bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tryptophan reduces creatine kinase activity in the brain cortex of rats
Authors: Cornelio Andrea Renata , Rodrigues Valnês , de Souza Wyse Angela Terezinha , Dutra‐Filho Carlos Severo , Wajner Moacir , Wannmacher Clovis Milton Duval
Published: February 2004

Hypertryptophanemia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder probably caused by a blockage in the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, resulting in the accumulation of tryptophan and some of its metabolites in plasma and tissues of affected patients. The patients present mild‐to‐moderate mental retardation with exaggerated affective responses, periodic mood swings, and apparent hypersexual behavior. Creatine kinase plays a key role in energy metabolism of tissues with intermittently high and fluctuating energy requirements, such as nervous tissue. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute administration of tryptophan on creatine kinase activity in brain cortex of Wistar rats. We also studied the in vitro effect of this amino acid on creatine kinase activity in the brain cortex of non‐treated rats. The results indicated that tryptophan inhibits creatine kinase in vitro and in vivo. We also observed that the in vitro inhibition was fully prevented but not reversed by pre‐incubation with reduced glutathione, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of tryptophan on CK activity is possibly mediated by oxidation of essential thiol groups of the enzyme and/or long‐lasting adduct formation. Considering the importance of creatine kinase for the maintenance of energy homeostasis in the brain, it is conceivable that an inhibition of this enzyme activity in the brain may be one of the mechanisms by which tryptophan might be neurotoxic.
Role of maternal adrenal glands on the developing serotoninergic and aminoacidergic systems of the postnatal rat brain
Authors: Leret M.L. , Peinado V. , Suárez L.M. , Tecedor L. , Gamallo A. , González J.C.
Published: February 2004

Serotonin, γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutamate, which are regulated by glucocorticoids in the central nervous system, are involved in neuroendocrine functions and the development of the brain. The present study investigates the effect of maternal adrenalectomy on the developing serotoninergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Neurotransmitter levels were measured in four brain areas of both male and female offspring on postnatal days 1, 8, 12 and 22. At postnatal day 1 and 8, the pups of adrenalectomized dams showed higher concentrations of serotonin than controls in all the brain areas studied. Serotonin levels decreased significantly in males at postnatal day 22 in the hippocampus and cortex. During the first 2 weeks of postnatal life, the lack of maternal corticosterone produced an increase in glutamate and a reduction in γ‐aminobutyric acid concentrations, mainly in males. Further, on postnatal day 1, increased serotonin and glutamate levels and lower levels of γ‐aminobutyric were observed in the hypothalamus of male pups born to adrenalectomized dams. The absence of maternal corticosterone affects the pattern of development of the serotoninergic system, especially in the hippocampus and cortex, and particularly in males. A delay in the maturation of the aminoacidergic systems, mainly of the GABAergic system and in males, was also seen. A sexually dimorphic response to the removal of maternal glucocorticoids was seen in terms of neurotransmitter levels, mainly in the hippocampus and hypothalamus.
Effects of histidine and imidazolelactic acid on various parameters of the oxidative stress in cerebral cortex of young rats
Authors: Tansini C.M. , Durigon K. , Testa C.G. , Belló‐Klein A. , Wajner M. , Wannmacher C.M.D. , Wyse A.T.S. , Dutra‐Filho C.S.
Published: February 2004

Histidinemia is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of histidase activity, which leads to tissue accumulation of histidine and its derivatives. Affected patients usually present with speech delay and mental retardation, although asymptomatic patients have been reported. Considering that the pathophysiology of the neurological dysfunction of histidinemia is not yet understood and since histidine has been considered a pro‐oxidant agent, in the present study we investigated the effect of histidine and one of its derivatives, l‐β‐imidazolelactic acid, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mM, on various parameters of oxidative stress in cerebral cortex of 30‐day‐old Wistar rats. Chemiluminescence, total radical‐trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA‐RS), and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were measured in tissue homogenates in the presence of l‐histidine or l‐β‐imidazolelactic acid. We observed that l‐histidine provoked an increase of chemiluminescence and a reduction of TRAP at concentrations of 2.5 mM and higher, while TBA‐RS measurement, GSH‐Px, CAT and SOD activities were not affected. Furthermore, l‐β‐imidazolelactic acid provoked antioxidant effects at high concentrations (5–10 mM) as observed by the reduction of chemiluminescence, although this compound enhanced chemiluminescence at low concentrations (0.5–1 mM). These results suggest that in vitro oxidative stress is elicited by histidine but only at supraphysiological concentrations.
Fetal origin of single nucleated erythroblasts and free DNA in the peripheral blood of pregnant women
Authors: Chen H.P. , Wang T.R. , Xu J.P. , Xu X.Y. , Dangol S.D. , He G.F.
Published: February 2004

