Dynamics of Balancing Space and Time in Memory: Tau and Kappa Effects Revisited.

In 3 experiments, the authors studied the organization of spatiotemporal information in memory. Stimuli consisted of configurations of dots, presented sequentially. The stimuli were either proportional, with interdot distances corresponding to interdot durations, or not proportional, with interdol distances not corresponding to interdot durations. After a learning phase, participants reproduced the spatial (Experiment 1), temporal (Experiment 2), or spatial and temporal (Experiment 3) characteristics of the target 60 times in succession. In the nonproportional conditions, effects of variable interdot durations or distances on the reproduction of, respectively, constant distances (tau effect) or durations (kappa effect) were observed, whereas no such effects were observed when variable distances or durations were to be produced. Tau and kappa effects influenced the accuracy but not the variability of responses. The results are discussed in light of the distinction between properties of the stabilized mental image and the process of stabilization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recent Lessons Learned in Structural Fire Engineering for Composite Steel Structures

The knowledge in the field of structural fire engineering has been greatly advanced through assessment of a number of real fires (WTC, Torre Windsor, Broadgate, etc.) and, especially, by the Cardington series of full scale structural fire tests. This knowledge has been used to validate and verify the use of computational finite element models that have expanded the range of structures that can be investigated under severe fire exposure. This paper presents a selection of key lessons learned by the authors through the assessment of structures in fire for real commercial building projects. The key areas of sensitivity that have been encountered are described and a discussion of each point presented. The paper is aimed at describing potential weaknesses that have been observed in the commercial work of the authors, often driven by the requirements for efficient ambient structural design. The paper concludes with some suggested advice for structural engineers aimed at increasing the general robustness of building structures. This is based on designing out as far as possible in the ambient design of a structure the potential weaknesses identified in past project work.     

Treatment of intracranial ependymomas of children: review of a 15-year experience

PURPOSE: There are still major controversies in the optimal management of children with intracranial ependymomas. To assess the impact of tumor site, histology, and treatment, the outcome of children treated at the Institut Gustave Roussy was reviewed retrospectively. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1975 and 1989, 80 children aged 4 months to 15.8 years were seen at the Institut Gustave Roussy for postoperative management of an intracranial ependymoma. Location of tumor was infratentorial in 63 cases and supratentorial in 17. Surgical treatment consisted of complete resection in 38, incomplete resection in 38 and biopsy only in 4. Postoperative irradiation was done in 65 patients and chemotherapy in 33. Surviving patients have been followed from 12-197 months with a median of 54 months. RESULTS: The 5-year actuarial survival and event-free survival are 56% and 38%, respectively. Thirty-four patients relapsed from 3-72 months after diagnosis (median 25 months). In 20 patients, the only site of failure was the original tumor site. Three patients failed locally and at distance, while 10 others failed only at distance. Survival at 5 years was significantly better for patients who had complete resection of the tumor (75% vs. 41%, p = 0.001) and for those who received radiation therapy (63% vs. 23%, p = 0.003). Event-free survival at 5 years was superior in patients with complete resection of the tumor (51% vs. 26%, p = 0.002) and in patients who received radiation therapy (45% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Sex and tumor site had no impact on survival or event-free survival. There was no difference in survival, event-free survival, or pattern of failure between patients treated with local field, whole brain or craniospinal irradiation, while severe longterm sequelae were noted predominantly in the latter two groups. CONCLUSION: Considering that failures were predominantly local and that there was no apparent benefit from prophylactic irradiation, we recommend local field irradiation with doses above 50.0 Gy for all children with intracranial ependymomas, without meningeal dissemination at diagnosis. Special considerations are necessary for children < 3 years of age.     

Aspect stereochimique de l'electroreduction de cyclenes actives—IV. etude des dicarboxy- et dicarbomethoxy-1,2 norbornenes et norbornadienes

The dihydrogenation of the disubstituted double bond of the title compounds may be carried on by electroreduction at a mercury cathode. The analysis of the stereoisomers mixture obtained after electrolysis at an agitated mercury pool confirms the conclusions of previous work concerning the cis/trans ratio of the dihydrogenated derivatives. Moreover, comparing the results obtained after electrolysis at a dropping mercury electrode shows that the mechanism of the electrochemical reduction may depend on the kind of the cathode. From this, it appears that the stereochemical result is governed by the nature of the species on which the electron is transfered. Eventually, the almost systematic lack of the exo-exo isomer in the reduced compound implies an endo attack of the depolarizer by the electrode.     

