenko Anna V. , Korchevsky Dmitry A.
Published: July 2004

A DC Stark effect for nonhydrogenic atoms in an external uniform electric field is calculated within a consistent quantum mechanical approach: the modified operator perturbation theory. The positions of the high‐excited Stark resonances for the Na atom are calculated in good agreement with known experimental data. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Cooperative laser‐electron‐nuclear processes: QED calculation of electron satellites spectra for multi‐charged ion in laser field
Authors: Glushkov Alexander V. , Malinovskaya Svetlana V. , Chernyakova Yulia G. , Svinarenko Andrey A.
Published: July 2004

A consistent quantum electrodynamics (QED) perturbation theory approach is developed and applied to calculation of the electron‐nuclear γ‐transition spectra of nucleus in the multi‐charged ion. The intensities of satellites are defined in the relativistic version of the energy approach (S‐matrix formalism). Decay and excitation probabilities are linked with an imaginary part of the energy of the “nuclei nucleons‐electron shells‐field” system. As an example, the nuclear transition in the isotope Fe with an energy of 14.41 keV is considered. The results of the relativistic calculation for the electron‐nuclear γ‐transition spectra (set of electron satellites) of the nucleus in a multi‐charged atomic ion FeXIX are presented and compared with the corresponding nonrelativistic estimates. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Current and Emerging Applications of Technology to Promote Student Involvement and Learning
Authors: Treuer Paul , Belote Linda
Published: July 2004

Applications of emerging technology to student learning, student advising, instruction, and community development initiatives are reviewed.
Information Technology and Student Affairs: Planning for the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Ausiello Karley , Wells Barry
Published: July 2004

To plan strategically for the infusion of information technology into programs and work processes, student affairs leaders must develop a vision and strategic plan for using information technology, facilitate the change process, be educators and learners about advances in information technology, and be key players in campuswide policy development initiatives.
Enhancing In‐Class Academic Experiences for African American Men
Authors: Dawson‐Threat Janice
Published: July 2004

This chapter examines the nature of academic success among African American men and looks at the role of identity formation in that success. Successful interventions and their implications for faculty development are also explored.
Identifying and Supporting Gifted African American Men
Authors: Fries‐Britt Sharon
Published: July 2004

This chapter looks at issues of identifying gifted African American male college students, characteristics they exhibit, and factors affecting their retention. The Meyerhoff Program is profiled as an example of a successful program for such students.
The Future of the Greek Experience: Greeks and Diversity
Authors: Boschini Vic , Thompson Carol
Published: July 2004

If Greek letter organizations are to be effective learning communities, they must meet the challenges associated with increasing diversity on college campuses and in American society.
The Greek Experience and Critical‐Thinking Skills
Authors: Randall Kathleen , Grady David L.
Published: July 2004

Current research on cognitive outcomes of college shows that Greek letter organizations face serious challenges in fostering their members'analytical abilities.
Greeks as Communities of Learners
Authors: Whipple Edward G. , Sullivan Eileen G.
Published: July 2004

This chapter summarizes the challenges facing Greek letter organizations and issues an additional challenge—they should become effective learning communities to benefit members and their institutions.
Development, Due Process, and Reduction: Student Conduct in the 1990s
Authors: Baldizan Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2004

The traditional place of college authority has shifted drastically, and with it the place of student development theories in dealing with student conduct. Rather than stepping away in a neutral zone or hiding behind legal rationales, administrators of student policies need to be addressing life and learning experiences that lead to ethical and moral outcomes.
The Developmental Conversation: Facilitating Moral and Intellectual Growth in Our Students
Authors: Healy Margaret A. , Liddell Debora L.
Published: July 2004

Whereas the legalistic framework is defined by institutional rules and standards, policies and procedures focusing on students as learners and as agents of their own development should be considered as a new framework for student affairs practitioners.
Meeting the Needs of All Students and Staff Members: The Challenge of Diversity
Authors: Howard‐Hamilton Mary F. , Phelps Rosemary E. , Torres Vasti
Published: July 2004

Student affairs practitioners today must often face difficulties related to the promotion of multiculturalism while maintaining individual rights and freedoms with a college population.
Navigating the Changing Climate of Moral and Ethical Issues in Student Affairs
Authors: Blimling Gregory S.
Published: July 2004

Although student affairs administrators might be primarily interested in exploring ways to solve ethical issues concerning sex, drugs, alcohol, academic dishonesty, and violence, the answers are often less important than the ethical standards or core values that guide decision making in our changing professional climate.
Standing at the Intersection: Reconsidering the Balance in Administration
Authors: Lancaster James M. , Cooper Diane L.
Published: July 2004

Student affairs administrators stand at an intersection of choice. They must choose wisely between increasing reliance on legal minimalism and a more reflective judgment model that can evolve toward a model of unified practice balancing policy and law with developmentally appropriate practices.
Student Affirmative Action and the Courts
Authors: Kolling Alan T.
Published: July 2004

