Ultrafast Spectroscopy of La2−x Sr x CuO4 Single Crystals

We present measurements of the ultrafast optical response of La_2–x Sr _x CuO₄ single crystals at two different doping levels (x=0.15, 0.07) as a function of temperature. Owing to the 40-fs time resolution of our experiment, we are able to measure both the build-up and the decay of the ultrafast signal. We show for the first time that the temperature dependence of the transient reflectance amplitude tracks the thermal depletion of the superfluid density. At low temperature we identify a new regime characterized by an extremely long, temperature-dependent rise-time (3 ps). The doping dependence of the relaxation rate suggests that this is sensitive to the scattering of quasiparticles by low-energy spin excitations.     

Knowing Good From Bad: The Paradox of Neuroticism, Negative Affect, and Evaluative Processing.

There are pragmatic benefits to trait-consistent mood states, especially when people are evaluating new objects within the environment (M. Tamir, M. D. Robinson, & G. L. Clore, 2002). The present studies, involving both naturally occurring (Studies 1 and 2) and manipulated (Study 3) mood states, demonstrated such trait-consistent interactions within the context of neuroticism and negative mood states. Individuals high in neuroticism were faster to make evaluations when in a negative mood state like sadness. By contrast, individuals low in neuroticism were faster to make evaluations when in a neutral mood state. The present studies demonstrate that although negative mood states are hedonically unpleasant, they can be beneficial in some ways for individuals high in neuroticism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electrical and optical feedback in an InGaAs/InP light-amplifyingoptical switch (LAOS)

A circuit model for optical and electrical feedback has been developed to investigate the cause of negative differential resistance (NDR) switching in a series connected heterojunction phototransistor (HPT) light-emitting diode (LED) device. The model considers optical feedback from the light generated in the LED, electrical feedback from the holes thermally emitted over the LED cladding layer, nonlinear gain of the HPT, the Early effect, and leakage resistance. The analysis shows that either electrical or optical feedback can be the dominant cause for the NDR, depending upon their relative strengths. The NDR observed in the devices was caused primarily by electrical feedback since the optical feedback is weak. For low input power, avalanche breakdown appears to initiate the NDR in the devices although avalanching alone cannot cause NDR     

A multimedia interactive conferencing application for personalworkstations

The multimedia interactive conferencing application (MICA), a personal-workstation application for multipoint visual teleconferencing, is described. MICA allows people at two or more locations to share visual material such as documents, photographs, and computer screens in a highly interactive way. It supports the distribution, storage, retrieval, and high-quality display of visuals, real-time interaction by pointing and annotation, and meeting services facilities. The context of multimedia teleconferencing and computer-supported cooperative work is established, relating earlier research to the design of MICA. The services MICA offers are outlined. The handling, compression, and display of multiple media, and the design of a suitable user interface for MICA are discussed     

Enhancing the precision of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An application of item response theory.

Examined, using item response theory, the measurement qualities of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, with data taken from the 2,348 veteran participants in the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study. Using F. Samejima's (1969) graded response model, estimates of each item's discrimination and difficulty parameters were derived, and item and test information functions were then computed. Various item information patterns and sample items are discussed in terms of improved assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A distant-learning training module on the environmental design of urban buildings

The present paper aims to present a distant-learning training module that concerns the environmental design of urban buildings. The whole approach attempts to integrate topics that concern the design of urban buildings from various points of views, e.g. active and passive systems, automation systems, indoor air quality, economic aspects, energy and resources management. The package offers both printed and electronic material that gives the possibility to the students to study the various topics by using different educational methods. Additionally, the present package contains software tools that permit the students to examine real or hypothetical situations and to study further the influence of various parameters that concern the environmental building design.     

Wind turbine response to parameter variation of analytic inflow vortices

As larger wind turbines are placed on taller towers, rotors frequently operate in atmospheric conditions that support organized, coherent turbulent structures. It is hypothesized that these structures have a detrimental impact on the blade fatigue life experienced by the wind turbine. These structures are extremely difficult to identify with sophisticated anemometry such as ultrasonic anemometers. This study was performed to identify the vortex characteristics that contribute to high‐amplitude cyclic blade loads, assuming that these vortices exist under certain atmospheric conditions. This study does not attempt to demonstrate the existence of these coherent turbulent structures. In order to ascertain the idealized worst‐case scenario for vortical inflow structures impinging on a wind turbine rotor, we created a simple, analytic vortex model. The Rankine vortex model assumes that the vortex core undergoes solid body rotation to avoid a singularity at the vortex centre and is surrounded by a two‐dimensional potential flow field. Using the wind turbine as a sensor and the FAST wind turbine dynamics code with limited degrees of freedom, we determined the aerodynamic loads imparted to the wind turbine by the vortex structure. We varied the size, strength, rotational direction, plane of rotation, and location of the vortex over a wide range of operating parameters. We identified the vortex conformation with the most significant effect on the blade root bending moment cyclic amplitude. Vortices with radii on the scale of the rotor diameter or smaller caused blade root bending moment cyclic amplitudes that contribute to high damage density. The rotational orientation, clockwise or counter‐clockwise, produces little difference in the bending moment response. Vortices in the XZ plane produce bending moment amplitudes significantly greater than vortices in the YZ plane. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance Metrics for Information Security Risk Management

Qualitative methods are available for risk management, but better practice would use quantitative risk management based on expected losses and related metrics. Measuring the success of information security investments is best accomplished by measuring reductions in expected loss.     

Mapping the Characteristics of a 'Good' Play Therapist.

In this pilot study, concept mapping, a methodological approach combining qualitative and quantitative analytic strategies, was used to identify the therapist qualities, competencies, and skills necessary for effective play therapy outcomes as perceived by a sub-sample of 28 experienced play therapists who are members of the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The clusters associated with the therapeutic relationship and facilitative skills (e.g., empathy, warmth, and genuineness) were rated as the most essential skills to possess and also as the most difficult to develop. In contrast, the clusters associated with play therapy interventions and theories were rated as the least important skills to possess but as the easiest to acquire. The findings are discussed, with implications for therapeutic practice, research, and policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)