Zen meditation and behavior self-control: Similarities, differences, and clinical applications.

Studies the behaviors involved in 2 self-control strategies: Zen meditation and behavioral self-management. The first technique is derived from the Eastern "religious-philosophical" tradition of Zen Buddhism; the other is derived from Western laboratory and field settings and is based on social learning theory. Using naturalistic observation and experimental analysis, Zen breath meditation is conceptualized as a sequence of behaviors involving certain cues and consequences, and thereby under explicit contingency arrangements. Behavioral self-management techniques are similarly analyzed, and results of these analyses are compared and contrasted. After briefly reviewing the clinical outcome literature for both strategies, it is concluded that rehabilitative and preventive benefits may be gained from a combination of the 2 techniques. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the Use of A Vehicle Routing Algorithm for the Parallel Processor Problem with Sequence Dependent Changeover Costs

We consider the problem of sequencing a set of changeover dependent jobs in a parallel processor shop subject to a workload restriction where the objective is to achieve minimum total changeover cost. A heuristic algorithm, developed previously to treat the vehicle delivery model, is used on the problem. Suitable computational experience with the algorithm is provided the results of which would support its application to problems of realistic size.     

Tomorrow's mass rapid transit?available today!

Similarity exists between moving large masses of people and the process industry. Both have fixed inputs, fixed outputs, predictable patterns, variables that can be measured, and corrections that can be made. Both entities respond to the principle of closed-loop regulation. From the experience gained in the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BARTD), a planned approach to coordinated and automated mass transportation systems is entirely feasible. Electronic controls are a major factor in providing an economic solution to the problem.     

An application of goal content theory to examine how desired exercise outcomes impact fitness technology feature set selection

Fitness technologies are a prominent example of the societal trend towards personal informatics. These technologies pair devices that have various embedded sensors with one or more apps to allow for the collection, analysis, socialization, and management of individuals' health and wellness data. We have limited insight into what drives the use of fitness technologies or how they may contribute to wellness outcomes. To address this gap, our study examines how exercise goals are related to fitness technology feature set use and how the use is associated with a measure of the exercisers' psychological well‐being (ie, subjective vitality). We find that intrinsic exercise goals (eg, enjoyment or competence) are associated with the use of features that allow users to collect, analyse, and inform their exercise progress. Body‐focused extrinsic exercise goals (eg, appearance) are also associated with the use of such features but are negatively associated with features that socialize exercise. The social extrinsic exercise goal is associated with the use of more controlling features that can provide external pressure from the technology or other people. The social features of fitness technologies are associated with higher levels of subjective vitality. Our findings indicate that exercisers who have goals where measuring progress may be desired (eg, losing weight and training for a marathon) are more likely to be drawn to the data management aspects of fitness technologies, whereas using fitness technologies to socialize exercise may add an element of enjoyment that is attractive to some users and may lead to increased well‐being.     

Iridoid glycosides ofChelone glabra (Scrophulariaceae) and their sequestration by larvae of a sawfly,Tenthredo grandis (Tenthredinidae)

Analysis ofChelone glabra (Scrophulariaceae) by gas chromatography showed that leaves of this plant contained primarily the iridoid glycoside catalpol, and in a few individuals some aucubin was also detected. There was no difference in the iridoid glycoside content of damaged compared to undamaged plants, nor was there a difference between plants collected from a population in Leverett, Massachusetts, and those from plants in an experimental garden in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Larvae and prepupae of the sawfly,Tenthredo grandis (Tenthredinidae) contained catalpol sequestered from the larval host plant. The exuvia also contained catalpol, whereas the frass contained only aucubin. These results indicate that larvae of this sawfly selectively sequester catalpol, eliminating the aucubin in the frass.     

Concluding causation from correlation: Comment on Burns and Spangler (2000).

This commentary critiques the study conducted by D. D. Burns and D. Spangler (2000) (see record 2000-13544-005) in which the relationship between homework compliance and therapy outcome was estimated using structural equation modeling (SEM). Although the authors, of the commentary advocate the use of SEM, they suggest greater caution in the indiscriminate endorsement of a causal relationship based on (a) correlational data and (b) retrospective accounts of the main predictor variable within a cross-sectional design. This discussion also highlights a need to address the issue of therapist competence in homework administration. The results of Burns and Spangler's report are consistent with existing empirical evidence suggesting that compliance with homework facilitates therapeutic outcome. However, the gold standard for determining causal inferences rests on prospective, experimental research rather than on retrospective, correlational models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Do Enemies of Herbivores Influence Plant Growth and Chemistry? Evidence from a Seminatural Experiment

It is predicted that enemies of insect herbivores may influence the effects of herbivores on their host plants by affecting the choice of plant genotypes. To examine the effect of predators, we conducted two experiments, each with a different caterpillar species (Junonia coenia and Pyrrharctia isabella). Under seminatural conditions, we provided a choice between two genotypes of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) with different levels of iridoid glycosides and used Podisus maculiventris stinkbugs as predators. There were four treatments: no herbivores and no predators, low density of herbivores and no predators, high density of herbivores and no predators, and high density of herbivores plus predators. The caterpillars had little effect on plant growth but did influence the iridoid glycoside concentration. For the Junonia experiment, the concentration of iridoid glycosides was less for plots with a low density of caterpillars (with no predators) compared to the other treatments of caterpillar density. In the Pyrrharctia experiment, catalpol was induced by a high density of caterpillars (with no predators). There were no increases in total iridoid glycosides associated with either herbivore species. The presence of predators had no effect on plant growth or total iridoid glycoside pattern. The lack of effect by predators seems to reflect the relatively large variation in iridoid glycoside concentration among leaf ages, and the herbivores ability to respond to that variation, such that the difference in iridoid glycoside concentrations in the plant genotypes was less important.     

A comparison of techniques for nondestructive composition measurements in CdZnTe substrates

We report an overview and a comparison of nondestructive optical techniques for determining alloy composition x in Cd_1-xZn_xTe substrates for HgCdTe epitaxy. The methods for single-point measurements include a new x-ray diffraction technique for precision lattice parameter measurements using a standard highresolution diffractometer, room-temperature photoreflectance, and low-temperature photoluminescence. We compare measurements on the same set of samples by all three techniques. Comparisons of precision and accuracy, with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of different techniques, are presented. In addition, a new photoluminescence excitation technique for full-wafer imaging of composition variations is described.