A discussion of the legal developments and parameters of affirmative action related to admissions and financial aid.
Creating a Culture of Development for the New Professional
Authors: Harned Patricia J. , Murphy Michael C.
Published: July 2004

The recruitment, retention, development, and advancement of entry‐level professionals is critical to any organization. This chapter explores these relationships and the ways in which both supervisors and new professionals may ensure a positive foundation for the lifelong success of those entering our field.
A Model for Staff Development in Student Affairs
Authors: Grace‐Odeleye Beverlyn
Published: July 2004

In the last decade, there has been an increased understanding of the necessity for staff development and training for student affairs personnel. This chapter provides a historical and current overview of staff development program models in higher education. It also traces the establishment of the Ball State University Division of Student Affairs staff development program as a model in staff development design and functional program services.
High Stakes and Low Stakes in Assigning and Responding to Writing
Authors: Elbow Peter
Published: July 2004

Once teachers distinguish between high stakes and low stakes assignments, they open up new ways of helping students understand the writing process and improve their writing.
Mentoring, Modeling, Monitoring, Motivating: Response to Students' Ungraded Writing as Academic Conversation
Authors: Young Art
Published: July 2004

Assignments to write poems, letters, and five‐minute essays create classroom dialogue and help students to learn subject matter.
Peer Response to Low Stakes Writing in a WAC Literature Classroom
Authors: Sargent M. Elizabeth
Published: July 2004

When students regularly write about assigned readings and respond to each other's writings, they learn course concepts better and what it is like to participate in a discipline's ongoing conversation.
Student Writing in Philosophy: A Sketch of Five Techniques
Authors: Fishman Stephen M.
Published: July 2004

Study questions, classnotes, triple‐entry notetaking, freewriting, and class response logs are techniques that heighten student thinking and involvement in class discussion.
Negotiating the Margins: Some Principles for Responding to Our Students' Writing, Some Strategies for Helping Students Read Our Comments
Authors: Hodges Elizabeth
Published: July 2004

The margins of students' written work are the ideal site for teacher‐student conversations about that writing, but most of these conversations misfire, largely for reasons that are avoidable.
In Our Own Voices: Using Recorded Commentary to Respond to Writing
Authors: Anson Chris M.
Published: July 2004

Tape‐recorded commentaries on student writing can tell students in detail how a reader responds to their writing; computers also hold the potential to improve the way we annotate student drafts.
Respect for Religious Differences: The Case of Muslim Students
Authors: Speck Bruce W.
Published: July 2004

Professors' knowledge of and respect for students' religions and cultures help create a comfortable learning environment in the classroom.
Interactivity: From Agents to Outcomes
Authors: Wagner Ellen D.
Published: July 2004

The key to successful teaching at a distance is still the active participation of the learners.
Visual Thinking: Let Them See What You Are Saying
Authors: Cyrs Thomas E.
Published: July 2004

Much of the new media‐based instruction involves the need for visualization of the content as well as its description.
Evaluating Teaching and Learning at a Distance
Authors: Simonson Michael R.
Published: July 2004

Distance education can be an expensive proposition, so it needs new methods for demonstrating its effectiveness.
Managing Information Resources and Services in a Distance Environment
Authors: Tolsma Robert S.
Published: July 2004

The distance environment poses some special administrative challenges.
Alternative Teaching Strategies
Authors: Naidoo Kibashini , Searle Ruth
Published: July 2004

Alternative and more effective teaching strategies are examined in the context of broad changes occurring in South African higher education.
Rewards for Teaching
Authors: Knapper Christopher
Published: July 2004

Academic reward systems often inhibit instructional and curricular change. Unless reward systems change, the quality of teaching and learning in higher education may decline.
Integration of Teaching and Research: Myth, Reality, and Possibility
Authors: Weimer Maryellen
Published: July 2004

The relationship between teaching and research is explored as it currently exists and as it might be if parameters of the relationship were redefined.
Evaluation of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Ume Theo A. , Nworgu B. G.
Published: July 2004

In Nigeria, the evaluation of teaching is adversely affected by a poor infrastructure and minimal accountability. Evaluation of students' learning has remained largely traditional.
De‐Platonizing and Democratizing Education as the Bases of Service Learning
Authors: Harkavy Ira , Benson Lee
Published: July 2004

Theoretical bases of academic service learning are discussed, with special
attention given to John Dewey's contributions. Service learning is conceptualized
as an effort to de‐Platonize and democratize American higher education.
Academic Service Learning: A Counternormative Pedagogy
Authors: Howard Jeffrey P. F.
Published: July 2004

The author explores service learning as an innovative pedagogical model
capable of transforming traditional teaching and learning practices.
Participatory Action Research as Service Learning
Authors: Reardon Kenneth M.
Published: July 2004

