Differences between tight and loose cultures: a 33-nation study

With data from 33 nations, we illustrate the differences between cultures that are tight (have many strong norms and a low tolerance of deviant behavior) versus loose (have weak social norms and a high tolerance of deviant behavior). Tightness-looseness is part of a complex, loosely integrated multilevel system that comprises distal ecological and historical threats (e.g., high population density, resource scarcity, a history of territorial conflict, and disease and environmental threats), broad versus narrow socialization in societal institutions (e.g., autocracy, media regulations), the strength of everyday recurring situations, and micro-level psychological affordances (e.g., prevention self-guides, high regulatory strength, need for structure). This research advances knowledge that can foster cross-cultural understanding in a world of increasing global interdependence and has implications for modeling cultural change.     

Single-cell mass cytometry of differential immune and drug responses across a human hematopoietic continuum

Flow cytometry is an essential tool for dissecting the functional complexity of hematopoiesis. We used single-cell "mass cytometry" to examine healthy human bone marrow, measuring 34 parameters simultaneously in single cells (binding of 31 antibodies, viability, DNA content, and relative cell size). The signaling behavior of cell subsets spanning a defined hematopoietic hierarchy was monitored with 18 simultaneous markers of functional signaling states perturbed by a set of ex vivo stimuli and inhibitors. The data set allowed for an algorithmically driven assembly of related cell types defined by surface antigen expression, providing a superimposable map of cell signaling responses in combination with drug inhibition. Visualized in this manner, the analysis revealed previously unappreciated instances of both precise signaling responses that were bounded within conventionally defined cell subsets and more continuous phosphorylation responses that crossed cell population boundaries in unexpected manners yet tracked closely with cellular phenotype. Collectively, such single-cell analyses provide system-wide views of immune signaling in healthy human hematopoiesis, against which drug action and disease can be compared for mechanistic studies and pharmacologic intervention.     

LC-MS/MS analysis of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey: methodology and residue findings in Austrian honeys

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of residues of eight neonicotinoid insecticides and two metabolites in honey using LC-MS/MS was developed and validated. Two approaches of sample preparation were investigated, with the final method involving acetonitrile extraction and subsequent cleanup by dispersive solid-phase extraction (QuEChERS type). Validation was based on quintuplicate analysis at three fortification levels and showed satisfactory recoveries (60-114%) and high precision (RSDs between 2.7 and 12.8%). Low limits of detection and quantification could be achieved for all analytes ranging from 0.6 to 5 μg/kg and from 2 to 10 μg/kg, respectively. Investigations of Austrian honey samples revealed the presence of acetamiprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam residues in honey; however, no sample exceeded the maximum residue limits. On average, flower honey samples contained neonicotinoid residues in higher quantities compared to forest honey samples.     

High-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multivariate analysis for the characterization of beer

Beer contains a very complex mixture of nutrients, which in this work are identified to some extent by high-field high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) one- and two-dimensional methods. The (1)H NMR spectrum of beer shows a predominance of strongly overlapped peaks arising from several carbohydrates. Minor components are clearly observed both in the aliphatic and in the aromatic regions of the spectrum. With the aid of two-dimensional methods, spectral assignment was carried out, enabling the identification of approximately 30 compounds and identifying about the same number of spin systems for further assignment. The variability of the spectral profile of beers differing in type and label was studied by principal component analysis (PCA), and it was found that, although some distinction is achieved on the basis of the aliphatic and sugar compositions, clearer separation between ales and lagers is obtained by PCA of the aromatic profiles alone. The potential of this technique as a rapid and informative quality control tool is discussed.     

