Background: Good social connections have been identified as a factor that may be associated with healthy cognitive function in later life. In line with cognitive reserve theory, good social connections may provide mental stimulation through complex interaction with others and hence build cognitive reserve and maintain healthy cognitive function. However, there is considerable inconsistency in findings reported by studies that examine this association. Inconsistency in findings may be attributed to the heterogeneity of concepts potentially associated with social connections and to the variation in approaches to measuring and defining these concepts. Aims: To assess the association between aspects of social connections and cognitive function in later life. This thesis introduces a novel element by considering the moderating role of cognitive reserve in this association. Method: A scoping review was conducted to establish which concepts are used within the literature to describe social connections and how these are measured and defined. Next, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify evidence regarding the association between social isolation and cognitive function in published studies. Empirical work was conducted using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study-Wales (CFAS-Wales) to determine the associations between social isolation, cognitive reserve, and cognitive function in healthy older people. Extending this approach further, these associations were examined in two groups potentially at risk of social isolation: older people with depression or anxiety and older people living alone. Finally, empirical work was completed using the Platform for Research Online to investigate Genetics and Cognition in Ageing (PROTECT) to assess how satisfaction with social contact may be associated with cognitive function compared to a structural measure of isolation. Results: A lack of social connections was associated with poor cognitive function in later life. For people with depression or anxiety, these associations may be better explained by mood-related symptoms than social connections. People who live alone in later life were at no greater risk of poor cognitive function compared to those living with others. Satisfaction with social contact was associated with poor cognitive function but a structural measure of social isolation was not. Conclusions: Social connections play an important role in building cognitive reserve and protecting people against poor cognitive function in later life. People who are vulnerable to social isolation have different needs to those who are less vulnerable. Satisfaction with social contact is often neglected in measures that assess structural aspects of social connections but may be a better predictor of cognitive function.

The thesis discusses the problem of the current situation of the USD and it's possible replacement by the basket of currencies.

As plântulas de jatobá apresentam grandes quantidades de reserva de carbono, na forma de polissacarídeos constituintes de parede, presentes em seus cotilédones. Estas reservas são inicialmente utilizadas para expansão dos eófilos. Após esta fase, as plântulas passam a dispor de duas fontes de carbono, sendo elas, as reservas (que ainda não se esgotaram totalmente) e a autotrófica (compreendida pela fotossíntese) (Santos e Buckeridge, 2004). O acompanhamento em condições constantes de diversas variáveis nos permitiu concluir que a maioria dos parâmetros envolvidos com a fotossíntese são controlados circadianamente. Este controle apresenta, ao menos, dois sistemas oscilatórios independentes, que atuam, quando sob um ciclo ambiental, em conjunto. O controle da degradação das reservas é mais incerto, apesar de apresentarmos fortes evidências que apontam para a existência de um controle temporal endógeno. Conseguimos identificar, em alguns casos, uma influência forte do ambiente agindo diretamente sobra a expressão de algumas variáveis, como a concentração de clorofila. Por fim, desenhamos um quadro geral do controle temporal envolvido na questão fonte dreno (durante a fase de estabelecimento desta espécie), no qual, pudemos integrar os dados de todas as variáveis aferidas, definindo os principais mecanismos de controle envolvidos / Jatobá seedlings have large amounts of carbon reserves in the form of wall constituent polysaccharides, present in their cotyledons. These reserves are initially used in the expansion of the eophylls. After this stage, the seedlings have two sources of carbon, the reserves (which are not fully degraded yet) and autotrophic (understood as photosynthesis) (Santos and Buckeridge, 2004). The constant conditions allowed us to conclude that most of the parameters involved in the photosynthesis process are circadian controlled. This control mechanism has at least two independent oscillatory systems, which are coupled when under the influence of an environmental cycle. The nature of the temporal control of the reserves degradation is yet unclear. Although, evidences are that it\'s being controlled by an endogenous component. We were able to identify, in some cases, a strong influence of the environment, acting directly on the expression of some variables (such as chlorophyll concentration). Finally, we draw a general picture of the temporal control mechanism involved in the source-sink balance (during the establishment phase of this species), in which we were able to integrate all our data and therefore, identify some important control mechanisms involved

