Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe is a concept for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration probe-class space mission that will achieve ground-breaking science in the fields of galaxy evolution, cosmology, Milky Way, and the Solar System. It is the follow-up space mission to Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), boosting its scientific return by obtaining deep 1–4 μm slit spectroscopy for ∼70% of all galaxies imaged by the ∼2 000 deg2 WFIRST High Latitude Survey at z > 0.5. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy will measure accurate and precise redshifts for ∼200 M galaxies out to z < 7, and deliver spectra that enable a wide range of diagnostic studies of the physical properties of galaxies over most of cosmic history. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe and WFIRST together will produce a 3D map of the Universe over 2 000 deg2, the definitive data sets for studying galaxy evolution, probing dark matter, dark energy and modifications of General Relativity, and quantifying the 3D structure and stellar content of the Milky Way. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe science spans four broad categories: (1) Revolutionising galaxy evolution studies by tracing the relation between galaxies and dark matter from galaxy groups to cosmic voids and filaments, from the epoch of reionisation through the peak era of galaxy assembly; (2) Opening a new window into the dark Universe by weighing the dark matter filaments using 3D weak lensing with spectroscopic redshifts, and obtaining definitive measurements of dark energy and modification of General Relativity using galaxy clustering; (3) Probing the Milky Way’s dust-enshrouded regions, reaching the far side of our Galaxy; and (4) Exploring the formation history of the outer Solar System by characterising Kuiper Belt Objects. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe is a 1.5 m telescope with a field of view of 0.4 deg2, and uses digital micro-mirror devices as slit selectors. It has a spectroscopic resolution of R = 1 000, and a wavelength range of 1–4 μm. The lack of slit spectroscopy from space over a wide field of view is the obvious gap in current and planned future space missions; Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy fills this big gap with an unprecedented spectroscopic capability based on digital micro-mirror devices (with an estimated spectroscopic multiplex factor greater than 5 000). Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy is designed to fit within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration probe-class space mission cost envelope; it has a single instrument, a telescope aperture that allows for a lighter launch vehicle, and mature technology (we have identified a path for digital micro-mirror devices to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 within 2 yr). Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe will lead to transformative science over the entire range of astrophysics: from galaxy evolution to the dark Universe, from Solar System objects to the dusty regions of the Milky Way.

A compact X-ray energy spectrometer has been developed consisting essentially of a radioisotope X-ray source, a lithium-drifted silicon (or germanium) detector and a small computer. Interchangeable sources enable efficient excitation of K X-rays from Na to U and L X-rays from about Ag to U. Energy resolution of K X-rays from adjacent elements down to Na is possible. Depending on the source and the part of the spectrum examined, the characteristic X-rays from up to about 15 elements can be simultaneously excited and measured, for either qualitative or quantitative multi-element analysis. The computer stores detected spectra and performs simple data processing such as peak recognition, background subtraction, peak integration, ratioing and solution of linear equations.

The analysis reported in this paper is the determination of V, Cr, Fe, Co, W and Mo in tool steels and is intended to illustrate the capabilities of the radioisotope X-ray fluorescence analysis technique, and the instrument, for multi-element analysis of a system having fairly complex interelement effects.

A 100 mCi Pu-238 source was used to excite the K X-rays of V, Cr, Fe, Co and Mb and the L X-rays of W. The count time used was five minutes per sample. Data reduction consisted essentially of peak integration, background subtraction and solution of sixth order linear matrices of a modified Criss-Birks type. The 36 matrix coefficients were determined using six standards, and were then used to analyze seven other analyzed specimens which were treated as unknowns. The measured values of concentration were in very good agreement with the quoted values. An iteration technique was employed to reduce errors in the matrix inversioiis.

A new hand-portable, microprocessor-based, multielement X-ray fluorescence analyzer is described. The instrument is light in weight (19 1b), completely self-contained and powered by internal rechargeable batteries. The detector is a special proportional counter whose room temperature energy resolution is sufficient to enable adjacent element X-rays to be deconvoluted with the help of the microprocessor. The instrument yields concentration readout of elements, corrected for matrix effects, in groups of four at a time. A number of field and laboratory applications to ore, solution and alloy analysis are described.