Participatory action research is a form of service learning. In addition to
delineating the central components of action research, the author highlights
how one community's needs were resolved through action research.
A Service Learning Research Agenda for the Next Five Years
Authors: Giles, Jr. Dwight E. , Eyler Janet
Published: July 2004

The authors explore the terrain of service learning research as they identify
ten key questions to be pursued in upcoming years. They also delineate the
kinds of studies needed to advance the service learning research agenda.
Grading Classroom Participation
Authors: Bean John C. , Peterson Dean
Published: July 2004

The quality of student classroom participation can be improved if the
instructor develops consistent and articulable standards for assessing classroom
participation.
Designing and Grading Oral Communication Assignments
Authors: Quigley Brooke L.
Published: July 2004

Professors can help ease some of students' anxiety about oral presentations
by explaining to students how to prepare for oral presentations, by providing
clearly articulated grading criteria, and by analyzing oral presentations
in class to explain how grading criteria are applied.
Designing and Grading Written Assignments
Authors: Hobson Eric H.
Published: July 2004

The assessment of students' writing begins with the development of the writing assignment and the criteria that will be used to assess the final product.
Classroom Research: Implementing the Scholarship of Teaching
Authors: Cross K. Patricia
Published: July 2004

Cross provides an overview of the logic behind Classroom Assessment and
Classroom Research and their promise for raising the visibility of the scholarship
of teaching.
CATs: A Student's Gateway to Better Learning
Authors: Steadman Mimi , Svinicki Marilla
Published: July 2004

While most people associate Classroom Assessment with the improvement
of instruction, these authors show how the same strategies can improve student
learning in general.
Using Classroom Assessment to Change Both Teaching and Learning
Authors: Steadman Mimi
Published: July 2004

This chapter reports the results of an extensive study of faculty and student
attitudes about the use of Classroom Assessment.
Classroom Research and Program Accountability: A Match Made in Heaven?
Authors: Tebo‐Messina Margaret , Van Aller Chris
Published: July 2004

Most faculty resist calls for accountability, but the use of Classroom
Research can win some of them over to its more formative purposes.
A Collective Effort Classroom Assessment Technique: Promoting High Performance in Student Teams
Authors: Walker Charles , Angelo Thomas
Published: July 2004

Most of the original CATs were designed for single student assessment, but
the strategy can be used effectively with student groups, too.
Editor's Notes
Authors: Gillespie Kay Herr
Published: July 2004

This sourcebook treats issues of technology's impact on faculty development,
life, and work within the context of our changing epistemologies and
a conception of faculty development as adult learning.
Instructional Design for the New Technologies
Authors: Gillespie Frank
Published: July 2004

Systematic instructional design has long been in place, but the possibilities
of today's technologies and tools, particularly on‐line instruction, invite
reconsideration of the appropriateness of this model and suggestions for a
new approach to instructional design.
Community On‐Line: New Professional Environments for Higher Education
Authors: Di Petta Tony
Published: July 2004

The age‐old concept of community is considered and redefined in relationship to the new phenomenon of virtual community, which offers an expansion of our professional relationships and activities.
Level of Processing and Age Affect Involuntary Conceptual Priming of Weak but not Strong Associates
Authors: Ramponi Cristina , Richardson-Klavehn Alan , Gardiner John M.
Published: July 2004

Abstract. Memory for weak and strong semantic associates was compared in intentional associate-cued-recall and incidental free-association tests. This design yielded four conditions (weak/intentional, strong/intentional, weak/incidental, and strong/incidental) on which younger and older adults were compared. Level of processing (LOP) and age effects occurred for the weak/intentional, strong/intentional, and weak/incidental conditions, but not for the strong/incidental condition. Because participants could not distinguish weak from strong associates during the memory tests, these results suggest that free-association priming was involuntary and was not contaminated by voluntary retrieval strategies. Instead, they suggest that encoding deficits related to shallower LOP and older age reduce involuntary free-association priming mainly for associates without cohesive preexperimental representations.
A Multinomial Model to Assess Central Characteristics of Mental Operators
Authors: Müller Burkhard
Published: July 2004

Abstract. Knowledge about potential operators, about the preconditions of their applicability, and about their effects is essential to interact effectively with the physical world. Four classes of representational units of this knowledge can be distinguished: I) rules, II) structures, III) instances, and IV) episodes. Two important characteristics of these units are the abstractness of content and the directionality of access. A multinomial model is presented that enables the measurement of these characteristics. Three experiments were conducted to validate the parameters of the model. The multinomial model could be fitted very well to the empirical data of each experiment. Moreover, the parameter estimates showed the expected effects. The model allows the investigation of the influence of important variables (for example, knowledge domain, type of instruction, or amount of practice) on characteristics of mental operators without a strong commitment to any specific process theory. Debates regarding the contribution of different kinds of knowledge can be converted into statistical tests of the corresponding model parameters.
The Impact of Informative Tutoring Feedback and Self-Efficacy on Motivation and Achievement in Concept Learning
Authors: Narciss Susanne
Published: July 2004

