The nature and cross-domain correlates of subjective age in the oldest old: Evidence from the OCTO Study.

Self-reflections of age and aging are predictors for key outcomes such as mortality, but little is known about the nature and potential antecedents of subjective age in very old age. We used cross-sectional data from the Swedish OCTO study (N = 267; B. Johansson & S. H. Zarit, 1995) and found that almost two thirds of the 84- to 90-year-olds reported not feeling old. Multinomial logistic regression analyses indicated that younger age and better physical functioning as well as higher well-being and mastery beliefs were all related to not feeling old. In multivariate analyses, however, mastery beliefs emerged as the most consistent and robust predictor of subjective age. Our findings suggest that adaptive capacities may be preserved into advanced age and highlight the pivotal role of perceived control for successful aging. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Alkyl substitution in terminal chain of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate,a pheromone component of turnip moth,Agrotis segetum. Synthesis,single-sensillum recordings,and structure-activity relationships

Structure-activity relationships for 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-alkyl substituted analogs of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, a pheromone component of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum, have been studied by electrophysiological single-sensillum recordings, and interpreted in terms of a receptor-interaction model. The compounds were prepared by alkenyl cuprate reactions with,-unsaturated carbonyl derivatives or alkyl halides. The electrophysiological results indicate steric repulsive interactions between the alkyl groups and the receptor in all the positions studied. This demonstrates a high complementarity between the receptor and the terminal alkyl chain.Schiff., Lepidoptera: Noctuidae.     

Sense of coherence as a protective mechanism among targets of workplace bullying.

The present study investigated sense of coherence (SOC) as a protective factor among targets of workplace bullying. A hypothesis that strong SOC lessens the relationship between exposure to bullying and symptoms of posttraumatic stress was tested in a cross-sectional sample of 221 self-labeled targets of workplace bullying. The findings showed that SOC offers most protective benefits to targets exposed to low levels of bullying, whereas the benefits of SOC diminish as bullying becomes more severe. The results support previous findings that workplace bullying is a traumatic experience for those exposed to it, regardless of the target's available coping resources. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The encoding of spoken texts

There is a great deal of variation in the encoding of spoken texts in electronic form, both with respect to the types of features represented and the way particular features are rendered. This paper surveys problems in the electronic representation of speech and presents the solutions proposed by the Text Encoding Initiative. The special tags needed for the encoding of spoken texts are discussed, including a mechanism for temporal alignment. Further work is needed on phonological aspects, parallel representation, and on the development of software which connects the systematic underlying representation with a workable format for input and display.     

Photolysis study of perfluoro-2-methyl-3-pentanone under natural sunlight conditions

The UV-vis and infrared absorption cross sections of perfluoro-2-methyl-3-pentanone (CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2, 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-penta none), has been obtained, and a photolysis study was carried out under natural sunlight conditions in the European simulation chamber, Valencia, Spain (EUPHORE). The photolysis loss rate, J(photol), equaled (6.4 +/- 0.3) x 10(-6) s(-1) in the period of 10-14 GMT, July 14, 2003 in Valencia (0.5 W, 39.5 N) and corresponded to an effective quantum yield of photolysis of 0.043 +/- 0.011 over the wavelength range of 290-400 nm; the error limits correspond to 2sigma from the statistical analyses. The atmospheric lifetime of CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2 is estimated to be around 1 week, and the global warming potential of the compound is negligible.     

A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF A CRACK GROWING UNDER CYCLIC LOADING

Abstract— Crack growth under cyclic loading has been studied by the finite element method. The calculation was made for plane stress conditions. The crack tip zone was modelled as a cohesive zone. The displacement of the free crack surface during unloading was found to be governed by the surrounding continuum and was independent of the details in the fracture zone. This means that crack closure upon unloading is directly related to the ultimate separation, of the cohesive zone, which in turn controls the residual plastic deformation left in the wake of the growing crack. If the distance over which closure takes place is rather small, closure may be very difficult to detect by the compliance technique.     

A survey of Swedish buildings from the energy aspect

One consequence of the growing emphasis on energy conservation in existing buildings is a demand for information on the technical characteristics and the current state of existing buildings.To obtain the required information a survey of Swedish buildings was undertaken in 1977. Data were obtained from the inspection of 3,101 buildings comprising a statistical sample, and from an analysis of the relevant archived documents for these buildings. The population from which this sample was drawn comprised all buildings that are essentially heated to at least 18 °C (the permissible minimum temperature for occupied buildings in Sweden) exclusive of military buildings, recreational dwellings and industrial buildings.This paper gives a brief account of the practical experience gained from the survey and outlines the statistical methods employed.Some preliminary results from the survey are also reported. One of these is that the thermal resistances of single family houses, built prior to 1940, were found to be considerably greater than had formerly been assumed.     

Phase equilibria and their influence on the properties of emulsions

Phase diagrams water-emulsifiers-oil have been investigated. Results show that not only the association of the three compounds into liquid crystalline phases has an effect on the properties of the emulsion but also that the association into micelles of the emulsifier in the oil phase influences both the type and the stability of the emulsion.     

Solubilization of triglycerides by hydrotropic interaction: Liquid crystalline phases

An investigation of the possibility of preparing aqueous solutions of triglycerides has been made by determining phase regions in systems of three and four components. The results have shown that isotropic aqueous solutions with solubilized triglyceride of up to about 15 wt % can be achieved. A primary solubilization of the triglyceride into a liquid crystalline phase of monoglyceride is followed by the addition of a hydrotrope which transforms the liquid crystalline phase into an isotropic liquid in which the triglyceride is soluble at certain component ratios.     

“Seafarers should be navigating by the stars”: barriers to usability in ship bridge design

Cognition, Technology & Work - Navigating a ship is a complex task that requires close interaction between navigators and technology available on the ship’s bridge. The quality of this...