Recreational saltwater anglers from the mid-Atlantic through the Gulf of Mexico commonly target red drum. Due to concerns about overharvesting within South Carolina coupled with regional management actions, South Carolina explored the technical feasibility of stocking hatchery-produced juvenile red drum as a technique to augment the abundance of South Carolina stock. In order to assess a continued program, in 2005 a mail survey was used to collect data for estimating the economic benefits with the contingent valuation method. The theoretical validity of willingness to pay was assessed by comparison to the value of a change in red drum fishing trips that would result from the program. Benefits were compared to estimated, explicit stocking costs. We illustrate how a certainty recode approach can be used in sensitivity analysis. The net present values (NPVs) for the stocking program are positive suggesting that the program would have been economically efficient relative to no program.

This paper briefly describes the principle of operation and science goals of the AMANDA high energy neutrino telescope located at the South Pole, Antarctica. Results from an earlier phase of the telescope, called AMANDA-BIO, demonstrate both reliable operation and the broad astrophysical reach of this device, which includes searches for a variety of sources of ultrahigh energy neutrinos: generic point sources, Gamma-Ray Bursts and diffuse sources. The predicted sensitivity and angular resolution of the telescope were confirmed by studies of atmospheric muon and neutrino backgrounds. We also report on the status of the analysis from AMANDA-II, a larger version with far greater capabilities. At this stage of analysis, details of the ice properties and other systematic uncertainties of the AMANDA-II telescope are under study, but we have made progress toward critical science objectives. In particular, we present the first preliminary flux limits from AMANDA-II on the search for continuous emission from astrophysical point sources, and report on the search for correlated neutrino emission from Gamma Ray Bursts detected by BATSE before decommissioning in May 2000. During the next two years, we expect to exploit the full potential of AMANDA-II with the installation of a new data acquisition system that records full waveforms from the in-ice optical sensors.

The Medium-l Program of the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) instrument on board SOHO provides continuous observations of oscillation modes of angular degree, l, from 0 to ∼ 300. The initial results show that the noise in the Medium-l oscillation power spectrum is substantially lower than in ground-based measurements. This enables us to detect lower amplitude modes and, thus, to extend the range of measured mode frequencies. The MDI observations also reveal the asymmetry of oscillation spectral lines. The line asymmetries agree with the theory of mode excitation by acoustic sources localized in the upper convective boundary layer. The sound-speed profile inferred from the mean frequencies gives evidence for a sharp variation at the edge of the energy-generating core. In a thin layer just beneath the convection zone, helium appears to be less abundant than predicted by theory. Inverting the multiplet frequency splittings from MDI, we detect significant rotational shear in this thin layer.

Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with radiographically confirmed pneumonia a key disease burden indicator. This is usually determined by a radiology panel which is assumed to be the best available standard; however, this assumption may introduce bias into pneumonia incidence estimates. To improve estimates of radiographic pneumonia incidence, we applied Bayesian latent class modelling (BLCM) to a large database of hospitalized patients with acute lower respiratory tract illness in Sa Kaeo and Nakhon Phanom provinces, Thailand from 2005 to 2010 with chest radiographs read by both a radiology panel and a clinician. We compared these estimates to those from conventional analysis. For children aged <5 years, estimated radiographically confirmed pneumonia incidence by BLCM was 2394/100 000 person-years (95% credible interval 2185–2574) vs. 1736/100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval 1706–1766) from conventional analysis. For persons aged ⩾5 years, estimated radiographically confirmed pneumonia incidence was similar between BLCM and conventional analysis (235 vs. 215/100 000 person-years). BLCM suggests the incidence of radiographically confirmed pneumonia in young children is substantially larger than estimated from the conventional approach using radiology panels as the reference standard.

In late February and early March 2002, an archaeological watching brief at Lynford Quarry, Mundford, Norfolk revealed a palaeochannel with a dark organic fill containing in situ mammoth remains and associated Mousterian stone tools and debitage buried under 2–3 m of bedded sands and gravels. Well-preserved in situ Middle Palaeolithic open air sites are very unusal in Europe and exceedingly rare within a British context. As such, the site was identified as being of national and international importance, and was subsequently excavated by the Norfolk Archaeological Unit with funding provided by English Heritage through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.

