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Selected AbstractsThree-Dimensional Atomic Force Microscopy , Taking Surface Imaging to the Next LevelADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 26-27 2010Mehmet Z. Baykara Abstract Materials properties are ultimately determined by the nature of the interactions between the atoms that form the material. On surfaces, the site-specific spatial distribution of force and energy fields governs the phenomena encountered. This article reviews recent progress in the development of a measurement mode called three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) that allows the dense, three-dimensional mapping of these surface fields with atomic resolution. Based on noncontact atomic force microscopy, 3D-AFM is able to provide more detailed information on surface properties than ever before, thanks to the simultaneous multi-channel acquisition of complementary spatial data such as local energy dissipation and tunneling currents. By illustrating the results of experiments performed on graphite and pentacene, we explain how 3D-AFM data acquisition works, what challenges have to be addressed in its realization, and what type of data can be extracted from the experiments. Finally, a multitude of potential applications are discussed, with special emphasis on chemical imaging, heterogeneous catalysis, and nanotribology. [source] Social networks at Sempra Energy's IT division are key to building strategic capabilitiesGLOBAL BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE, Issue 2 2007Chris Chen How does an IT division, faced with new and challenging strategic goals, get technical people to understand and appreciate the impact of human relationships on individual and organizational performance? It turns to social network analysis (SNA),a nifty tool for quantifying and visualizing the number and strength of connections between people. Taking advantage of a large menu of SNA's analytical options, this organization learned how it could better identify succession candidates, build social capital, lessen dependence on the senior leadership team, and improve interdepartmental collaboration and communication,in short, move to the next level of organization effectiveness. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Multilevel structure of reinforcing silica and carbonJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 3-1 2000D.W. Schaefer Using small-angle x-ray (SAXS), neutron (SANS), x-ray diffraction and light scattering, we study the structure of colloidal silica and carbon on length scales from 4 Å < q,1 < 107 Å where q is the magnitude of the scattering vector. These materials consist of primary particles of the order of 100 Å, aggregated into micron-sized aggregates that in turn are agglomerated into 100 µ agglomerates. The diffraction data show that the primary particles in precipitated silica are composed of highly defective amorphous silica with little intermediate-range order (order on the scale of several bond distances). On the next level of morphology, primary particles arise by a complex nucleation process in which primordial nuclei briefly aggregate into rough particles that subsequently smooth out to become the seeds for the primaries. The primaries aggregate to strongly bonded clusters by a complex process involving kinetic growth, mechanical disintegration and restructuring. Finally, the small-angle scattering (SAS) data lead us to postulate that the aggregates cluster into porous, rough-surfaced, non-mass-fractal agglomerates that can be broken down to the more strongly bonded aggregates by application of shear. We find similar structure in pelletized carbon blacks. In this case we show a linear scaling relation between the primary and aggregate sizes. We attribute the scaling to mechanical processing that deforms the fractal aggregates down to the maximum size able to withstand the compaction stress. Finally, we rationalize the observed structure based on empirical optimization by filler suppliers and some recent theoretical ideas due to Witten, Rubenstein and Colby. [source] CONOPS and autonomy recommendations for VTOL small unmanned aerial system based on Hurricane Katrina operationsJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 8 2009Kevin S. Pratt This field study examines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) operations conducted as part of an 8-day structural inspection task following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. From the observations of the 32 flights spread over 12 missions, four key findings are identified for concept of operations (CONOPS) and the next level of artificial intelligence for rotary-wing SUASs operating in cluttered urban environments. These findings are (1) the minimum useful standoff distance from inspected structures is 2,5 m, (2) omnidirectional sensor capabilities are needed for obstacle avoidance, (3) global positioning system waypoint navigation is unnecessary, and (4) these operations require three operators for one SUAS. Based on the findings and other observations, a crewing organization and flight operations protocol for SUASs are proposed. Needed directions in research and development are also discussed. These recommendations are expected to contribute to the design of platforms, sensors, and artificial intelligence as well as facilitate the acceptance of SUASs in the workplace. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Moving from the quality of life concept to a theoryJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2005R. A. Cummins Abstract Background The Special Interest Quality of Life Group has updated its set of statements defining the quality of life (QOL) construct to reflect emerging areas of agreement and the framework for understanding better the QOL construct. Method This article examines the major areas currently under discussion involving the objective,subjective dichotomy, needs, and core domains. Results It is concluded that while the new statements constitute a significant advance, further progress requires testable theory. In order to facilitate such future research, a conceptual model is proposed that distinguishes causal and indicator variables within the framework of a homeostatic management system. Conclusion Several lines of empirical investigation are suggested to test this and similar theoretical models with a view to taking our conceptualization of QOL to the next level. [source] Effects of subanaesthetic and anaesthetic doses of sevoflurane on regional cerebral blood flow in healthy volunteers.ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2004A positron emission tomographic study Background:, We tested the hypothesis that escalating drug concentrations of sevoflurane are associated with a significant decline of cerebral blood flow in regions subserving conscious brain activity, including specifically the thalamus. Methods:, Nine healthy human volunteers received three escalating doses using 0.4%, 0.7% and 2.0% end-tidal sevoflurane inhalation. During baseline and each of the three levels of anaesthesia one PET scan was performed after injection of . Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored and electroencephalography and bispectral index (BIS) were registered. Results:, Sevoflurane decreased the BIS values dose-dependently. No significant change in global cerebral blood flow (CBF) was observed. Increased regional CBF (rCBF) in the anterior cingulate (17,21%) and decreased rCBF in the cerebellum (18,35%) were identified at all three levels of sedation compared to baseline. Comparison between adjacent levels sevoflurane initially (0 vs. 0.2 MAC) decreased rCBF significantly in the inferior temporal cortex and the lingual gyrus. At the next level (0.2 MAC vs. 0.4 MAC) rCBF was increased in the middle temporal cortex and in the lingual gyrus, and decreased in the thalamus. At the last level (0.4 MAC vs. 1 MAC) the rCBF was increased in the insula and decreased in the posterior cingulate, the lingual gyrus, precuneus and in the frontal cortex. Conclusion:, At sevoflurane concentrations at 0.7% and 2.0% a significant decrease in relative rCBF was detected in the thalamus. Interestingly, some of the most profound changes in rCBF were observed in structures related to pain processing (anterior cingulate and insula). [source] ARMS: an algebraic recursive multilevel solver for general sparse linear systemsNUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS, Issue 5 2002Y. Saad Abstract This paper presents a general preconditioning method based on a multilevel partial elimination approach. The basic step in constructing the preconditioner is to separate the initial points into two parts. The first part consists of ,block' independent sets, or ,aggregates'. Unknowns of two different aggregates have no coupling between them, but those in the same aggregate may be coupled. The nodes not in the first part constitute what might be called the ,coarse' set. It is natural to call the nodes in the first part ,fine' nodes. The idea of the methods is to form the Schur complement related to the coarse set. This leads to a natural block LU factorization which can be used as a preconditioner for the system. This system is then solved recursively using as preconditioner the factorization that could be obtained from the next level. Iterations between levels are allowed. One interesting aspect of the method is that it provides a common framework for many other techniques. Numerical experiments are reported which indicate that the method can be fairly robust. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] 12.,Transculture: A Broad Way Between Globalism and MulticulturalismAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Article first published online: 18 FEB 200, Mikhail Epstein This paper develops a concept of transculture as a model of cultural development that differs from both leveling globalism and isolating pluralism. While culture frees humans from the material dependencies of nature, it also creates new, symbolic dependencies,on customs, traditions, conventions, which a person receives as a member of a certain group and ethnos. Among the many freedoms proclaimed as rights of the individual, there emerges yet another freedom,from one's own culture, in which one was born and educated. Transculture is viewed as the next level of liberation, this time from the "prison house of language," from unconscious predispositions and prejudices of the "native," naturalized cultures. The case of the Japanese poet Araki Yasusada (1903,1972), a survivor of Hiroshima, demonstrates how transcultural creativity, though cast in the form of a literary hoax, can produce an internationally recognized achievement. Transculturalism is especially needed in world politics, where the factor of fixed cultural identity based on race, ethnos, religion, or ideological commitments turned out to be a source of conflict and violence. This paper argues that the categories of opposition and identity do not preclude the significance of the third category, which is difference. The differences complement each other and create a new interpersonal transcultural community to which we belong, not because we are similar but because we are different. The transcultural perspective opens a possibility for globalization not as homogenization but, rather, as further differentiation of cultures and their "dissemination" into transcultural individuals, liberating themselves from their dependence from their native cultures. The global society can be viewed as the space of diversity of free individuals rather than that of fixed groups and cultures. It is an alternative to the clash of civilizations and a hope for lasting peace. [source] A systematic narrative review of the studies on structured child-centred interventions for families with a parent with cancerPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Mika Niemelä Abstract Objective: To perform a systematic narrative review of the current state of published articles on the structured interventions targeted at children with a parent suffering from cancer. Methods: The study was based on a narrative synthesis approach. Eleven structured child-centred intervention studies were systematically searched through PubMed, PsycINFO and MEDLINE. The interventions were grouped into two main categories: ,structured family interventions' and ,structured peer group interventions'. Special attention was focused on the preventive purpose of the interventions. Results: The participants (children, parents and health professionals) reported several positive impacts of interventions on children's and parents' psychosocial well-being, although no improvement or changes were also observed. The effect of interventions on the children was evaluated by structured methods only in five studies. Conclusions: This review showed the lack of valid psychosocial preventive intervention methods focusing on children with parental cancer and highlighted the need of intervention research with controlled study designs and long follow-up periods. However, an intervention method should be easy to train and applicable to the clinical practice of healthcare professionals. By refining the practice-based experiences with scientific research evidence it is possible to move to the next level in providing psychosocial support and prevention for children living in families with parental cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||