Abstract. Informative tutoring feedback (ITF) provides assisted multiple response tries by offering strategically useful information for task completion as opposed to simply offering the solution. Previous studies on ITF focused on its effects on achievement. The present studies examine the assumption that ITF affects not only achievement, but also motivational variables such as task engagement, effort, persistence, and satisfaction with performance. In two experiments, students differing in self efficacy (SE) for identifying concepts worked on concept identification tasks. In cases of incorrect hypothesis about the concept, they received either outcome feedback or ITF. Results reveal that motivation and achievement depend on both SE and type of feedback. Future research should examine in more detail how ITF affects the self-enhancing processes between on-task motivation, achievement, and self-evaluation.
Information passage from acoustic impedance to seismogram: Perspectives from wavelet‐based multiscale analysis
Authors: Li Chun‐Feng
Published: July 2004

Traditional seismic interpretation of surface seismic data is focused primarily on seismic oscillation. Rich singularity information carried by, but deeply buried in, seismic data is often ignored. We show that wavelet‐based singularity analysis reveals generic singularity information conducted from acoustic impedance to seismogram. The singularity exponents (known as Hölder exponent α) calculated from seismic data are independent of amplitude and robust to phase changes and noises. These unique properties of α offer potentially important application in many fields, especially in studying seismic data interpretation, processing, inversion, and wave attenuation.
Precise relocation of earthquakes following the 15 June 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo (Philippines)
Authors: Battaglia Jean , Thurber Clifford H. , Got Jean‐Luc , Rowe Charlotte A. , White Randall A.
Published: July 2004

The 15 June 1991 climactic eruption of Mount Pinatubo (Philippines) was followed by intense seismicity that remained at a high level for several months. We located 10,839 events recorded between 1 July and mid‐December 1991. In contrast to the preeruptive seismicity which was focused in two groups below the summit area, posteruptive events were widely distributed below and around the volcano. The classification of the events indicates the presence of several large multiplets, and the application of relative relocation techniques to the similar events by calculating high‐precision delays between traces outlines a number of clear seismogenic structures. We used different methods to confirm the validity of our results; these tests indicate that reliable features can be detected with a small monitoring network. While the main cluster of activity can be attributed to an intrusive process starting from below the 15 June crater, the volcanic origin of the seismic activity in the other areas is more difficult to establish. Away from the summit, relocations define streaks or planes which are oriented predominantly southwest‐northeast, with in several cases the presence of northwest‐southeast conjugate structures. Most of the composite focal mechanisms that we could determine indicate predominantly strike‐slip, right‐lateral faulting. Our results indicate that most of the seismicity that occurred after the 15 June eruption is related to the east‐west regional compressional stress field related to the subduction. We suggest that the regional stress field induces seismicity along new or preexisting faults in the medium surrounding the volcano where the stress field was locally disturbed by the volcanic eruption.
Spectral nudging to eliminate the effects of domain position and geometry in regional climate model simulations
Authors: Miguez‐Macho Gonzalo , Stenchikov Georgiy L. , Robock Alan
Published: July 2004

It is well known that regional climate simulations are sensitive to the size and position of the domain chosen for calculations. Here we study the physical mechanisms of this sensitivity. We conducted simulations with the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) for June 2000 over North America at 50 km horizontal resolution using a 7500 km × 5400 km grid and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis as boundary conditions. The position of the domain was displaced in several directions, always maintaining the U.S. in the interior, out of the buffer zone along the lateral boundaries. Circulation biases developed a large scale structure, organized by the Rocky Mountains, resulting from a systematic shifting of the synoptic wave trains that crossed the domain. The distortion of the large‐scale circulation was produced by interaction of the modeled flow with the lateral boundaries of the nested domain and varied when the position of the grid was altered. This changed the large‐scale environment among the different simulations and translated into diverse conditions for the development of the mesoscale processes that produce most of precipitation for the Great Plains in the summer season. As a consequence, precipitation results varied, sometimes greatly, among the experiments with the different grid positions. To eliminate the dependence of results on the position of the domain, we used spectral nudging of waves longer than 2500 km above the boundary layer. Moisture was not nudged at any level. This constrained the synoptic scales to follow reanalysis while allowing the model to develop the small‐scale dynamics responsible for the rainfall. Nudging of the large scales successfully eliminated the variation of precipitation results when the grid was moved. We suggest that this technique is necessary for all downscaling studies with regional models with domain sizes of a few thousand kilometers and larger embedded in global models.
Crystallization and layering induced by heating a reactive porous medium
Authors: Hallworth Mark A. , Huppert Herbert E. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: July 2004