This report presents some of the initial results of the excavation. It sets out how the site was excavated, outlines the stratigraphic sequence for the site, and presents some provisional findings of the excavation based on the results of the assessment work carried out by project specialists and Norfolk Archaeological Unit staff.

Acinetobacter is a well-recognized nosocomial pathogen. Previous reports of community-associated Acinetobacter infections have lacked clear case definitions and assessment of healthcare-associated (HCA) risk factors. We identified Acinetobacter bacteraemia cases from blood cultures obtained <3 days after hospitalization in rural Thailand and performed medical record reviews to assess HCA risk factors in the previous year and compare clinical and microbiological characteristics between cases with and without HCA risk factors. Of 72 Acinetobacter cases, 32 (44%) had no HCA risk factors. Compared to HCA infections, non-HCA infections were more often caused by Acinetobacter species other than calcoaceticus–baumannii complex species and by antibiotic-susceptible organisms. Despite similar symptoms, the case-fatality proportion was lower in non-HCA than HCA cases (9% vs. 45%, P < 0·01). Clinicians should be aware of Acinetobacter as a potential cause of community-associated infections in Thailand; prospective studies are needed to improve understanding of associated risk factors and disease burden.

We present here a method for fabrication of air-gaps between Cu-interconnects to achieve low intralevel dielectric constant, using a sacrificial polymer as a ‘place holder’. IC compatible metallization and CMP processes were used in a single damascene process. The air-gap occupies the entire intralevel volume between the copper lines with fully densified SiO2 as the planer interlevel dielectric. The width of the air-gaps was 286 nm and the width of the copper lines was 650 nm. The effective intralevel dielectric constant was calculated to be 2.19. The thickness of the interlevel SiO2 and copper lines were 1100 nm and 700 nm, respectively. Further reduction in the value of intralevel dielectric constant is possible by optimization of the geometry of the metal/air-gap structure, and by use of a low k interlevel dielectric material.

In this method of forming air-gaps, the layer of sacrificial polymer was spin-coated onto the substrate and formed into the desired pattern using an oxide or metal mask and reactive-ion-etching. The intralevel Cu trench is then inlaid using a damascene process. After the CMP of copper, interlevel SiO2 is deposited by plasma-CVD. Finally, the polymer place-holder is thermally decomposed with the decomposition products permeating through the interlevel dielectric material. The major advantages of this method over other reported methods of formation of air-gaps are excellent control over the geometry of the air-gaps; no protrusion of air-gaps into the interlevel dielectric; no deposition of SiO2 over the side-walls, and no degradation of the interlevel dielectric during the formation of air-gap.

Among the more serious problems arising from the use of SiC as a reinforcement for titanium aluminides are chemical instability and thermal expansion mismatch. In this work, metallic layers (Pd + W or Pt + W) have been included in the interface between SCS6 type SiC reinforcing fibers and Ti-48A1-1V (gamma TiA1) matrix to reduce interdiffusion and to retard crack propagation. Pd reacted with the SCS layer on the SiC fibers as well as with the titanium aluminide matrix by diffusion through the W layer. Cracks were found in the resulting Pd-Ti-Al reaction product. Pt did not react with the SCS layer, and reacted with the titanium matrix only in those regions where the W layer was fractured. No cracks were present where the W layer successfully protected the matrix from the Pt. Ti and Pt reacted extensively with the underlying SiC fiber in those areas where the SCS layer was fractured.

The production of titanium aluminide intermetallic compound foil represents a significant manufacturing challenge. Cold rolling, which imparts excellent thickness uniformity and surface finish characteristics that are of benefit in composite fabrication, is especially difficult with these alloys. However, recent modifications in Ti aluminide alloy compositions and advances in thermomechanical processing have made it possible to produce foil of thickness less than 100 μm, having the microstructure and mechanical property characteristics required for composite fabrication and improved performance. This paper describes the properties of a new Ti aluminide alloy, of nominal composition Ti-22AI-23Nb (at.%), comprising a three phase microstructure of α2 (Ti3Al), an ordered orthorhombic phase (Ti2AINb) and an ordered beta phase. The discussion emphasizes the processing of this alloy through cold rolling to foil, and the associated microstructures and mechanical property characteristics that are relevant to the use of this foil to form a composite matrix.