UN ECE ICP Materials: Dose-Response Functions on Dry and Wet Acid Deposition Effects After 8 Years of Exposure

The main results of the International Co-operative Programme on Effects on Materials, including Historic and Cultural Monuments (ICP Materials) within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) are summarised. The 8-year field exposure programme involves 39 test sites in 12 European countries and in the United States and Canada. Dose-response functions (DRF) expressing the effect of dry and wet deposition as individual terms have been obtained for a wide range of materials including bronze, copper, weathering steel, zinc, aluminium, nickel, tin, stone materials, paint coatings and glass materials. The DRF's includes parameters that are easily available on different geographical scales and can be used for mapping areas of increased corrosion rates and for calculation of costs.     

Quantitative und qualitative Veränderungen im A-Horizont von Sandböden nach Umwandlung von Dauergrünland in Ackerland

Quantitative and qualitative changes in soil properties of A- horizons of sandy soils caused by conversion of grassland to arable land Changes in physical soil properties and in soil organic matter of the A-horizons due to the conversion of permanent grassland to arable land are quantified and described as a function of time for sandy soils. The study was carried out in an area northeast of Hannover. A decrease of about 100 t/ha C_org (- 57%), 5 – 6 t/ha N_org (- 58%) and 1 t/ha S_t (- 58%) was measured for a period of 2 – 4 years after grassland conversion. Thereby the quality of the soil organic matter remains unchanged (no changes of the C/N ratio and of the distribution of N_org in 5 N-fractions). However, an increase of soil bulk density from 1.0 to 1.3 g/cm³ and a decrease of total pore volume from 0.59 to 0.47 were observed. The fast mineralization of soil organic matter in the A-horizon following the conversion of grassland soils results in a temporary heavily increased nitrate input into the groundwater. Furthermore mineralization and leaching of nitrate and sulfate induces an acidification push in the soil by a proton release in the order of 350 keq/ha during a 2 – 4 years period. However, this proton production is compensated quantitatively by several applications of lime or marl by farmers and by the buffering of bases cations released from mineralized soil organic matter.     

Organic Acids in the Atmosphere and Bulk Deposition of Hong Kong

Results from the first study in Hong Kong, Southern China, to investigate the concentrations of organic acids in bulk deposition, aerosol and gas phase samples are presented. 57 daily bulk deposition samples were collected in central Kowloonand analyzed by ion chromatography, from May 1999 to May 2000. The volume-weighted (vw) mean concentrations for formate, acetate, propanoate and oxalate were 6.1, 4.5, 0.4 and 1.4 μeq dm^-3, respectively, with vw mean pH being 4.65.The maximum acidity contributions by formic and acetic acidsfor bulk deposition samples collected on a daily basis, withpH < 5.0, were 17 and 14%, respectively. The concentrationsof these acids were significantly correlated with each other, butnot with pH. Higher organic acid concentrations were foundin the dry, winter season, and for the synoptic weather systemtypes: approaching cyclone and cold front. Oxalate levels weregenerally higher in bulk deposition samples for north/northeasterly air masses, higher surface windspeeds, and low rainfall amounts. Formic and acetic acids were present at higher concentrations in the gas phase (mean concentrations at two sites were in the range from 3.2 to 6.5 μg m^-3, with formate usually < acetate), than in aerosols (mean concentration of formate, acetate or oxalate ≤2.2 μg m^-3). Higher levels of organic acids both in aerosols and in the gas phase were found at a busy roadside site than at a residential site. Deposition fluxes for formic and acetic acidsare reported.     

Methods of analysis for infant formula: Food and Drug Administration and Infant Formula Council Collaborative Study, Phase III

Phase III of the collaborative study of methods of assay for nutrients in infant formulas was conducted. The study included assay of chloride, phosphorus, proximates (ash, fat, protein, total solids, and carbohydrates), thiamine, total pantothenates, and vitamins A, B12, and E. Most of the methods were those in Official Methods of Analysis, 13th edition, with slight modifications, or methods of the Infant Formula Council. On the basis of the results obtained by the collaborators, the methods for chloride, phosphorus, proximates, thiamine, and vitamin B12 have been adopted official first action. Methods for total pantothenates, vitamin A, and vitamin E were not recommended for adoption at this time because of anticipated improvements in methodology in the foreseeable future.