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of using single fetal nucleated erythroblasts (FNRBCs) and free DNA in maternal blood for non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis. Methods: Single FNRBCs were isolated from 51 of 116 samples of maternal blood analyzed by micromanipulation after density gradient centrifugation. Furthermore, the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to amplify the SRY gene of single FNRBCs. Primer extension pre‐amplification and nested PCR were used to amplify the SRY gene of the plasma DNA extracted from 65 samples of maternal blood. Results: The detection rate of single FNRBCs was 90.20% (46/51). The concordance rates between real fetal sex and sex determined by amplification of the SRY gene from single cells and from free DNA analysis were 82.61% (38/46) and 90.77% (59/65), respectively. Conclusions: Single nucleated erythroblasts and free DNA in maternal blood are of fetal origin and can be valuable fetal material sources for non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis.
Maternal serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and labor induction in postterm pregnancies
Authors: Doğanay M. , Erdemoglu E. , Avşar A.F. , Aksakal O.S.
Published: February 2004

Objectives: To study the relationship between maternal endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels, success of labor induction, and Bishop scores in postterm pregnancies. Methods: There were 65 postterm pregnancies. Group 1 consisted of women spontaneously in the active phase of labor, and group 2 of women with hypotonic uterine contractions whose labor was inducted by oxytocin. Levels of DHEAS were studied from venous blood samples. Demographic data and Bishop scores were recorded. Results: The demographic characteristics of patients were similar, but DHEAS levels were higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between DHEAS and Bishop scores. DHEAS levels in women delivered vaginally were significantly higher than in women delivered by cesarean section. From the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, DHEAS levels might determine the mode of delivery and success of labor induction; however, Bishop scores do not. Conclusions: DHEAS levels may be an important factor influencing the efficiency of labor and the success of labor induction in postterm pregnancies.
Discussions of international relations in post-communism Russia
Authors: Sergunin Alexander A.
Published: February 2004

The article describes the progress in Russian theoretical thinking about the world. The author reviews the post-Soviet IR discussions and traces how they progressed from one paradigm to another in response to shifts in social issues and political agenda. The paper concludes that although realism has emerged as a prominent theoretical paradigm, Russian IR is still in process of its self-definition and remains widely open to various intellectual influences.
Geothermal regime in the Qaidam basin, northeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: NANSHENG QIU
Published: February 2004

The thermal properties of rocks in the upper crust of the Qaidam basin are given based on measurements of 98 thermal conductivities and 50 heat production values. Nineteen new measured heat flow data were obtained from thermal conductivity data and systematic steady-state temperature data. This paper contributes 28 calculated heat flow values for the basin for the first time. Examination of 47 heat flow values, ranging from 31.3 to 70.4 mW/m2 with an average value of 52.6±9.6 mW/m2, gives the heat flow distribution character of the basin: high heat flows over 60 mW/m2 are distributed in the western and central parts of the basin. Lower heat flow values are found in the eastern part and north marginal area of the basin, with values less 40 mW/m2. The Qaidam basin heatflow data show a linear relationship between heatflow and heat production, based on thermal structure analysis. The thermal structure of the lithosphere is characterized as having a ‘hot crust’ but ‘cold mantle’. Heat production in the upper crust is a significant source of heat in the basin and contributes up to 56.8% of the surface heat flow. The heat flow province is of great geophysical significance, and the thermal structure of the area gives clues about the regional geodynamics. Study of the Qaidam basin thermal structure shows that the crust has been highly active, particularly during its most recent geological evolution. This corresponds to Himalayan tectonic movements during latest Eocene to Quaternary times in the region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Since the Qaidam basin is in the northeastern area of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the heat flow values and the thermal structure of the basin may give some insight into the thermal state of the plateau, and study of thermal regime of the Qaidam basin could in turn provide useful information about the tectonics of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Dupin's indicatrix: a tool for quantifying periclinal folds on maps
Authors: LISLE RICHARD J.
Published: February 2004

The elliptical and hyperbolic outcrop patterns characteristic of periclinal folds can be used to classify structures according to different curvature attributes. Elliptical patterns indicate domal-basinal structures with synclastic curvature, that is, principal curvatures of the same sign. Hyperbolic patterns are diagnostic of anticlastic curvature (saddle-like structures). Such outcrop geometries are geological examples of Dupin's indicatrix, the geometrical figure obtained by sectioning a curved surface on a plane parallel and almost coincident with the tangent plane. The aspect ratio of Dupin's indicatrix is theoretically related to the ratio of the principal curvature values for the part of the structure being considered. This new method allows quantitative assessment of structures on maps and on remote sensing images. Illustrations are given from Wyoming, USA, and Yorkshire, England.
Petrogenesis and alteration of tuffs associated with continental flood basalts from Putorana, northern Siberia
Authors: BÜCHL ANETTE , GIER SUSANNE
Published: February 2004

