Item and order information in subject-performed tasks and experimenter-performed tasks.

This study investigated the enactment effect from the perspective of the item-order hypothesis (e.g., M. Serra & J. S. Naime, 1993). The authors assumed that in subject-performed tasks (SPTs), item encoding is improved but order encoding is disrupted compared with experimenter-performed tasks (EPTs), that order encoding of EPTs is only better in pure lists, and that the item-order hypothesis is confined to short lists. Item information was tested in recognition memory tests, order information in order reconstruction tasks, and both item and order information in free-recall tests. The results of 5 experiments using short (8 items) and long lists (24 items) in a design with list type (pure, mixed) and encoding condition (EPT, SPT) as factors supported the hypotheses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Accurate numerical modeling of microstrip junctions and discontinuities

A general numerical solver for analyzing microstrip geometries of rectangular shape is presented in this paper. The analytical foundation of this solver is based on an integral equation approach which we formulate in the spatial domain. The unknown surface current on the microstrip is solved by the method of moments using 2D rectangular pulses as the expansion functions. Transmission-line modeling is then used to parameterize a given microstrip junction or discontinuity. Aided by a graphics interface, this solver can analyze complex structures without incurring additional analytical complexity. We illustrate the accuracy and versatility of our solver by applying it to several different microstrip discontinuities ranging from a single-stub to an interdigitated capacitor.     

The Lightweight Nickel Fiber Electrode for Nickel-Based Battery Systems

Development of a high specific energy battery is one of the objectives of the lightweight nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H₂) program at the NASA Lewis Research center. The approach has been to improve the nickel electrode by continuing combined in house and contract efforts to develop a more efficient and lighter weight electrode for the nickel-hydrogen cell. Small fiber diameter nickel plaques are used as conductive supports for the nickel hydrogen active material. These plaques have an advantage of increased surface area available for the deposition of active material. Initial tests include activation and capacity measurements at different discharge rates followed by life cycling.