Normally heating causes melting and not solidification. Here we describe a fundamental series of experiments in which heating a reactive porous medium from above leads to crystallization in the interior. As the porous matrix near the heated boundary dissolves, the resulting dense interstitial liquid sinks into the cooler porous matrix, becomes supersaturated and recrystallizes. We present a theoretical model that quantifies how this vertical redistribution of composition leads to the formation of layers in an initially homogeneous porous medium. We propose that this is a fundamental and naturally occurring process in a variety of different situations in permeable rocks.
Silicon self‐diffusion in wadsleyite: Implications for rheology of the mantle transition zone and subducting plates
Authors: Shimojuku Akira , Kubo Tomoaki , Ohtani Eiji , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: July 2004

Si self‐diffusion rates in Mg2SiO4 polycrystalline wadsleyite were measured at 18 GPa and 1430–1630°C using an isotopic tracer (29Si) and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The volume diffusion coefficient (Dv) and grain‐boundary diffusion coefficient (Dgb) were determined to be Dv = 3.44 × 10−11 [m2/s] exp (−299 [kJ/mol]/RT) and δDgb = 1.14 × 10−17 [m3/s] exp (−248 [kJ/mol]/RT), respectively. Si diffusion rates in wadsleyite are about 5 orders of magnitude slower than Mg‐Fe interdiffusion rates at 1400°C. Assuming that Si is the slowest diffusing species in wadsleyite, the geophysical model of the viscosity in the mantle transition zone can be explained by diffusion creep in wadsleyite for a grain size of about 0.5–5 mm. Some portions in cold subducting slabs, where the grain size reduces to less than 1 μm after the olivine‐spinel transformation, become weaker than the surrounding mantle.
Comparison of microwave satellite humidity data and radiosonde profiles: A case study
Authors: Buehler S. A. , Kuvatov M. , John V. O. , Leiterer U. , Dier H.
Published: July 2004

This article documents a case study comparing radiosonde humidity data to Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) satellite humidity data. The study had two goals: first, to develop a robust method for such a comparison, and second, to check the quality and mutual consistency of radiosonde data, radiative transfer model, and AMSU data. The radiosonde data used are Vaisala RS80 data from the station Lindenberg of the German Weather Service (DWD), which have been subject to several corrections compared to the standard data processing. The radiative transfer model is the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS), and the AMSU data are those of the satellites NOAA 15 and 16 for the time periods 2001 and 2002. The comparison was done in radiance space, using a radiative transfer model to simulate AMSU radiances from the radiosonde data. The overall agreement is very good, with radiance biases below 1.5 K and standard deviations below 2 K. The main source of “noise” in the comparison is atmospheric inhomogeneity on the 10‐km scale. While the radiosonde correction performed at Lindenberg significantly reduces the bias between simulated and measured AMSU radiance, there still remains a slope in the radiance difference. Possible reasons for this were investigated. Most likely, the radiosondes underestimate the relative humidity under extremely dry conditions, showing 0 %RH when the true value is 2–4 %RH.
The flavone hispidulin, a benzodiazepine receptor ligand with positive allosteric properties, traverses the blood–brain barrier and exhibits anticonvulsive effects
Authors: Kavvadias Dominique , Sand Philipp , Youdim Kuresh A , Qaiser M Zeeshan , Rice‐Evans Catherine , Baur Roland , Sigel Erwin , Rausch Wolf‐Dieter , Riederer Peter , Schreier Peter
Published: July 2004

The functional characterization of hispidulin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxy‐6‐methoxyflavone), a potent benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor ligand, was initiated to determine its potential as a modulator of central nervous system activity.

After chemical synthesis, hispidulin was investigated at recombinant GABAA/BZD receptors expressed by Xenopus laevis oocytes. Concentrations of 50 nM and higher stimulated the GABA‐induced chloride currents at tested receptor subtypes (α1−3,5,6β2γ2S) indicating positive allosteric properties. Maximal stimulation at α1β2γ2S was observed with 10 μM hispidulin. In contrast to diazepam, hispidulin modulated the α6β2γ2S‐GABAA receptor subtype.

When fed to seizure‐prone Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) in a model of epilepsy, hispidulin (10 mg kg−1 body weight (BW) per day) and diazepam (2 mg kg−1 BW per day) markedly reduced the number of animals suffering from seizures after 7 days of treatment (30 and 25% of animals in the respective treatment groups, vs 80% in the vehicle group).

Permeability across the blood–brain barrier for the chemically synthesized, 14C‐labelled hispidulin was confirmed by a rat in situ perfusion model. With an uptake rate (Kin) of 1.14 ml min−1 g−1, measurements approached the values obtained with highly penetrating compounds such as diazepam.