In the Putorana region of the Siberian continental flood basalt province, tuffs form thin layers or small bodies between single basaltic lava flows. Based on our fieldwork, these ash fall deposits have relatively small volumes (≤100 000 m3) compared with the associated basaltic flows and the tuffs of the adjacent Noril'sk region in the north. Six tuff units with different degrees and modes of alteration were analysed by XRD, SEM and XRF in order to determine mineralogical and chemical changes which occurred during progressive alteration. Pyroxene compositions and immobile element ratios suggest that the tuffs were derived from a basaltic lava like the flood basalts. Post-eruptive, low-temperature alteration processes have significantly changed the primary composition of the tuffs. Therefore the different tuffs have variable petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry (MgO 5.2–9.2 wt %, SiO2 33.6–69.1 wt % and TiO2 0.6–1.6 wt %) compared to the tholeiitic basalts in which they are interbedded. Crystallization of secondary minerals, such as carbonate, clay minerals, zeolites and analcime, occurred from circulating fluids. The results show that the fluid compositions varied significantly between the different tuffs. This implies that the elements behaved differently depending on the circulating agent, which led to the formation of different minerals. In addition, two samples show an input of quartz, derived either by wind from terrigenous sediments or generated by magma–sediment interaction, and one sample was deposited in a subaqueous, possibly lacustrine environment. These results indicate that the conditions during alteration varied despite the close spatial relationship of the tuffs and that a generalization about the alteration processes cannot be made in the Putorana region. The analyses of the clay minerals show alteration of chlorite to vermiculite. Interestingly, corrensite (a regularly stacked, 50/50 mixed layered clay mineral composed of chlorite and vermiculite) is still preserved in two samples. This indicates different alteration stages in the different tuff outcrops. The state of alteration deduced from immobile element ratios, plagioclase compositions and mineral assemblages shows contradictory results. This suggests that the state of alteration is best deduced from clay minerals, as one can follow this process step by step.
Sacred entertainments
Authors: TARUSKIN RICHARD
Published: February 2004

Ever since the cultural watershed of the 1960s, predictions of the imminent demise of classical music, especially in America, have been rife. Its audience, undermined by the precipitate decline in public music education and decimated by defections to pop (respectable for aspiring intellectuals from the moment rock became British), was assumed to be aging, indeed dying off. Whether as a symptom of this process or as one of its causes, media coverage for classical music steadily and drastically diminished over the 1970s and 1980s (coinciding with the rise of serious pop coverage), as did the number of radio stations that offered it.
Looking for the revolution in Rossini's Guillaume Tell
Authors: WALTON BENJAMIN
Published: February 2004

August in the Restoration, like Augusts before and since, was a time for those who could afford it to escape the hot, dirty streets of Paris to head for the country. With this in mind, Ludovic Vitet, music critic of Le Globe, broadcast an appeal in his Bulletin musical on 1 August 1829 (cloudy and unseasonably cool): Have patience, you poor dilettanti who have rushed back from the countryside; and those of you who have put off your departure to be present at the first performance of this marvel, don't think that you have yet reached the end of your suffering.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THERAPIST BELIEFS TO PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN THERAPISTS: AN INVESTIGATION OF VICARIOUS TRAUMATIZATION, BURNOUT AND SYMPTOMS OF AVOIDANCE AND INTRUSION
Authors: McLean Sara , Wade Tracey D. , Encel Jason S.
Published: February 2004

The present study surveyed a sample of 116 Australian therapists who identified themselves as working primarily with traumatized clients. Outcome variables were measures of vicarious traumatization (VT), burnout and trauma symptomatology (intrusion and avoidance). A measure of beliefs about the therapeutic process was constructed for the present study and examined along with other predictor variables, namely years of experience as a therapist, percentage of time spent in clinical work with clients, predominant client group, and recent and direct exposure to trauma in the therapist. Therapist beliefs were found to predict vulnerability to VT and burnout, supporting a cognitive model of therapist distress. Implications of the findings for maintaining therapist health are discussed.
TWO CHAIRS, SELF-SCHEMATA AND A PERSON BASED APPROACH TO PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Chadwick Paul
Published: February 2004

Greenberg, Rice and Elliott (1993) elaborate in detail different applications of the two-chair method within an experiential therapy framework. In the present paper we present an adapted two-chair method for use in cognitive therapy. The principal aims of the adapted method are to elaborate a positive self-schema that has an emotional (“lived”) quality, and to use this experience to create a new model of self as emotionally and cognitively varied and changing. Procedurally, the first two steps are to (1) summarize the negative self-schema (Chair 1) and (2) draw out a positive self-schema (Chair 2). In Steps 3 and 4 the client remains in Chair 2 and is encouraged to accept the two self-schemata, and to integrate them both within a broader, more diverse metacognitive model of self. We present key themes from analysis of two clients' reflections on the method, which highlight issues of generalization and the process of change, and conclude with clinical and research implications.
USING AN IPT CONCEPTUALIZATION TO TREAT A DEPRESSED PERSON WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: James Ian A. , Postma Kirstine , Mackenzie Lorna
Published: February 2004

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) was developed in the late 1960s, but has only recently gained real prominence. The interest in this approach has grown further following the positive findings obtained in the NIMH study (Elkin et al., 1989). In this extensive, multi-site US study it was found to be as effective as CBT and, in some methods of analyses, more effective. There is a growing literature on IPT's use with older people (Miller and Reynolds, 2002), but very few articles, with the exception of Bauer's (1997) work, have examined its use with people with cognitive impairment. The present paper describes the use of IPT to treat a man (Mr M) with dementia suffering from depression. The case is presented chiefly as a vehicle to explore the applicability of the conceptual framework, although details regarding treatment are discussed.
DOES THE CONCEPT OF OBJECT-AFFECT FUSION REFINE COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THEORIES OF HOARDING?
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Knight Kaaren
Published: February 2004