As plântulas de jatobá apresentam grandes quantidades de reserva de carbono, na forma de polissacarídeos constituintes de parede, presentes em seus cotilédones. Estas reservas são inicialmente utilizadas para expansão dos eófilos. Após esta fase, as plântulas passam a dispor de duas fontes de carbono, sendo elas, as reservas (que ainda não se esgotaram totalmente) e a autotrófica (compreendida pela fotossíntese) (Santos e Buckeridge, 2004). O acompanhamento em condições constantes de diversas variáveis nos permitiu concluir que a maioria dos parâmetros envolvidos com a fotossíntese são controlados circadianamente. Este controle apresenta, ao menos, dois sistemas oscilatórios independentes, que atuam, quando sob um ciclo ambiental, em conjunto. O controle da degradação das reservas é mais incerto, apesar de apresentarmos fortes evidências que apontam para a existência de um controle temporal endógeno. Conseguimos identificar, em alguns casos, uma influência forte do ambiente agindo diretamente sobra a expressão de algumas variáveis, como a concentração de clorofila. Por fim, desenhamos um quadro geral do controle temporal envolvido na questão fonte dreno (durante a fase de estabelecimento desta espécie), no qual, pudemos integrar os dados de todas as variáveis aferidas, definindo os principais mecanismos de controle envolvidos / Jatobá seedlings have large amounts of carbon reserves in the form of wall constituent polysaccharides, present in their cotyledons. These reserves are initially used in the expansion of the eophylls. After this stage, the seedlings have two sources of carbon, the reserves (which are not fully degraded yet) and autotrophic (understood as photosynthesis) (Santos and Buckeridge, 2004). The constant conditions allowed us to conclude that most of the parameters involved in the photosynthesis process are circadian controlled. This control mechanism has at least two independent oscillatory systems, which are coupled when under the influence of an environmental cycle. The nature of the temporal control of the reserves degradation is yet unclear. Although, evidences are that it\'s being controlled by an endogenous component. We were able to identify, in some cases, a strong influence of the environment, acting directly on the expression of some variables (such as chlorophyll concentration). Finally, we draw a general picture of the temporal control mechanism involved in the source-sink balance (during the establishment phase of this species), in which we were able to integrate all our data and therefore, identify some important control mechanisms involved

The thesis is composed of two major parts: part one includes a statement, images and a reflection on a body of work entitled "The Ocean Is What I Meant By." These works are constructed of layers of cut tulle mounted in painted wooden frames, in which words cut out of the fabric interact to create abstract pictorial spaces. The second part of the thesis examines of the historical role of theory in the conceptualization and production of art. I argue that theory has historically occupied itself with art in categories properly connected to action, considering the end, virtues and vices associated with works of art. I consider the end of contemplation as it is advanced by Paulinus of Nola and evidenced in a sixth-century Roman mosaic, the vice of seduction as identified by Bernard of Clairvaux (against Abbot Suger of St.-Dénis), the virtue of reserve as present in Michelangelo Merisis da Caravaggio's canvases containing self-portraits. With these concepts in view, I proceed to consider the paintings of John Sloan in ethical categories--the categories most appropriate to considerations of action. I conclude by examining a disagreement between Robert Storr and Benjamin Buchloh over the interpretation of Gerhard Richter's "October 18, 1977," suggesting that the role of theory in art is returning to the more time-worn categories I associate with early Western writing about art.

Older bilingual adults typically perform better than monolinguals in tasks of executive control, and are diagnosed later with dementia. Studies have also shown structural and functional brain differences between bilinguals and monolinguals. However, it remains poorly understood how language history influences the functional organization of the aging brain. The current study investigated; 1) differences in resting-state functional connectivity between monolinguals and bilinguals in the Default Mode Network (DMN), Frontoparietal Network (FPN), Executive Control Network (ECN), Language Network (LANG), and a network consisting of structures associated with tasks of executive control coined the Bilingual Control Network (BCN); 2) the relationship of cognitive performance with functional connectivity of the BCN; and 3) whether proficiency, age of second language acquisition, degree of second language exposure, and frequency of language use predicts the network’s functional connectivity. Healthy older bilinguals (N=10) were matched pairwise for age, sex and education to healthy older monolinguals (N=10). All participants completed a battery of cognitive tests, a language history questionnaire, and a 6-minute functional scan during rest. Results showed that groups did not differ in cognitive performance, or in the functional connectivity of the FPN, ECN, LANG, or BCN. However, monolinguals had significantly stronger functional connectivity in the DMN compared to bilinguals. Later age of second language acquisition and lower proficiency were also associated with greater DMN functional connectivity. None of these variables predicted BCN’s functional connectivity. However, bilinguals showed stronger functional connectivity with other structures outside of the canonical networks compared to monolinguals. Finally, vocabulary scores, local switch cost accuracy and reaction time were negatively correlated with BCN’s functional connectivity. Overall, these findings illustrate differences in functional brain organization associated with language experience in the DMN, while challenging the “bilingual advantage” hypothesis. The results also suggest a possible neural mechanism by which bilingualism might mediate cognitive reserve.