Experiments with Caco‐2 cells predict that orally administered hispidulin enters circulation in its intact form. At a concentration of 30 μM, the flavone crossed the monolayer without degradation as verified by the absence of glucuronidated metabolites.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 811–820. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705828
A quantitative and comparative study of the effects of a synthetic ciguatoxin CTX3C on the kinetic properties of voltage‐dependent sodium channels
Authors: Yamaoka Kaoru , Inoue Masayuki , Miyahara Hidemichi , Miyazaki Keisuke , Hirama Masahiro
Published: July 2004

Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are known to bind to receptor site 5 of the voltage‐dependent Na channel, but the toxin's physiological effects are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of a ciguatoxin congener (CTX3C) on three different Na‐channel isoforms, rNav1.2, rNav1.4, and rNav1.5, which were transiently expressed in HEK293 cells.

The toxin (1.0 μmol l−1) shifted the activation potential (V1/2 of activation curve) in the negative direction by 4–9 mV and increased the slope factor (k) from 8 mV to between 9 and 12 mV (indicative of decreased steepness of the activation curve), thereby resulting in a hyperpolarizing shift of the threshold potential by 30 mV for all Na channel isoforms.

The toxin (1.0 μmol l−1) significantly accelerated the time‐to‐peak current from 0.62 to 0.52 ms in isoform rNav1.2. Higher doses of the toxin (3–10 μmol l−1) additionally decreased time‐to‐peak current in rNav1.4 and rNav1.5.

A toxin effect on decay of INa at −20 mV was either absent or marginal even at relatively high doses of CTX3C.

The toxin (1 μmol l−1) shifted the inactivation potential (V1/2 of inactivation curve) in the negative direction by 15–18 mV in all isoforms.

INa maxima of the I–V curve (at −20 mV) were suppressed by application of 1.0 μmol l−1 CTX3C to a similar extent (80–85% of the control) in all the three isoforms. Higher doses of CTX3C up to 10 μmol l−1 further suppressed INa to 61–72% of the control.

Recovery from slow inactivation induced by a depolarizing prepulse of intermediate duration (500 ms) was dramatically delayed in the presence of 1.0 μmol l−1 CTX3C, as time constants describing the monoexponential recovery were increased from 38±8 to 588±151 ms (n=5), 53±6 to 338±85 ms (n=4), and 23±3 to 232±117 ms (n=3) in rNav1.2, rNav1.4, and rNav1.5, respectively.

CTX3C exerted multimodal effects on sodium channels, with simultaneous stimulatory and inhibitory aspects, probably due to the large molecular size (3 nm in length) and lipophilicity of this membrane‐spanning toxin.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 879–889. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705852
Nicotine blocks apomorphine‐induced disruption of prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle in rats: possible involvement of central nicotinic α7 receptors
Authors: Suemaru Katsuya , Yasuda Kayo , Umeda Kenta , Araki Hiroaki , Shibata Kazuhiko , Choshi Tominari , Hibino Satoshi , Gomita Yutaka
Published: July 2004

Nicotine has been reported to normalize deficits in auditory sensory gating in the cases of schizophrenia, suggesting an involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in attentional abnormalities. However, the mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of nicotine on the disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response induced by apomorphine or phencyclidine in rats.

Over the dose range tested, nicotine (0.05–1 mg kg−1, s.c.) did not disrupt PPI. Neither methyllycaconitine (0.5–5 mg kg−1, s.c.), an α7 nicotinic receptor antagonist, nor dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (0.5–2 mg kg−1, s.c.), an α4β2 nicotinic receptor antagonist, had any effect on PPI.

Nicotine (0.01–0.2 mg kg−1, s.c.) dose‐dependently reversed the disruption of PPI induced by apomorphine (1 mg kg−1, s.c.), but had no effect on the disruption of PPI induced by phencyclidine (2 mg kg−1, s.c.).

The reversal of apomorphine‐induced PPI disruption by nicotine (0.2 mg kg−1) was eliminated by mecamylamine (1 mg kg−1, i.p.), but not by hexamethonium (10 mg kg−1, i.p.), indicating the involvement of central nicotinic receptors.

The antagonistic action of nicotine on apomorphine‐induced PPI disruption was dose‐dependently blocked by methyllycaconitine (1 and 2 mg kg−1, s.c.). However, dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (1 and 2 mg kg−1, s.c.) had no effect.

These results suggest that nicotine reverses the disruption of apomorphine‐induced PPI through central α7 nicotinic receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 843–850. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705855
Pharmacological characterization of human S1P4 using a novel radioligand, [4,5‐3H]‐dihydrosphingosine‐1‐phosphate
Authors: Fossetta James , Deno Gregory , Gonsiorek Waldemar , Fan Xuedong , Lavey Brian , Das Pradip , Lunn Charles , Zavodny Paul J , Lundell Daniel , Hipkin R William
Published: July 2004

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that affects a variety of cellular processes through both its actions as a second messenger and via activation of a family of G protein‐coupled receptors (S1P1–5).