Hoarding has been recognized as a frequent sub-component of obsessive-compulsive disorder that can occur at lesser frequency in a primary form. The theoretical and empirical literature on hoarding is still in its infancy. The current paper attempts to expand and refine CBT theory via the identification of the specific cognitive distortion of object-affect fusion (OAF) relating to problematic emotional attachment to objects. The concept of OAF is defined and then related to sentimental saving. Two case examples are detailed in which OAF represented the main focus of the CBT intervention. The case examples illustrate how OAF recognition can be integrated into and supplement existing CBT approaches to hoarding. Future theoretical and empirical developmental tasks in relation to OAF are identified and discussed.
A SURVEY OF PSYCHIATRISTS COMPLETING A COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL PSYCHOTHERAPY DIPLOMA COURSE
Authors: Hull Alastair M. , Swan John
Published: February 2004

There is widespread support for training in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) amongst psychiatrists and from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. One possible way to gain such training is to undertake a diploma or certificate course, a growing number of which exist in the United Kingdom. We report on a postal questionnaire survey of psychiatrists who have completed a CBP diploma course. Psychiatrists described the course as altering their clinical practice and found the skills learned, the format of multidisciplinary learning and of supervision all useful and helpful. However, individuals who undertook a CBP diploma were concerned about their ability to apply these skills and undergo further training, given the time constraints within busy consultant jobs.
Landscape linkages and conservation planning for the black bear in west‐central Florida
Authors: Larkin Jeffery L. , Maehr David S. , Hoctor Thomas S. , Orlando Michael A. , Whitney Karen
Published: February 2004

The Greater Chassahowitzka black bear population is the smallest documented in North America with fewer than 20 individuals. Its future depends on landscape linkages with other bear populations that are separated by denatured habitat. We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify potential landscape linkages between this isolated population and six others in Florida. Pathway lengths ranged from 60–194 km with varying potentials for facilitating black bear dispersal. Each pathway incorporated 35–88% conservation land and encountered at least 11 dispersal bottlenecks. Even pathways that incorporated extensive conservation land encountered bottlenecks that make these linkages potentially unviable. All six pathways, however, passed through ≥95% core black bear habitat. Thus, the infrastructure for a conservation network is still largely intact. The Suwannee pathway provides the best opportunity to restore connectivity between the Greater Chassahowitzka Ecosystem (GCE) and a southward colonising bear population in the Big Bend region. However, intensification of development poses an immediate threat to maintaining connectivity between the GCE and other bear populations in Florida. Through immediate strategic planning and active conservation and restoration measures, many of the generated pathways can provide long‐term connectivity. Least‐cost path analyses can aid in the conservation of wide‐ranging animals by providing managers with a science‐based, empirically derived blueprint of potential landscape linkages.
Developing recovery and monitoring strategies for the endemic Mount Graham red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) in Arizona
Authors: Buenau Kate E. , Gerber Leah R.
Published: February 2004

An important challenge in conservation biology is extracting pertinent information from the available data for endangered species. Rarely do we have enough information to precisely determine an organism's risk of extinction and other factors that affect its management. How, then, can we use limited information to make responsible conservation decisions on controversial species such as the Mount Graham red squirrel? We used several analytical approaches to examine 15 years of abundance data for the Mount Graham red squirrel in order to propose recovery criteria and to evaluate alternative conservation strategies. We analysed the historical population dynamics using a diffusion approximation model and showed that the main threat to the population was not the overall growth rate (which may well be greater than 1) but rather the wide range of variation in annual growth rates. We used information on the distribution of growth rates and abundance to classify the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We then presented a simple demographic model to examine the effects of proportional changes in vital rates on the population growth rate (λ). The elasticity values obtained for Mount Graham red squirrels indicate that the population is far more sensitive to changes in survival rates (particularly adult survival) compared to reproduction. Our analyses suggest that management should focus on refining monitoring techniques, reducing sources of variability, improving the survival of adult animals and filling the gaps in the currently available data.
The molecular systematics and conservation of an endangered carnivore, the Owston's palm civet Chrotogale owstoni (Thomas, 1912) (Carnivora, Viverridae, Hemigalinae)
Authors: Veron G. , Rosenthal S. Heard , Long B. , Roberton S.
Published: February 2004

The Owston's palm civet (Chrotogale owstoni) is one of the least known viverrids. In order to assess the degree of intraspecific variation, we sequenced a fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b in 26 individuals. We identified 23 haplotypes, indicating a fairly high level of genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis yielded two clades supported by eight synapomorphies, suggestive of a north/south geographical divide. Recommendations for captive management cannot be made on the basis of the study results, but the high level of genetic diversity is very encouraging for both field conservation and captive breeding efforts.
Preliminary assessment of the flagship species concept at a small scale
Authors: Caro Tim , Engilis Andrew , Fitzherbert Emily , Gardner Toby
Published: February 2004