Unique and proprietary data of the illiquid, one-year non cancelable for three month Bermudan swaps (1Y NC 3M swaps) and one-year non callable for three months Bermudan CDs (1Y NC 3M CDs), provides evidence of market efficiency. The 1Y NC 3M swap and 1Y NC 3M CD markets efficiently reflected unexpected economic information. The 1Y NC 3M swaption premiums also followed the European one-year into three-month (1Y into 3M) swaption volatilities. Swaption premiums were computed by pricing non-optional instruments using the quoted 1Y NC 3M swap rates and the par value swap rates and taking the difference between them. Swaption premiums ranged from a slight negative premium to a 0.21 percent premium. The average swaption premium during the study period was 0.02 percent to 0.04 percent. The initial swaption premiums were over 0.20 percent while the final swaption premiums were 0.02 percent to 0.04 percent. Premiums peaked and waned throughout the study period depending on market uncertainty as reflected in major national economic announcements, Federal Reserve testimonies and foreign currency devaluations. Negative swaption premiums were not necessarily irrational or quoting errors. Frequently, traders obligated to provide market quotes to customers do not have an interest and relay that lack of interest to the customer through a nonaggressive quote. The short-dated 1Y NC 3M swaption premiums closely followed 3M into 1Y swaption volatilities, indicating the 3M into 1Y swaption market closely follows the 1Y NC 3M swaption market and that similar market factors affect both markets or both markets efficiently share information. Movements in 1Y NC 3M swaption premiums and in 3M into 1Y swaption volatilities reflected a rational response by market participants to unexpected economic information. As market uncertainty decreased in the market place, risk measured both by swaption premiums and swaption volatilities decreased; vice verse when economic factors showed increases in economic uncertainty.

Winter wheat stubble and dried plant residue in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields were burned in the fall and spring to evaluate effects on jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host.) seed survival and germination. Laboratory studies were also conducted to determine minimum temperatures and heat duration needed to reduce jointed goatgrass seed viability. Maximum air temperatures attained during various field burns reached from 74 C to over 700 C. Temperatures 2.5 em above the soil surface remained above 400 C for over 10 seconds and above 600 C for 2 to 8 seconds in burning CRP stubble. Results for the winter wheat stubble location were similar with temperatures sustained above 400 C for over 30 seconds. Seed exposure in the lab to 400 and 600 C flames for 1 second reduced germination to 20 and 15 percent, respectively. Germination was reduced to zero with exposures of 10 seconds or more. Oven temperatures of 150 C reduced germination to 85, 57.5, 17.5, 0 and 0 percent for exposures of 20, 30, 60, 120 and 300 seconds, respectively. At 275 C oven temperature germinability dropped to 50% after a 10 second exposure and 0% after a 20 second exposure. Jointed goatgrass plant populations were reduced 54 to 92% after field burning in the spring or fall. Fall burning provided 70 to 85% control of goatgrass the following spring. In non-burned non-disked plots over 90% of emerging plants germinated from seeds on the soil surface. In burned non-disked plots few seeds germinated from on the surface, with 80 to 90 percent of surviving plants having germinated from buried seed. Herbicides provided limited control of jointed goatgrass. None of the herbicides provided greater than 50% control.

With world crude oil reserves decreasing and energy prices continually increasing, interest in developing renewable alternatives to petroleum-based liquid fuels has increased. An alternative that has received consideration is the growth and harvest of microalgae for the production of biodiesel via extraction of the microalgal oil or lipids. However, costs related to the growth, harvesting and dewatering, and processing of algal biomass have limited commercial scale production of algal biodiesel. Coupling wastewater remediation to microalgal growth can lower costs associated with large scale growth of microalgae. Microalgae are capable of assimilating inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater into the biomass. By harvesting the microalgal biomass these nutrients can be removed, thus remediating the wastewater. Standard methods of oil extraction require drying the harvested biomass, adding significant energetic cost to processing the algal biomass. Extracting algal lipids from wet microalgal biomass using traditional methods leads to drastic reductions in extraction efficiency, driving up processing costs. A wet lipid extraction procedure was developed that was capable of extracting 79% of the transesterifiable lipids from wet algal biomass (16% solids) without the use of organic solvents while using relatively mild conditions (90 °C and ambient pressures). Ultimately 77% of the extracted lipids were collected for biodiesel production. Furthermore, the procedure was capable of precipitating chlorophyll, allowing for the collection of algal lipids independently of chlorophyll. The capability of this procedure to extract lipids from wet algal biomass, to reduce chlorophyll contamination of the algal oil, and to generate feedstock material for the production of additional bio-products provides the basis for reducing scale-up costs associated with the production of algal biofuels and bioproducts.

<p>This study is an investigation of a sub community within the community of Hovsjö. The local government has financed a project in Hovsjö which is intended to bring about positive development. The prior object of this paper is to describe the project, it’s planning, it’s methods, it’s carrying through, and it’s goals. This study presents the district of Hovsjö in Södertälje. According to a government agency the district is classified as one of Sweden’s twelve most socioeconomicly exposed metropolitan sub-areas. Our goal is to tell about the prevailing condition there and to present the experiences of a group of residents. From a pedagogical and sociological point of view this commitment in Hovsjö can become a tool to break the alienation. Our study of the metropolitan sub-area and the Hovsjö investment project is empirical. However in our concluding discussion we suggest that the Hovsjö investment project will succeed in breaking alienation there.</p>