Transverse conductivity in the sliding CDW state of NbSe_3

The dynamical properties of longitudinal and transverse conduction of NbSe$_3$ single-crystals have been simultaneously studied when the current is applied along the b axis (chain direction). In the vicinity of the threshold electric field for CDW sliding, the transverse conduction sharply decreases. When a rf field is applied, voltage Shapiro steps for longitudinal transport are observed as usual, but also current Shapiro steps in the transverse direction. The possible mechanisms of this effect are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, accepted in PR

Bench-Scale Evaluation of Adsorptive Processes for Taste and Odors Control Using Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests and Flavor Profile Analysis

The City of Appleton, Wisconsin operates an 800 l/s Drinking Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Lake Winnebago serves as the source water which experiences algae blooms that are typically accompanied by severe taste and odor (T&amp;O) episodes. Historically, raw water quality in the summer months prevents the full capacity from being achieved despite the use of potassium permanganate, powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. Thus, the City proceeded with a study of various treatment processes to mitigate the T&amp;O problems experienced during the summer months. The relatively short duration of T&amp;O episodes and extensive experimental plan necessitated a bench-scale testing for rapid evaluation of various oxidation and adsorptive processes. This paper presents a review of the effect of carbon type, dosage, contact time, and application point on the performance of PAC in controlling odors. In addition, the effect of GAC type and empty bed contact time (EBCT) on removal of T&amp;O compounds were evaluated using a rapid small scale column test (RSSCT).</jats:p

Array of silicon field effect transistors to detect charges propagation in neurons circuit

ABSTRACTWe present transport properties of silicon nanowires field effect transistors realized on SOI substrates and their application to probe electrical activity of biological objects. Devices are sensitive to short and weak voltage pulses (ms, mV) applied in an electrolyte solution, allowing a future efficient detection of neuronal activity. For that purpose, the organized growth of neuronal cells along chosen patterns has been obtained, leading to an accurate coupling with silicon nanowire field effect transistors. Both network architectures, neural and semiconducting, have been designed to study some aspects of the propagation and the processing of information by the nervous system.</jats:p

Cystic fibrosis mutations: report from the French Registry. The Clinical Centers of the CF.

International audienceData from 2,666 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) born in France, submitted during the period of 1992-1996 to the French registry for CF, were used to describe the different mutations, their frequency and their regional distribution. A total of 5,332 CF chromosomes have been analyzed, demonstrating 229 different mutations and accounting for 87% of CF genes in the French population. DeltaF508 is the most common mutation at 67.9% of CF mutations, followed by G542X (2.5%), N1303K (2.0%), 1717-1G-->A (1.2%), R553X (0.8%) and G551D (0.7%). The data show a clear geographical variation in the distribution of many of the mutations. Given the geographical heterogeneity of these mutations, carrier screening does not appear to be feasible in most French regions