Flagship species are charismatic species that serve as a symbol and rallying point to stimulate conservation awareness and action but are often used synonymously as de facto umbrella species to delineate reserve boundaries. We tested the extent to which the presence of a flagship species would protect other ‘background species’ at the local scale at which practical decisions about small reserves are often made. Using long term sightings, we identified four 1 km2 sites that are frequently visited by jaguars and by tapirs (flagship species), and by white‐lipped peccaries and spider monkeys (non‐flagship species) in neotropical rainforest in Belize. We then made inventories of five vertebrate taxonomic groups at each site. We found no consistent differences in species richness or abundances of frogs, phyllostomid bats, terrestrial mammals, scansorial mammals or birds across the four sites, except that frog diversity and abundance was higher close to a river at the flagship site where tapirs were found. Since these classic Latin American flagship species fail to encompass particularly high numbers or abundances of vertebrate species at a local scale, they appear to be a poor conservation tool when co‐opted as umbrella species for delineating the location of very small reserves in the neotropics.
Species richness and community composition of songbirds in a tropical forest‐agricultural landscape
Authors: Naidoo Robin
Published: February 2004

Management strategies that attempt to mitigate tropical biodiversity loss require detailed studies of biodiversity in different land‐uses. In this study the community structure and species richness of songbirds was characterised along with the vegetation structure, in three land‐use types in and around a tropical forest reserve in Uganda (intact, mature forest; regenerating secondary forest; smallholder agriculture). Each land‐use type had 30–35 count stations that were sampled twice by means of a 15‐min recording session. In total, 118 bird species were recorded from 192 station counts. Number of species/station was similar in intact and regenerating forest and lower in smallholder agriculture. Songbird communities in intact forest were highly distinct from those in smallholder agriculture and were composed of forest‐dependent species. Communities in regenerating forest were intermediate between intact forest and agriculture, although much closer to intact forest. Generalised Linear Model (GLM) modelling revealed that tree density and distance to the nearest intact forest had strong positive and non‐linear effects on the community composition and forest species richness of songbirds. Simulations using these models showed that agroforestry programmes would not raise tree densities to levels that would shift agricultural songbird communities towards forest communities. Current and best‐case agricultural practices are therefore unlikely to contribute to the conservation of the songbird component of forest biodiversity in this area.
Seroprevalence of pathogens in domestic carnivores on the border of Madidi National Park, Bolivia
Authors: Fiorello Christine V. , Deem Sharon L. , Gompper Matthew E. , Dubovi Edward J.
Published: February 2004

The importance of diseases of domestic animals in the conservation of wildlife is increasingly being recognised. Wild carnivores are susceptible to many of the pathogens carried by domestic dogs and cats and some of these pathogens have caused disease outbreaks and severe population declines in threatened species. The risk of disease spillover from domestic to wild carnivores in South America has not been extensively investigated. This study examined the disease exposure of domestic carnivores living near a protected area in Bolivia. Forty dogs and 14 cats living in three towns on the eastern border of Madidi National Park were sampled. High levels of exposure to canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, Sarcoptes scabiei and Toxoplasma gondii were found among domestic dogs, with similarly high levels of exposure to feline parvovirus, feline calicivirus and T. gondii being found among domestic cats. If contact occurs between domestic and wild carnivores, disease spillover may represent an important risk for the persistence of wild carnivores in the region. Additional research is therefore necessary to determine if wild carnivores living in proximity to these domestic carnivore populations are being exposed to these pathogens.
Editorial
Authors: Schuler Heinz
Published: February 2004

Zusammenfassung. Es wird argumentiert, dass deutschsprachige Forschung und Publikation auf dem Gebiet der Personalpsychologie nicht nur eine Chance hat, sondern sogar eine Verpflichtung darstellt. Ein Überblick über die Publikationen des Vorjahrs erweist die wissenschaftliche Personalpsychologie als fruchtbares und praxisrelevantes Arbeitsgebiet.
Experimentelle Untersuchung zweier Methoden zur Reduzierung Sozialer Erwünschtheit in einem computergestützten eignungsdiagnostischen Testverfahren
Authors: Hülsheger Ute R. , Spinath Frank M. , Küppers Anja , Etzel Stefan
Published: February 2004

Zusammenfassung. In einem randomisierten Experiment wurden zwei Methoden zur Reduzierung Sozialer Erwünschtheit in einem computerbasierten eignungsdiagnostischen Testverfahren untersucht. Die Methoden “Augen-“ und “Uhreinblendung“ stellen wiederholte visuelle Darbietungen unterschiedlicher Kombinationen von Warnhinweisen und der Induzierung Objektiver Selbstaufmerksamkeit dar. In zwei Experimentalgruppen (Augeneinblendung, Uhreinblendung) und einer Kontrollgruppe bearbeiteten 91 Probanden ausgewählte Module des Verfahrens “professional assessment by computer for training and selection“ (pro facts), Skalen zur Erfassung Sozialer Erwünschtheit (Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding, BIDR; Positive Presentation Management, PPM) sowie das NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO-PI-R) zur Messung von Persönlichkeit im Sinne des Fünf-Faktoren-Modells. Die Effekte der beiden Methoden zur Reduzierung intentionaler Antwortverzerrungen auf die pro facts-Module, Sozialen Erwünschtheits- und Persönlichkeits-Skalen wurden varianz- und korrelationsanalytisch ausgewertet. Keine der beiden untersuchten Methoden führte im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe zu einer signifikanten Reduktion Sozialer Erwünschtheit. Es werden verschiedene Erklärungsmöglichkeiten der Befunde aufgegriffen und Implikationen für zukünftige Arbeiten zur Verzerrungstendenz diskutiert.
Der Foto-Interessentest Serie FIT 2003
Authors: Toggweiler Stephan , Jungo Daniel , Stoll François
Published: February 2004