The study of S1P receptor pharmacology, particularly S1P4, has been hindered by the lack of high‐affinity radioligands with good specific activity. The studies presented herein characterize [3H]DH‐S1P as a stable, high‐affinity radioligand for S1P4 pharmacology.

Using a transfected Ba/F3 cell line selected for high hS1P4 surface expression, we compared the consequences of different cellular backgrounds and commercial sources of sphingophospholipids on S1P4 characterization. The development and subsequent use of the assay described has enabled us to extensively and definitively characterize the pharmacology of the human S1P4 receptor.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 851–860. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705856
Geographical Slant Facilitates Navigation and Orientation in Virtual Environments
Authors: Restat Jan D , Steck Sibylle D , Mochnatzki Horst F , Mallot Hanspeter A
Published: July 2004

Theoretical considerations and earlier experimental findings indicate that traveling over slanted terrain can lead to an enrichment of the perceived spatial cues relevant for navigation. We investigated the proposed facilitation of a uniformly slanted environment on navigation and orientation performance with a virtual environment presented on a large 180° screen, using as material a virtual town with eight places and twenty-four landmarks. In the control condition, this town was placed on a flat surface; in the two experimental conditions, the town was placed on a slope with a uniform angle of 4°. Pedaling on a bicycle simulator, participants first explored the environment, then solved navigation tasks, pointed from various positions to distant landmarks, judged the relative elevation of pairs of distant landmarks from memory, and finally drew a sketch map of the environment. In comparison to the control condition, the number of navigation errors was significantly lower in the slanted conditions, and the deviations in the pointings to distant landmarks were massively reduced. Participants from the slant conditions also showed good knowledge of the relative elevations of pairs of distant locations. However, no differences in map-drawing quality were found. The results lend additional support to the proposition that our spatial knowledge, which is used in navigation and orientation, contains vertical information.
Line at Shape-from-Shadow Border Tested with Stereo
Authors: Kennedy John M , Bai Juan
Published: July 2004

Kennedy and Bai (2000 Perception29 399–408) argued incorrect border polarity blocked perception of faces in shape-from-shadow ‘Mooney faces’ with dark lines at the contour, a display inspired by Hering. Their hypothesis was tested with several displays, notably binocular gratings made of lines of dots. The stereo-induced depth involved a shadow falling on two surface planes. Most of a dark-dotted (shadow) region appeared to be on one surface, but a strip of dark dots at the shadow's border appeared to be on another—to the fore or rear. Control conditions involved ‘negative’ images (white dots). Subjects saw the shadowed object as easily in dark-dotted images with stereo depth as in an image with uniform depth for all the dots, and more readily than in the negatives. Our results favour the border-polarity hypothesis.
Search for a Category Target in Clutter
Authors: Bravo Mary J , Farid Hany
Published: July 2004

An airport security worker searching a suitcase for a weapon is engaging in an especially difficult search task: the target is not well-specified, it is not salient, and it is not predicted by its context. Under these conditions, search may proceed item-by-item. In the experiment reported here we tested whether the items for this form of search are whole familiar objects. Our displays were composed of color photographs of ordinary objects, that were either uniform in color and texture (simple), or had two or more parts with different colors or textures (compound). The observer's task was to detect the presence of a target belonging to a broad category (food). We found that when the objects were presented in a sparse array, search times to find the target were similar for displays composed of simple and compound objects. But when the same objects were presented as dense clutter, search functions were steeper for displays composed of compound objects. We attribute this difference to the difficulty of segmenting compound objects in clutter: compared with simple objects, compound objects are less likely to be organized into a single object by bottom-up grouping processes. Our results indicate that while search rates in a sparse display may be determined by the number of objects, search rates in clutter are also affected by the number of object parts.
Ion Beam Irradiation Modifications of a Commercial Polyether Sulfone Water-Treatment Membrane
Authors: King Stanley , Escobar Isabel , Xu Xinglong
Published: July 2004

Environmental Context.The demand for more efficient and effective water-treatment processes is increasing. A popular method is the use of membrane filtration, to separate water from contaminants such as ions and microorganisms, however more selective membranes have a lower flux (permeate produced per unit area of membrane per unit time) and are more susceptible to fouling (an accumulation of surface-blocking materials). To aid flux and limit fouling, and thereby make membrane processes competitive with conventional technologies, a post-synthesis treatment is applied to alter the microstructure and surface of the water-treatment membrane.