study was undertaken to examine the attributes of utilizing a high niobiumcontaining titanium aluminide (orthorhombic) composition, specifically Ti-22AI-23Nb (a%), for use as a matrix for a continuously reinforced metal matrix composite. Both unreinforced “neat” panels and 35v% 4-ply unidirectional ([0]4) SiC (SCS-6) panels were fabricated by HIP'ing using a foil / fiber / foil approach. The microstructure of these panels were examined via optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. Reaction zone kinetics including both the primary reaction product and any beta-depleted zone growth were determined at 982°C. Analytical electron microscopy was employed to identify fiber / matrix interfacial compounds as well as local phases and their associated chemistries. Preliminary mechanical properties were obtained which included: longitudinal and transverse tensile, matrix thermal stability, thermal fatigue, thermal mechanical fatigue and transverse composite creep. The results were compared with panels fabricated from the baseline matrix composition, Ti-24AI-11 Nb.

Owing to its photoluminescent properties and high surface area, porous silicon (por-Si) has shown great potential toward a myriad of applications including optoelectronics, chemical sensors, biocomposite materials, and medical implants. However, the native hydride-termination is only metastable with respect to surface oxidation under ambient conditions. Por-Si samples oxidize and degrade even more quickly when exposed to saline aqueous environments. Borrowing from solution phase synthetic methods, a selection of hydrosilylation reactions has been recently reported for functionalizing organic groups onto oxide-free, hydride-terminated porous silicon surfaces. Monolayers, bound through direct silicon-carbon bonds, are produced via thermal, microwave, Lewis acid, and carbocation mediated pathways. All of these wet, benchtop methods result in the formation of stable monolayers which protect the underlying silicon surface from ambient oxidation and chemical attack. However, no direct comparison of monolayer stability resulting from these diverse mechanisms has been reported. A variety of alkyl monolayers were prepared on porous silicon using the diverse hydrosilylation routes describe above and then immersed into a sequence of simulated gastric and intestinal fluids to replicate the conditions of potential por-Si biosensors or medicinal delivery systems in the human gastrointestinal tract. Degradation of the organic monolayers and oxidation of the underlying por-Si surfaces were monitored using both qualitative and semiquantitative transmission mode Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our initial results indicate that methods employing chemical catalysts often incorporate these species within the monolayer as defects, producing less robust surfaces compared to catalyst-free reactions. Regardless, monolayer protected por-Si samples demonstrated superior durability as opposed to the unfunctionalized controls.

The Val158Met polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene may be related to individual differences in cognition, likely via modulation of prefrontal dopamine catabolism. However, the available studies have yielded mixed results, possibly in part because they do not consistently account for other genes that affect cognition. We hypothesized that COMT Met allele homozygosity, which is associated with higher levels of prefrontal dopamine, would predict better executive function as measured using standard neuropsychological testing, and that other candidate genes might interact with COMT to modulate this effect. Participants were 95 healthy, right-handed adults who underwent genotyping and cognitive testing. COMT genotype predicted executive ability as measured by the Trail-Making Test, even after covarying for demographics and Apolipoprotein E (APOE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) genotype. There was a COMT-ANKK1 interaction in which individuals having both the COMT Val allele and the ANKK1 T allele showed the poorest performance. This study suggests the heterogeneity in COMT effects reported in the literature may be due in part to gene–gene interactions that influence central dopaminergic systems. (JINS, 2011, 17, 1–7)

Exposure to otolaryngology is currently minimal in the UK undergraduate medical curriculum. This may lead to difficulties in attracting graduates into higher ENT surgical training and in ensuring a reasonable standard of ENT knowledge amongst primary care practitioners.

A recent innovation, of which many ENT units may be unaware, is the introduction to the undergraduate curriculum of ‘student-selected components’. Like the traditional elective, this allows students to undertake an attachment to a speciality and department of their choice. Units which do not regularly teach medical students but which have a welcoming and enthusiastic approach to undergraduate training may well be ideal hosts.

This paper introduces the concepts underlying student-selected components, outlines the preparation required and offers a template for such an attachment, for which ENT is ideally suited.