Zusammenfassung. Berufsinteressen spielen in der Berufspsychologie und in der Berufs- und Laufbahnberatung eine wichtige Rolle. Die meisten Berufsinteresseninventare beruhen auf verbalen Reizgrundlagen, der Foto-Interessentest (FIT) mit Berufsfotos von Gubler und Gerosa verwendet hingegen fotografische Stimuli. Der Test stützt sich auf zwei verschiedene Modelle von Berufsinteressen: die neun Berufsfelder von Egloff und die RIASEC-Dimensionen von Holland. Inzwischen wurde der ursprüngliche FIT 1998 zum zweiten Mal (Serien 2000 und 2003) aktualisiert und überarbeitet hin zur Serie FIT 2003. Die Neukonstruktion, Überprüfung und Normierung des Tests anhand einer Stichprobe von 438 Jugendlichen unterstützt dessen Anwendung. Ergebnisse bezüglich Reliabilität und Validität der Holland-Dimensionen werden berichtet. Signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern und den Schultypen entsprechen in der Stichprobe überwiegend den Ergebnissen von verbalen Berufsinteressentests. Die Alterskohorten von 14-, 15- und 16-Jährigen zeigen keine signifikanten Unterschiede in ihren Interessen. Von fremdsprachigen Jugendlichen mit geringem Literalitätsniveau ist der FIT ebenfalls gut akzeptiert und führt ebenso zu homogenen Interessendimensionen.
Contralateral White Noise Masking Affects Auditory N1 and P2 Waves Differently
Authors: Salo Sirkku K. , Lang A. Heikki , Salmivalli Altti J. , Johansson Reijo K. , Peltola Maija S.
Published: February 2004

Abstract In this study, we examined the effect of contralateral masking on cortical auditory evoked potentials N1 (modal-specific slowly adapting component) and P2 at different masking intensities. N1 and P2 potentials were recorded from 15 subjects with normal hearing using 500Hz tone pips (intensity 65dB HL, duration 100ms, ISI 1s) presented to the right ear. Continuous white noise was delivered to the left ear at the intensities of 35, 50, 65, or 75dB effective masking level (EML), as well as a no-mask condition. The electrodes F3, Fz, F4, C3, Cz, C4, and Pz were used. The results show that N1 amplitude was significantly attenuated and, in contrast, P2 amplitude was significantly increased, with contralateral 75dB EML white noise. N1P2 peak to peak amplitude was not affected by masking, nor were the peak latencies. Thus, contralateral masking affects the exogenous cortical evoked N1 and P2 curves differently. We suggest that the effect is mediated by the efferent hearing system. The effect of ≤ 50dB EML contralateral white noise masking is so small that it should not affect clinical recordings.
Psychophysiological Response Patterns of High and Low Alexithymics Under Mental and Emotional Load Conditions
Authors: Franz Matthias , Schaefer Ralf , Schneider Christine
Published: February 2004

Abstract Compared to normals or low alexithymics, high alexithymic subjects show a modified psychophysiological reactivity under experimental stress. This study aims to differentiate these effects under different load conditions (mental vs. emotional load, 5min each). High (N = 33) and low (N = 33) alexithymic subjects were identified by the German version of the Toronto-Alexithymia-Scale (TAS-20). Subjects were exposed to two tasks of the continuous performance test as a mental load condition and two unpleasant movie sequences as an emotional load condition. Heart rate and electrodermal activity (nonspecific skin conductance reactions) were continuously recorded during stimuli presentation. High alexithymic subjects showed a decreased number of nonspecific skin conductance reactions under all load conditions compared to low alexithymics. Initial heart rate acceleration of high alexithymic subjects under mental load was stronger, whereas under emotional load high alexithymic subjects showed a stronger initial heart rate deceleration. Results are discussed with respect to a modified processing of emotionally qualified information in alexithymics.
The Physiological Activation Effect on Performance in Shooting
Authors: Guillot A. , Collet C. , Dittmar A. , Delhomme G. , Delemer C. , Vernet-Maury E.
Published: February 2004

