Transmission Oscillator Ultrasonic Spectrometer (TOUS): A new research instrument

TOUS is capable for measuring very small changes in acoustic attenuation and phase velocity. Its high sensitivity to small changes in ultrasonic absorption results in part from operation under marginal conditions. In spite of high sensitivity, TOUS system is relatively simple, inexpensive, and compact

Method of remotely characterizing thermal properties of a sample

A sample in a wind tunnel is radiated from a thermal energy source outside of the wind tunnel. A thermal imager system, also located outside of the wind tunnel, reads surface radiations from the sample as a function of time. The produced thermal images are characteristic of the heat transferred from the sample to the flow across the sample. In turn, the measured rates of heat loss of the sample are characteristic of the flow and the sample

Valence Effects in Reasoning About Evaluative Traits

Reasoning about evaluative traits was investigated among a group of 7- and 8-year-olds (N = 34), a group of 11- to 13-year olds (N = 25), and a group of adults (N = 23) to determine whether their inferences would be sensitive to the valence of social and academic traits. Four aspects of trait-relevant beliefs were examined: (1) malleability, (2) stability over time, (3) origin in terms of nature versus nurture, and (4) an inference criterion that concerns how readily traits are inferred. Although there was evidence of an age-related decrease in the tendency to emphasize positive information, participants of all ages responded that positive traits are less malleable and more stable over time than negative traits, that the positive influences of biological and environmental factors are likely to override the negative influences, and that competence can be more readily inferred from positive outcomes than from negative outcomes

Strain and dynamic measurements using fiber optic sensors embedded into graphite/epoxy tubes

Graphite/epoxy tubes were fabricated with embedded optical fibers to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring strains with a fiber optic technique. Resistance strain gauges were attached to the tubes to measure strain at four locations along the tube for comparison with the fiber optic sensors. Both static and dynamic strain measurements were made with excellent agreement between the embedded fiber optic strain sensor and the strain gauges. Strain measurements of 10(exp -7) can be detected with the optical phase locked loop (OPLL) system using optical fiber. Because of their light weight, compatibility with composites, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and based on the static and dynamic results obtained, fiber optic sensors embedded in composites may be useful as the sensing component of smart structures

Homophobia and Sport Experience: A Survey of College Students

Athlete (n = 246) and nonathlete (n = 135) students (381 total) from a mid-sized, rural university completed the Attitudes Towards lesbians and Gay Men Scale (ATLG; Herek, 1984). Average ratings for attitudes toward and perceptions of gay men and lesbians ranged from negative to mixed. Females scored significantly lower on homophobia than males, while athletes rated sigriificantly higher on homophobia than nonathletes. The results suggest that athletes, at least those from primarily rural areas, have less tolerance for lesbians and gay men than nonathletes. Results and implications for counselors are discussed in the context of the conservatism of athletics, sport as an arena of masculinity, heterosexism, lack of knowledge about lesbians and gay men, and other sociocultural influences

Knowledge of AIDS and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Athletes

This research investigated sexual behaviors and AIDS knowledge for 381 students, athletes (n=246) and nonathletes (n=135), at a rural university. Nonathletes and athletes scored similarly on an AIDS knowledge test, but differed in reported risky sexual behavior. Athletes reported more behavioral changes after Magic Johnson's HIV-related retirement, but they still reported having more sexual partners per year than did nonathletes. The groups did not differ in condom use. By engaging in such risky behaviors, athletes may be more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS. Athletes (and nonathletes) continue to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors even while in possession of adequate knowledge of the risks. These results support previous research that has found that knowledge is not a valid predictor of sexual behavior (Ehde et al., 1995; Hays & Hays, 1992, Walters, 1992). Implications for athletic counselors were discussed

Quantum Computation with Quantum Dots and Terahertz Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics

A quantum computer is proposed in which information is stored in the two lowest electronic states of doped quantum dots (QDs). Many QDs are located in a microcavity. A pair of gates controls the energy levels in each QD. A Controlled Not (CNOT) operation involving any pair of QDs can be effected by a sequence of gate-voltage pulses which tune the QD energy levels into resonance with frequencies of the cavity or a laser. The duration of a CNOT operation is estimated to be much shorter than the time for an electron to decohere by emitting an acoustic phonon.Comment: Revtex 6 pages, 3 postscript figures, minor typos correcte