NDVI from low altitude aircraft and composited NOAA AVHRR data for scaling Arctic ecosystem fluxes

The relationship between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) patterns obtained from high spatial resolution aircraft and low spatial resolution satellite data (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)) was investigated with the intent of using multilevel data to scale carbon flux models in Arctic tundra ecosystems. Despite variable illumination conditions during the aircraft missions and maximum value compositing of the AVHRR data, the difference between 3?km average aircraft and AVHRR NDVI values was generally constant along each flight transect. However, the magnitude of the offset differed between flight dates and small lakes had a greater effect on area averaged aircraft NDVI values than on the satellite values. A cloud index was calculated using incident solar radiation measured by the aircraft and this index was used to identify periods when the aircraft NDVI values may have been biased by cloud cover. Removal of NDVI values based on a cloud index threshold did not appear to be justified given the marginal improvement in the relationship between the two NDVI datasets. If the systematic difference between AVHRR and aircraft NDVI values can be determined, then the scaling of carbon flux models based on the NDVI should be a viable approach in Arctic ecosystems.     

Multilevel monolithic inductors in silicon technology

Multilevel monolithic inductors implemented in standard BiCMOS technology are presented. Use of top metal layers shunted with vias provides Q values approaching 10 at 2.4 GHz and above 6 at 900 MHz for a 2 nH inductor. There is no modification to the conventional wiring metallurgy and no need for extra processing steps     

Sex-related differences in cadmium-induced alteration of drug action in the rat

A case of multiple adenocarcinoma arising from the kidney, bladder, and prostate is presented with a relevant discussion of the possible factors of pathogenesis. A staged approach of radical extirpative surgery is suggested.     

Numerical algorithms for cyclic phase transformation hysteresis in a shape memory plate subject to axisymmetric plane stress

We present numerical algorithms for calculating stress fields in an annulus composed of a shape memory material under conditions of quasi‐static edge loading at constant temperature. The algorithms track the material microstructure in terms of the volume fraction of austenite (A) and martensite (M), the latter of which provides a transformation strain. The dependence on load path imparts significant hysteresis in the stress induced transformation between A and M. A previous study that was restricted to proportional loading in the direction of forward transformation (J. Appl. Mech. 2005; 72 :44–53) is here generalized to consider arbitrary loadings. The shooting algorithm that was robust for the previously considered proportional loadings is found to be subject to numerical instability for the most general transformation possibilities considered here. This motivates the development of an alternative iterated mapping algorithm that is found to generate a robust semi‐analytical finite difference procedure. The algorithm efficiently determines the operative transformation type, as is illustrated in cases where forward and reverse loading are occurring simultaneously at different plate locations. At those locations where phase transformation is inactive, the algorithm continues to account for martensite reorientation that alters the local transformation strain. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The impact of lens choice in the relief of contact lens related symptoms and ocular surface findings.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of hioxofilcon A and omafilcon A soft contact lenses for the reduction of signs and symptoms of contact lens related dryness among contact lens wearers who presented with symptoms and signs at baseline. METHODS: Forty dry eye subjects, 37 females and 3 males, were enrolled in this prospective, single-center, randomized, contra-lateral, cross-over study. Subjects were randomly dispensed hioxifilcon A and omafilcon A lenses for contra-lateral eyes. Lenses were worn daily wear for 3 months; for 6 weeks (2-week lens replacement) then lens types were crossed over to opposite eyes for 6 more weeks. Clinical examinations took place at baseline, 1 and 6 weeks in each cycle. Ocular surface signs and symptoms were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared to baseline symptoms with habitual lenses, dryness, discomfort, and blurry vision were reported at a lower frequency and intensity with both test lens types (p < 0.05, all comparisons, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test). Compared to baseline signs, there was an improvement in overall fluorescein staining for both lenses (p < 0.05). Lissamine green staining showed improvement with omafilcon A lenses only (p < 0.05). There was no change in tear break up time or bulbar redness. CONCLUSION: Symptoms and ocular surface staining associated with contact lens related dryness can be significantly alleviated by the use of hioxofilcon A or omafilcon A lenses, which yielded similar findings in this study.     

Technology directions for portable computers

This paper contains an evaluation of trends in the key system parameters (e.g., size, weight, function, performance, battery life) for battery-powered portable computers, together with a review of development trends in the technologies required for such systems. The discussion focuses on notebook-size portable computers. Those technologies which will have substantial impact on battery life and power budgets of future notebook computers receive the primary emphasis in this paper for example, liquid crystal displays, storage technology, wireless communication technology, and low power electronics. System power management is also be addressed. The basic theme of this paper is first to develop a view of what the key attributes of future notebook computers will be, and then to discuss how technologies must evolve to allow such systems to be advanced over the current state of the art in terms of portability and battery life     

Effect of relocation on locomotion and cleanliness in dairy cows

This study was conducted to determine the effect that relocation to a new free stall barn had on locomotion and cleanliness of two breeds of dairy cows. The original facility before relocation had cows housed in an 8-row free stall barn. Cows were allocated in a new 4-row free stall facility: cows of two breeds (n=22 Holsteins and 22 Jerseys) were intermixed in the northwest section. Locomotion (scale 1-5) and cleanliness were scored (scale 1-4). Holsteins and Jerseys had no difference in locomotion score throughout 12 weeks following relocation. A lactation number by date interaction showed cows in third and greater lactations had significantly higher locomotion scores (more lameness) by day 86. Locomotion scores increased across breeds during the 86-d observation period, suggesting cows became lamer. Jerseys had cleaner lower legs than Holsteins (2.9+/-0.1 v. 3.5+/-0.1, respectively). Lactation number affected lower leg cleanliness, with scores decreasing as lactation number increased (3.4 v. 3.3 v. 2.9+/-0.10 for first, second and third and greater lactations, respectively; P<0.01). All cows were cleaner (lower scores) after relocation, suggesting that the new facility improved hygiene.     

School readiness among children with varying histories of language difficulties.

This study tested the hypotheses that (a) persistent language difficulties during childhood would predict lower school readiness and (b) language difficulties present just prior to school entry would predict lower school readiness beyond any effects of persistence. The study involved examining indicators of school readiness collected at kindergarten for children exhibiting various histories of language ability based on language measures collected at 15, 24, 36, and 54 months by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Early Child Care Research Network. Children (N = 1,064) were classified according to whether they exhibited expressive or receptive language difficulties at each time point measured. The relation between persistence and timing of these difficulties to each kindergarten outcome was studied through a common factor approach for categorical outcomes. Persistence of language difficulties was not generally related to kindergarten outcomes. However, a robust effect was found for timing of language difficulties: Children who exhibited language difficulties at 54 months exhibited significantly depressed performance on measures of school readiness. Findings are discussed in terms of current policy and research concerning kindergarten readiness for children exhibiting risk. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)