Abstract The present study was devised to analyze the relationship between sporting performance and physiological activation. Fourteen subjects participated in a modern pentathlon shooting competition. Six autonomic nervous system (ANS) parameters were simultaneously recorded in real time: Skin Potential, Skin resistance, Instantaneous Heart Rate and Respiratory Frequency, Skin Temperature, and Skin Blood Flow. The duration of concentration was considered the time lapse between the “start” order and the shot. Subjects tried to keep their arm and pistol stable during this phase. Results showed a complex relationship between activation, relaxation, and performance. ANS activity indicated an increase in physiological activation and at the same time, relaxation: activation was observed through electrodermal activity, while thermovascular indices indicated relaxation. Tonic level variations were, thus, a reliable indicator of the contrasting requirements of this sporting activity. Finally, the results challenge theories that have suggested that autonomic activity is undifferentiated.
Formation of an active thrust triangle zone associated with structural inversion in a subduction setting, eastern New Zealand
Authors: Barnes Philip M. , Nicol Andrew
Published: February 2004

We analyze a thrust triangle zone, which underlies the continental shelf of Hawke Bay, eastern New Zealand, within the Hikurangi subduction margin. This triangle zone differs from many other examples in that it is active, 90 km from the leading edge of the overriding plate, and formed due to polyphase deformation involving opposed dipping thrust duplex and backthrust, with the later structure forming in response to inversion of an extensional graben. The component structures of the zone mainly developed sequentially rather than synchronously. High‐quality marine seismic reflection lines, tied to well and seabed samples, reveal the three‐dimensional structure of the zone, together with its 25 Myr evolution and late Quaternary activity. The triangle zone occurs in the lateral overlap between a stack of NW dipping blind thrusts, and a principal backthrust, the Kidnappers fault. The NW dipping thrusts initiated in the early‐middle Miocene during the early stages of subduction, with subsequent thrust duplex formation producing major uplift and erosion in the late Miocene‐early Pliocene. The active backthrust formed during the late Miocene to early Pliocene as a thin‐skinned listric extensional fault confined to the cover sequence. Structural inversion of the extensional fault commenced in the early‐middle Pliocene, produced the backthrust and marks the formation of the thrust triangle zone. The thrust duplex and backthrust accrued strain following inversion; however, the later structure accommodated most of the surface deformation in the Quaternary. Section balancing of the triangle zone together with a detailed analysis of reverse displacements along the backthrust reveal spatial and temporal variations of strain accumulation on the two principal components of the zone. Although the formation of the triangle zone is strongly influenced by regional tectonics of the subduction system, these variations may also, in part, reflect local fault interaction. For example, high Quaternary displacement rates on the backthrust accounts for ∼70% of the displacement loss that occurs on the southern segments of the overlapping, Lachlan fault. Understanding the tectonic evolution of such complex, polyphase thrust triangle zones requires the preservation of growth strata that record sequential deformation history. In the absence of such data, synchroneity of opposed dipping thrusts in triangle zones cannot be assumed.
An InSAR‐based survey of volcanic deformation in the central Andes
Authors: Pritchard M. E. , Simons M.
Published: February 2004

We extend an earlier interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) survey covering about 900 remote volcanos of the central Andes (14°–27°S) between the years 1992 and 2002. Our survey reveals broad (10s of km), roughly axisymmetric deformation at 4 volcanic centers: two stratovolcanoes are inflating (Uturuncu, Bolivia, and Hualca Hualca, Peru); another source of inflation on the border between Chile and Argentina is not obviously associated with a volcanic edifice (here called Lazufre); and a caldera (Cerro Blanco, also called Robledo) in northwest Argentina is subsiding. We explore the range of source depths and volumes allowed by our observations, using spherical, ellipsoidal and crack‐like source geometries. We further examine the effects of local topography upon the deformation field and invert for a spherical point‐source in both elastic half‐space and layered‐space crustal models. We use a global search algorithm, with gradient search methods used to further constrain best‐fitting models. Inferred source depths are model‐dependent, with differences in the assumed source geometry generating a larger range of accepted depths than variations in elastic structure. Source depths relative to sea level are: 8–18 km at Hualca Hualca; 12–25 km for Uturuncu; 5–13 km for Lazufre, and 5–10 km at Cerro Blanco. Deformation at all four volcanoes seems to be time‐dependent, and only Uturuncu and Cerro Blanco were deforming during the entire time period of observation. Inflation at Hualca Hualca stopped in 1997, perhaps related to a large eruption of nearby Sabancaya volcano in May 1997, although there is no obvious relation between the rate of deformation and the eruptions of Sabancaya. We do not observe any deformation associated with eruptions of Lascar, Chile, at 16 other volcanoes that had recent small eruptions or fumarolic activity, or associated with a short‐lived thermal anomaly at Chiliques volcano. We posit a hydrothermal system at Cerro Blanco to explain the rate of subsidence there. For the last decade, we calculate the ratio of the volume of magma intruded to extruded is between 1–10, and that the combined rate of intrusion and extrusion is within an order of magnitude of the inferred geologic rate.
Vertical structure variability in the equatorial Pacific before and after the Pacific climate shift of the 1970s
Authors: Moon Byung‐Kwon , Yeh Sang‐Wook , Dewitte Boris , Jhun Jong‐Ghap , Kang In‐Sik , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: February 2004