Abstract.A commercial polyether sulfone (PES) water-treatment membrane was modified by ion beam irradiation. Bench-scale cross-flow filtration experiments were conducted to investigate the transport properties and fouling potential of the modified membrane with respect to the four major constituents of raw water: monovalent cations, divalent cations, natural organic matter (NOM), and bacterial presence. Results indicated modification led to a reduction in the charge of the membrane, as observed by lower rejection of monovalent cations and increased cross-linking of divalent cations on the membrane’s surface, along with a hardening of membrane pores, as observed by increased organic matter removal. The most significant result was with respect to NOM fouling, which was shown to become more reversible.
Chemical Characterization of Water-Soluble Organic Aerosols at Jeju Island Collected During ACE-Asia
Authors: Yang Hong , Xu Jinhui , Wu Wai-Shing , Wan Chun Hong , Yu Jian Zhen
Published: July 2004

Environmental Context. Atmospheric aerosols — particles suspended in the atmosphere — are responsible for many phenomena, including formation of cloud condensation nuclei and degradation of regional visibility. Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) components make up a significant fraction of the aerosols' carbon mass, and have consequently received increasing attention from researchers. The chemical composition of the WSOC fraction, and thus their sources and effects, are not well known. This study focusses on WSOC from samples collected in South Korea as part of ACE-Asia (Asia-Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment), a large international collaboration including Asia, the USA, Europe and Australia.

Abstract.During the Asia-Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia) intensive field campaign, aerosol samples of less than 2.5 μm diameter were collected at Jeju Island, South Korea, for chemical characterization of the water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) fraction. The WSOC fraction had an average mass concentration of roughly half of that of sulfate and accounted for about two-thirds of the organic carbon mass. Thirty individual water-soluble organic compounds, belonging to the classes of mono- and di-carboxylic acids, aliphatic amines, and amino acids, were identified, accounting for 14% of the WSOC on a carbon basis. Oxalic acid was the most abundant single component. An additional 3% of the WSOC was estimated to be monomeric carbohydrates. Thermal analysis of the aerosol’s water extracts indicated that a significant fraction (~50%) of WSOC was thermally recalcitrant, possibly consisting of polymeric materials.
Integrated Study of Single Anthropogenic Particles—Magnetic and Environmental Implications
Authors: Jordanova Diana , Hoffmann Viktor , Fehr Karl Thomas
Published: July 2004

Environmental Context.Industrial metal production, thermoelectric power plants, and similar technologies can release a large amount of particles (with sizes up to the millimetre scale) of heavy metals into the local surrounds. Up to 10% of these particles are strongly magnetic and easily detectable above the background magnetism. A map of the regional magnetic signals, which would be relatively simple and cheap to produce, provides a guide to pollution ‘hotspots’. But it’s not that simple: The authors integrate chemistry, microscopy, and magnetism studies of single particles of sediments from the Danube River to show rock magnetic parameters established for natural rocks cannot be directly used on environmental man-made particles.

Abstract.The presence of significant amounts of strongly magnetic phases in anthropogenic particulate industrial emissions allows the use of magnetic methods for fast and cheap detection of environmental pollution. The aim of our study is to check the validity of some of the constitutive magnetic parameters and their ratios used for estimation of grain sizes and distance from the pollution source. The results from our integrated magnetic, microscopic, and microchemical study on large, single, anthropogenic particles show that classical rock magnetic parameters (Mrs/Mr, Bcr/Bc) for mineral magnetic characterization cannot be directly applied to the anthropogenic phases. This results from their inhomogeneous composition, often with dendritic exsolution of iron oxides within an aluminosilicate matrix.
Transport and Attenuation of Pharmaceutical Residues During Artificial Groundwater Replenishment
Authors: Heberer Thomas , Adam Marc
Published: July 2004

Environmental Context.The contamination of public water supplies by drug residues is an issue of importance for public health. While soil may act as a natural filter to remove some contaminants from groundwater, there is a lack of information on the fate and transport of pharmaceutical residues during groundwater recharge. In this study, the fate and the transport of eight drug residues during groundwater recharge of contaminated surface water which was investigated at an artificial groundwater replenishment plant in Berlin, Germany, as part of the international collaboration NASRI (Natural and Artificial Systems for Recharge and Infiltration). The study shows that some of the contaminants would indeed end up in the water supply if the water only underwent normal groundwater recharge.

Abstract.Recently, several new types of organic contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and their metabolites have been found in sewage or surface waters. Some of the polar pharmaceuticals have also been detected in samples of ground and drinking water, especially when water from induced recharge is used for drinking water production. The fate and the transport of eight drug residues during groundwater recharge (GWR) of contaminated surface water was investigated at an artificial groundwater replenishment plant in Berlin, Germany. After a recharge distance of only a few meters, bezafibrate, a blood lipid regulator, and indomethacin, an analgesic, were removed below their detection limits. Clofibric acid, a metabolite of blood lipid lowering agents, and the analgesic drugs diclofenac and propyphenazone were also attenuated during GWR. However, they were still detectable in the receiving water supply wells at low concentration levels (≤ 40 ng L–1). The anti-epileptic drugs carbamazepine and primidone and the drug metabolite AMDOPH (1-acetyl-1-methyl-2-dimethyl-oxamoyl-2-phenylhydrazide) were not significantly affected by GWR occurring in the water supply wells at mean individual concentrations between 100 and 1570 ng L–1.