Graphic applications of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML)

The Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) is a language for representing document structure. This paper discusses ways in which the SGML language might be used to represent graphic as well as textual contents of a document. By using SGML markup for both graphics and text, a document processing application can achieve a more uniform treatment and tighter coupling between these two types of materials.     

Plane stress deformation zones at crack tips in polycarbonate

The plastic deformation produced crack tips in polycarbonate (PC) films stretched in tension, has been characterized by optical and transmission electron microscopy. An extensive and diffuse region of deformation is formed in unannealed specimens. Within this zone the ratio (v _f) of local film thickness to the (undeformed) thickness far away from the crack varies gradually both along and across the zone. The minimum ratio of 0.5 occurs at the crack tip. In contrast to this behaviour, films annealed for a short time just below the glass transition temperature T _g showed a highly localized response, the plastic strain being confined to a well-defined flame shaped deformation zone (DZ) ahead of the crack. Within most of this DZ, v _f is constant at 0.7, rising to 1 over a distance of 10 m at the zone tip, and falling to 0.5 over a distance of 4 m around the crack tip. Bi-refringence measurements show that a high degree of molecular orientation occurs within the zone. These experiments support the idea that an increase in the localization of the plastic strain response upon annealing below T _g is responsible for the embrittlement of PC by such heat treatment.     

Label-free imaging of semiconducting and metallic carbon nanotubes in cells and mice using transient absorption microscopy

As interest in the potential biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes increases, there is a need for methods that can image nanotubes in live cells, tissues and animals. Although techniques such as Raman, photoacoustic and near-infrared photoluminescence imaging have been used to visualize nanotubes in biological environments, these techniques are limited because nanotubes provide only weak photoluminescence and low Raman scattering and it remains difficult to image both semiconducting and metallic nanotubes at the same time. Here, we show that transient absorption microscopy offers a label-free method to image both semiconducting and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes in vitro and in vivo, in real time, with submicrometre resolution. By using appropriate near-infrared excitation wavelengths, we detect strong transient absorption signals with opposite phases from semiconducting and metallic nanotubes. Our method separates background signals generated by red blood cells and this allows us to follow the movement of both types of nanotubes inside cells and in the blood circulation and organs of mice without any significant damaging effects.     

The copula: a tool for simulating speckle dynamics

Use of a copula for generating a sequence of correlated speckle patterns is introduced. The chief characteristic of this algorithm is that it generates a continuous speckle sequence with a specified evolution of the correlation and does so with just two arrays of random numbers. Thus, physically realistic temporally varying speckle patterns with proper first- and second-order statistics are easily realized. We illustrate use of the algorithm for generating sequences with prescribed Gaussian, exponential, and equal-interval correlations and demonstrate how correlation times can be specified independently. This approach to generating sequences of random realizations with prescribed correlations should prove useful in modeling such phenomena as dynamic light scatter, flow-dependent laser speckle contrast, and propagation of spatial coherence.     

The wabush mines fire

How could a five-million-dollar fire occur in a seemingly low hazard industry? The author discusses one such fire and examines the lessons learned from it. It takes careful study to determine if well-known fire protection principles are being violated.     

Production of Glucose from Maize Grits on Commercial Scale

An industrial process is described whereby maize grits are used as raw material for the production of glucose syrup and dextrose. Glucose syrup is produced by means of a single-enzyme system which eliminates many disadvantages associated with a double-enzyme system. Chemical analysis of the syrup and protein residue as well as a gel chromatogram of the syrup is also presented in the paper.     

Higher-order model of resilience in the Canadian forces.

Psychological resilience is an important construct for those who work in high-stress, potentially traumatic occupations. Using data collected as part of the Canadian Forces (CF) Recruit Health Questionnaire (RHQ), structural equation modelling analyses were performed to test the fit of a model of resilience comprised of several intrapersonal resilience factors (i.e., Big Five personality traits, dispositional affect, dispositional optimism, hardiness, mastery, self-esteem) and one interpersonal resilience factor (i.e., social support). An initial model showed that all lower-order intrapersonal variables loaded significantly onto a higher-order intrapersonal resilience latent factor, and that this factor was significantly correlated with social support. However, the strong intercorrelations between a few of the intrapersonal variables pointed to some redundancy. Based on empirical data and on a conceptual analysis, an alternative, more parsimonious model of resilience was developed. This model consisted of the Big Five personality traits, positive affect, and mastery as lower-order factors of dispositional resilience, which was hypothesised to be correlated with social support. This analysis is an important first step to developing an approach to conceptualise and measure resilience. One benefit of being able to assess resilience is that doing so can inform the development of programs to enhance mental health, readiness and recovery. However, more research is needed to understand the processes through which these psychological factors influence occupational as well as health outcomes before relevant policies may be developed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)