Oceanic baroclinic modes in the equatorial Pacific are estimated using results from the SODA system. Our result suggests that the vertical stratification increases at the upper levels after the late 1970s due to changes in the vertical temperature structure. After the late 1970s, the variability of the higher‐order baroclinic mode contributions to current anomalies and surface pressure significantly increases in the central equatorial Pacific. This is associated with an increase of the dominant period of the ENSO variability. Simple coupled model experiments indicate that when atmospheric forcing projects more onto the higher baroclinic modes according to the results of the SODA decomposition, the amplitude and dominant period of ENSO increase similarly to what is observed at the Pacific decadal shift. Our results support that the changes in the behavior of ENSO after the late 1970s are associated with oceanic vertical structural changes in temperature that tend to increase the contribution of higher‐order baroclinic modes.
Avoiding mineral alteration during microwave magnetization
Authors: Walton Derek
Published: February 2004

Recent microwave results reveal evidence of mineral alteration. This letter examines the energy absorption by the magnetic nanoparticles, and the heat flow to the matrix. It is shown that, since the temperature difference between the magnetic grains and the matrix is proportional to the power density at the sample, increasing the power density sufficiently can limit the matrix temperature increase to a few degrees, completely eliminating any possibility of mineral alteration.
Genetic and morphological evolution following a founder event in the dark‐eyed junco,Junco hyemalis thurberi
Authors: Rasner C. A. , Yeh P. , Eggert L. S. , Hunt K. E. , Woodruff D. S. , Price T. D.
Published: February 2004

An isolated population of dark‐eyed juncos,Junco hyemalis,became established on the campus of the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), probably in the early 1980s. It now numbers about 70 breeding pairs. Populations across the entire natural range of the subspeciesJ. h. thurberiare weakly differentiated from each other at five microsatellite loci (FST = 0.01). The UCSD population is significantly different from these populations, the closest of which is 70 km away. It has 88% of the genetic heterozygosity and 63% of the allelic richness of populations in the montane range of the subspecies, consistent with a harmonic mean effective population size of 32 (but with 95% confidence limits from four to > 70) over the eight generations since founding. Results suggest a moderate bottleneck in the early establishment phase but with more than seven effective founders. Individuals in the UCSD population have shorter wings and tails than those in the nearby mountains and a common garden experiment indicates that the morphological differences are genetically based. The moderate effective population size is not sufficient for the observed morphological differences to have evolved as a consequence of genetic drift, indicating a major role for selection subsequent to the founding of the UCSD population.
Vapor–Solid Interactions and the Effusion Oven. II. Spatial Distribution of an Effusion Flux
Authors: Winterbottom W. L.
Published: February 2004

Under molecular-flow conditions, the spatial distribution of molecules emerging from an effusion channel characterizes the nature of the vapor–solid interactions that occur in the transport process. Theoretical distributions evaluated by Clausing with a “diffuse-reflection” interaction model have proven inadequate in accounting for the experimental distributions produced with channels of appreciable length. With a coupled surface- and vapor-transport effusion model which considers the possible mobility of an adsorbed molecule, theoretical distributions can be evaluated in terms of the channel geometry and the binding energy of the adsorbed species. A comparison between the theoretical distributions and three separate experimental studies is presented. In general, the quantitative agreement obtained is good, and supports the applicability of the coupled transport model to the effusion process. Both theory and experiment indicate that many of the published results of effusion studies are in error because of the application of Clausing effusion parameters.
Rydberg States and Scattering States of Molecular Electrons: e–H2+
Authors: Berry R. Stephen , Nielsen Svend Erik
Published: February 2004

A general method is presented for obtaining a model potential for calculation of Rydberg states and ionized states of an electron in a diatomic (or more complex) molecule. The potential is derived from a known wavefunction for the ionic molecule core by expanding the charge distribution, including the fixed-position nuclei, in spherical harmonics. Exchange effects are included in the form of an effective local ρ1/3 potential. The method is applied to the Rdberg states of H2 to examine the various contributions to the level splittings and the dependence of these on internuclear distance R. It is also applied to the determination of phase shifts in e–H2+ scattering and to the dependence of these phase shifts on R. The particular utility of the method is the ease and efficiency with which one can explore the behavior of electronic contributions to a wide variety of matrix elements, as functions of all the parameters n(or E), l, m, and R.
Quantum Defect Method for Linear Molecules and e–H2+ Scattering
Authors: Weinberg Michael , Berry R. Stephen , Tully John C.
Published: February 2004

The quantum defect method is extended to permit calculation of short-range phase shifts for electron scattering states in the field of a linear molecule–ion. The method is applied to the low-energy (k < 0.2 a.u.) scattering of electrons by H2+; the differential scattering cross section is calculated and compared with that derived by Temkin and Vasavada.
Inverted Population in Dissociation of CsBr Molecules
Authors: Berry R. Stephen , Cernoch Thomas , Coplan Michael , Ewing James J.
Published: February 2004

The dissociation of diatomic CsBr molecules in a shock wave has been studied by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. Absorption by neutral cesium atoms increases monotonically toward its equilibrium value as dissociation proceeds, but under a wide range of conditions, absorption by Br− ions goes rapidly to a maximum and then falls to its equilibrium value. The results show that under some conditions, the principal primary products of dissociation are ions, rather than atoms or a thermally equilibrated mixture of atoms and ions.