Psychological research on race differences.

Responds to the discussion by A. H. Yee et al (see record 1994-09250-001) of A. R. Jensen's (e.g., see record 1986-18910-001) research on racial differences in abilities and states that the references to Jensen's work are dated. Jensen notes more recent research (Jensen and P. A. Whang; see PA, Vol 81:1181 and 20927) and provides an explanation for his research focus on Black–White differences in cognitive abilities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Observers for linearly unobservable nonlinear systems

We provide a method for constructing local observers for some nonlinear systems around a critical point where the linearization is not observable or not detectable. Two examples are provided to illustrate the results of the paper.     

Effect of nitrogen ion implantation on impact wear

The effect of nitrogen ion implantation on the impact wear of several metals and alloys with different hardnesses was studied. An impact testing machine was built for this study. In this machine, bullet-shaped projectiles are bounced against a metal surface which is either stationary or rotating. Wear was determined by weight loss measurements. Scanning electron microscopy pictures were taken to study the surface damage. It was found that nitrogen ion implantation improved the impact wear of most of the materials studied. With sliding motion added during the impact, nitrogen ion implantation has little effect.     

Adaptive 2D finite element simulation of metal forming processes

The development and integration of available current methods and the development of new methods for an adaptive finite element analysis of metal forming processes are presented. The analysis includes large-strain, elastic–plastic, and thermal effects. Many numerical methods such as mesh generation, simulation of the contact between the workpiece and tool and die, and optimization of the finite element mesh are integrated and incorporated. In addition, an algorithm is developed which can detect certain severely distorted elements where the area of integration is approaching zero. The advantage of correcting these regions of locally distorted elements is demonstrated. These numerical methods are implemented in a finite element program developed for simulating metal forming processes, with the emphasis on automating the analysis. Examples include an axisymmetric stress simulation of a coldheading process, a plane strain simulation of an extrusion process and a plane strain simulation of orthogonal metal cutting, all with noticeable thermal effects. The orthogonal cutting forces and feed forces calculated are compared with two sets of experimental data, with good agreement.     

Models of visual word recognition: Sampling the state of the art.

A classification of models of visual word recognition is presented that facilitates formal comparisons between models of different formats. In light of the theoretical contributions to this special section, sets of criteria for the evaluation of models and strategies for model construction are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Strategies and automaticity: I. Basic findings and conceptual framework.

Evaluated the contributions of strategic and data-driven factors to skilled performance by manipulating the predictability of the class of stimuli used in a memory search task. In Exp 1, when consistent mapping (CM) and varied mapping (VM) conditions were blocked, large performance differences were observed; however, when CM and VM trials were mixed, performance differences were reduced. In Exp 2, mixed training led to a less skilled performance than blocked training. Moreover, transfer conditions revealed a critical interval for learning to adopt and deploy differential response strategies. Exp 3 demonstrated that the differential response strategies were not stimulus specific. Analysis suggests that skilled performance can be conceptualized as an interaction between enhanced evidence accumulation and strategic setting of response criteria. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of four maintenance programs on the long-term management of obesity.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of four posttreatment programs designed to enhance the long-term maintenance of weight loss. Mildly and moderately obese adults (N?=?123) were randomly assigned to one of the following five conditions: (a) behavior therapy only; (b) behavior therapy plus a posttreatment therapist-contact maintenance program; (c) behavior therapy plus posttreatment therapist contact plus a social influence maintenance program; (d) behavior therapy plus posttreatment therapist contact plus an aerobic exercise maintenance program; or (e) behavior therapy plus posttreatment therapist contact plus both the aerobic exercise and social influence maintenance programs. All posttreatment programs were conducted in 26 biweekly sessions during the year following behavioral treatment for obesity. At an 18-month follow-up evaluation, all four conditions that combined behavior therapy with a posttreatment maintenance program yielded significantly greater long-term weight losses than behavior therapy alone. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition diamond synthesis from high carbon content source

To synthesize diamond films by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD), the methane concentration (CH₄/H₂)plays a crucial role. It is well-known that there always exists a critical methane concentration (≤0.6%) only below which a good quality diamond film can be obtained. In this study, however, the phenomena of diamond synthesis resulting from high carbon concentration conditions were observed. The molten metals, e.g., Ag, Cu, were used as the deposition substrates on which crystalline diamonds can be achieved from a methane content of CH₄/H₂≥6% or even from solid carbon sources. These results suggest that there may exist a low methane content boundary layer (<0.6%) in the proximity of molten metal surface on which suitable species, CH, CH⁺, H_α and H_β are composed for the diamond nucleation and growth similar to the condition as in the conventional low methane contents. The molten metal inclines to dissolve other forms of carbonaceous materials other than diamond, and thus keeps a much higher steady supply of carbon atoms that enhances the quality as well as the growth rate of the forming diamonds. Received: 23 June 2001 / Accepted: 23 July 2001     

A new precipitate phase in Al-4wt. % Cu thin-film interconnects

We report here the identification of a new precipitate phase in thin-film Al-4wt.%Cu metallization used for interconnects on integrated circuits. The phase is based on a trigonal distortion of a face centered cubic lattice. Computer simulation of electron diffraction intensities suggests that the basis structure is isomorphous with Al₂Ca but with a large and ordered population of vacancies on Cu sites. The reason for the formation of the new phase and its implications for electromigration reliability are discussed.