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The authors propose a model of relationship differentiation that is based on two psychological mechanisms, the regulation of emotional closeness and the monitoring of reciprocity. Both combined are expected to define relationship systems of differential reproductive significance: Relative to others, kin relationships are predicted by higher closeness and lower reciprocity, cooperative (non-kin) relationships by lower closeness and higher reciprocity, and partner relationships by both higher closeness and higher reciprocity. These assumptions could be confirmed by two studies involving 455 young adults and 171 middle-aged couples from different family forms (i.e., traditional and patchwork families, involuntary and motivated childless couples). Effects varied primarily due to parental investment such that parental partners become less distinguishable from kin, or, in other words, more like "elected kin". Results highlight the flexibility of relationship differentiation.

So far, securitization analysis has proceeded on the basis of an assumption that there are sectoral differences between securitization dynamics. However, sectors in this context were primarily seen as analytical 'lenses', as complexity-reducing cuts through a complex social reality. In this article, we first reflect on the ontological status of 'sectors'. Do they represent functionally differentiated realms of world politics or world society, or do sectors and functional realms need to be separated from one another clearly? After giving a short introduction to the notion of 'functional differentiation' in international relations and briefly reflecting on the ontological/analytical distinction, we scrutinize the relation between sectors and functionally differentiated realms of society. Although sectors hang together with functional differentiation, much depends on the version of functional differentiation theory used. In the communication theoretical version, securitization would be firmly located within the political system. References to functionally specific sectors would then – contra Waltz – point not only towards functional differentiation between the political and other functionally defined realms of (international) society, but also towards ongoing functional differentiation within the (international) political system.

The recent data on epigenetic control of differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells to be the background of embryogenesis and regeneration process in organism are considered. Epigenetic control is bases on three intramolecular mechanisms – DNA methylation, structural modification of histone proteins and microRNA active on posttranscription and posttranslation levels. As an example, the issues of stem cell differentiation in the liver are considered.

The effects of the delegation of control to managers are investigated in a duopolistic market for differentiated goods. It appears that delegation is profitable to shareholders under Cournot competiton, provided that the rival firm maximizes profit.