Performance of dairy cows fed roasted sunflower seed

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects on milk yield, milk composition, ruminal fermentation and total tract nutrient utilization of feeding roasted whole sunflower seed to dairy cows. Three diets were formulated: a control diet with no sunflower seed (NSF), a raw sunflower seed diet (USF) and a roasted sunflower seed diet (RSF). The level of sunflower seed in USF and RSF was 78 g kg^?1 of dry matter (DM). The effects of dietary treatments on yield and composition of milk were determined using nine Holstein cows in three 3 × 3 Latin squares. Three ruminally fistulated cows were used to determine the effects of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation and total tract nutrient digestibilities. Cows fed sunflower seed diets consumed 8% less (P < 0.05) DM but produced similar amounts of milk as cows fed NSF. However, milk fat content (30.7 vs 33.5 g kg^?1) and yield (1.33 vs 1.47 kg day^?1) were lower (P < 0.05) for cows fed USF and RSF than for those fed NSF. Supplemental sunflower seed had no effect on concentrations and yields of other milk components. The concentrations of short‐chain (C_4:0 to C_12:0) and medium‐chain (C_14:0 to C_16:0) fatty acids were, respectively, 27% and 29% lower (P < 0.05) while those of long‐chain fatty acids (C_18:0 to C_18:3) were 51% higher (P < 0.05) in the milk of cows fed USF and RSF than for cows fed NSF. Ruminal pH, ammonia N and total volatile fatty acids were not affected by dietary treatments. Feeding sunflower seed (USF or RSF) reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of acetate and increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of propionate. Total tract nutrient digestibilities were not affected by sunflower seed supplementation or by heat treatment. Supplementing dairy cow diets with unheated or roasted sunflower seed improved the efficiency of milk production and increased concentrations of long‐chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Feeding sunflower seed at up to 78 g kg^?1 of diet DM had no adverse effects on nutrient utilization. Roasting had no additional benefits on milk yield or milk fatty acid composition. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Restoration process of the need for autonomy: The early alarm stage.

Autonomy is described by self-determination theory as a basic psychological need, essential for individuals' well-being. While basic needs are generally thought to induce a restorative response when thwarted, evidence for such a process is lacking for autonomy. To date, most evidence indicates that autonomy deprivation leads to disaffection of this need in favor of other motives. A temporal model based on the general adaptation syndrome was adapted to reconcile this seeming contradiction. Specifically, it is hypothesized that an early alarm response aimed at restoring the satisfaction of the need for autonomy should precede the later relinquishment and compensation of this need that would result from a prolonged deprivation. Three studies provide support for this model by showing the existence of the immediate autonomy restorative response. Using a controlling situation to manipulate autonomy deprivation, the authors demonstrate in Experiments 1 and 2 that a controlling context leads to enhanced accessibility and an approach bias for autonomy-related stimuli. Experiment 3 indicates that the urge to restore autonomy can also affect personal judgment, leading individuals to make more independent judgments, exercising a nonreactive form of autonomy. Integration of this model within self-determination theory is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electrodeposition of functionalized Pyrrole (N-[3-(dimethylpyridyl-2-yl)aminopropyl], N-(3-aminopropyl), N-(3-acetamidopropyl) and N-(2-cyanoethyl)) on Stainless Steel gauze for membrane preparation

The preparation of dense membranes for ion separation by the electropolymerization of functionalized pyrrole has been carried out using pyrrole monomers with complexing groups such as amino and bis pyridine. The synthesis conditions of polymer films depend mainly on the applied potential and electrolyte composition; for polymer films derived from pyrrole monomers bearing amino groups, the film synthesis has been achieved only in acid solution. The main results obtained for the electropolymerization of N-(2-cyanoethyl)pyrrole, N-(3-aminopropyl)pyrrole, N-(3-acetamidopropyl)pyrrole and N-[3-(dimethylpyridyl-2-yl)aminopropyl]pyrrole are compared and the experimental conditions for membrane preparation discussed. The thickness and the morphology of the supported conducting polymer membrane prepared at a constant potential depend on the precursor monomer used. The duration of electrolysis should be sufficient to cover the metallic support, particularly for the N-[3-(dimethylpyridyl-2-yl)aminopropyl]pyrrole polymer membrane.     

Oxydation De L'alliage De Titane Ta6V4 Par L'oxygene Sec Entre 700°C Et 1000°C—I. Resultats Experimentaux

The oxidation kinetics of the titanium-base alloy Ti4V6Al was studied between 700 and 1000°C at several pressures of pure oxygen. The result shows a difference in oxidation behaviour between the Ti4V6A1 alloy and pure Ti at high temperatures. (The distinct kinetic law reported has numerous stages corresponding to successive accelerations and reductions in corrosion rate.) The study of the products formed (microscopic observation of cross-sections, examination of the distribution of elements with the microprobe) showed a stratified scale structure with several sublayers of A1₂O₃ parallel to the reaction front.