Age-related slowing and the time course of semantic priming in visual word identification.

Investigated, in 4 experiments, the time course of semantic priming effects during 2 forms of visual word identification, lexical decision and pronunciation. On each trial, a target letter string was preceded by a single-word priming context. The effects of varying the stimulus onset asynchrony between the prime and the target indicated that the time course of semantic priming was equivalent for young and older adults. There were no consistent differences between lexical decision and pronunciation in the time course of semantic priming. The age differences associated with response selection were greater than would be predicted by generalized age-related slowing. The semantic priming effects were also inconsistent with a generalized slowing model, but the reliability of these effects was substantially lower than the reliability of the other task-related variables. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Non-contact measurement of the mechanical properties of materials using an all-optical technique

Describes an optically-based measurement mechanism which realizes a totally noncontact assessment of the most important mechanical properties of structural materials - namely effective stiffness and Poisson ratio. These parameters are sensitive indicators of material integrity. The technique uses laser generated broadband ultrasound as a probe and interferometric optical detection as the detector again exploiting the broadband capability of optics in both space and time. Both detection and excitation systems are most conveniently realized in practical systems through optical fiber linkages. Observing the coupled waveforms between source and detector as a function of source: detector separation after a space : time Fourier transform yields a set of dispersion curves for the ultrasonic (typically Lamb wave) transfer function of the sample. This, in turn, can be inverted using curve fitting routines to obtain effective values of modulus and stiffness. An initial assessment of this inversion process is presented and demonstrates that the effective modulus can be extracted with a confidence level of better than a few percent with slightly larger errors in the Poisson ratio.     

Dynamic averaging and foraging decisions in horses (Equus callabus).

The variability of most environments taxes foraging decisions by increasing the uncertainty of the information available. One solution to the problem is to use dynamic averaging, as do some granivores and carnivores. Arguably, the same strategy could be useful for grazing herbivores, even though their food renews and is more homogeneously distributed. Horses (Equus callabus) were given choices between variable patches after short or long delays. When patch information was current, horses returned to the patch that was recently best, whereas those without current information matched choices to the long-term average values of the patches. These results demonstrate that a grazing species uses dynamic averaging and indicate that, like granivores and carnivores, they can use temporal weighting to optimize foraging decisions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Modular implementation of efficient self-checking checkers for the Berger code

A technique for designing efficient checkers for conventional Berger code is proposed in this paper. The check bits are derived by partitioning the information bits into two blocks, and then using an addition array to sum the number of 1's in each block. The check bit generator circuit uses a specially designed 4-input 1's counter. Two other types of 1's counters having 2 and 3 inputs are also used to realize checkers for variable length information bits. Several variations of 2-bit adder circuits are used to add the number of 1's. The check bit generator circuit uses gates with fan-in of less than or equal to 4 to simplify implementation in CMOS. The technique achieves significant improvement in gate count as well as speed over existing approaches.     

Interrelations of social support measures: Theoretical and practical implications.

To obtain a clearer picture of what constitutes social support, we conducted three studies to compare measures of different conceptions of social support. Relations of these instruments to various personality measures were also investigated. Subdividing the construct into discrete functions did not add to the sensitivity of the indices. Measures of received support and support networks were not strongly related to most of the perceived available support measures. Interview and questionnaire approaches were similar in the information they evoked about close supportive relationships. The results suggest that measures of perceived available support, regardless of the way the instruments attempt to break down the construct, generally assess the extent to which an individual is accepted, loved, and involved in relationships in which communication is open. Psychometric characteristics of the measures were associated with differential sensitivity over the range of supportive relationships. The theoretical implications of the findings are discussed with emphasis on the common core underlying social support indices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Protection against myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury by inhibitors of two separate pathways of Na+ entry

Critics of Kohlberg's moral theory today focus on the content of his theory and more specifically on its justice-orientated moral concept. This has led to the well-known 'justice-care debate'. The purpose of this article is to critically examine the validity of Kohlberg's moral theory for research in nursing ethics from a caring perspective (referring to the content) as well as from a cognitive-structural perspective (referring to the basic assumptions of the model). The analysis points to the usefulness and value of the cognitive-structural model to empirically study nurses' ethical behaviour; the content of Kohlberg's model, however, needs to be adapted by adding a caring perspective as well as some personal and situational variables. An adjusted version of Kohlberg's model is proposed and discussed.     

From Sultaniyeh to Tashkent Scrolls: Euclidean Constructions of Two Nine- and Twelve-Pointed Interlocking Star Polygon Designs

In this paper we will explore two nine- and twelvepointed Islamic star polygon patterns consisting of ??nearly regular?? nine-pointed, regular twelve-pointed and irregularly-shaped pentagonal star polygons. The two designs are similar in that they may both be classified mathematically as being p6m patterns with the major star polygons placed in identical locations within each layout; however, the structure of the major stars is quite different. Both of the patterns considered here are of Persian origin. The first design may be found as a repeat unit sketch of the Tashkent Scrolls, and exists as a Timurid-style stone inlay and mosaic tiling in India. The second pattern may be found as Plate 120 of Bourgoin??s Arabic Geometrical Pattern and Design and exists as a stucco/plasterwork ceiling in the Mausoleum of Sultan Oljaytu in Sultaniyeh, Iran, as well as numerous other locations across the Islamic world. Both patterns may be recreated via plausible Euclidean ??point-joining?? constructions (that is, using only the methods available to medieval artisans) in an attempt to ascertain how the original designers of these patterns may have determined the proportion and placement of the stars.