A Magnetic Signature at Io: Initial Report from the Galileo Magnetometer

During the inbound pass of the Galileo spacecraft, the magnetometer acquired 1 minute averaged measurements of the magnetic field along the trajectory as the spacecraft flew by Io. A field decrease, of nearly 40 percent of the background jovian field at closest approach to Io, was recorded. Plasma sources alone appear incapable of generating perturbations as large as those observed and an induced source for the observed moment implies an amount of free iron in the mantle much greater than expected. On the other hand, an intrinsic magnetic field of amplitude consistent with dynamo action at Io would explain the observations. It seems plausible that Io, like Earth and Mercury, is a magnetized solid planet.     

Isolation of an intrinsic precursor to molecular chemisorption

Over the past 70 years, numerous gas-surface adsorption studies have indicated the existence of a weakly bound, mobile intermediate that is a precursor to chemical bond formation. The direct observation and characterization of such a species are presented. Precursor and chemisorbed benzene on a silicon surface were clearly distinguished with the use of a tunable-temperature scanning tunneling microscope. Precursor decay to chemisorption was observed, allowing the salient features of the potential energy surface to be determined.     

Room temperature-operating spin-valve transistors formed by vacuum bonding

Functional integration between semiconductors and ferromagnets was demonstrated with the spin-valve transistor. A ferromagnetic multilayer was sandwiched between two device-quality silicon substrates by means of vacuum bonding. The emitter Schottky barrier injected hot electrons into the spin-valve base. The collector Schottky barrier accepts only ballistic electrons, which makes the collector current very sensitive to magnetic fields. Room temperature operation was accomplished by preparing Si-Pt-Co-Cu-Co-Si devices. The vacuum bonding technique allows the realization of many ideas for vertical transport devices and forms a permanent link that is useful in demanding adhesion applications.     

在西双版纳地区进行玉米南繁加代的可行性研究

我单位在云南西双版纳地区连续３年进行玉米南繁试验,事实证明,１０月１０日前播种是阳适宜播期,于１２月授粉,２月上中旬收获,生长期间未遇低温危害;１１月１５日前播种,采用地膜覆盖栽培,于１２月至１月授粉,在花期遇７￣８℃低温的情况下,开花授粉及结实仍然良好,一般完成授粉任务的９５％以上。３月中下旬收获,４月中子可运回,及时为春播提供种源。在西双版纳有大量的冬闲土地,并且气候温和,从不受台风影响,南繁     

Regulation of Luteal Function and Corpus Luteum Regression in Cows: Hormonal Control, Immune Mechanisms and Intercellular Communication

The main function of the corpus luteum (CL) is production of progesterone (P4). Adequate luteal function to secrete P4 is crucial for determining the physiological duration of the oestrous cycle and for achieving a successful pregnancy. The bovine CL grows very fast and regresses within a few days at luteolysis. Mechanisms controlling development and secretory function of the bovine CL may involve many factors that are produced both within and outside the CL. Some of these regulators seem to be prostaglandins (PGs), oxytocin, growth and adrenergic factors. Moreover, there is evidence that P4 acts within the CL as an autocrine or paracrine regulator. Each of these factors may act on the CL independently or may modify the actions of others. Although uterine PGF_2α is known to be a principal luteolytic factor, its direct action on the CL is mediated by local factors: cytokines, endothelin-1, nitric oxide. The changes in ovarian blood flow have also been suggested to have some role in regulation of CL development, maintenance and regression.     

The adoption of management and husbandry procedures by Western Australian pig farmers

A postal survey was conducted to determine the management and husbandry procedures adopted by a sample of 101 Western Australian pig farmers. Seventy seven replies were received and analysed. Over 80% of farmers vaccinated breeding stock against leptospirosis and erysipelas, 35% vaccinated against parvo virus and 15% vaccinated against Escherichia coli. Most farmers used antibiotics: 72% incorporated them into their pig diets and 60% used parenteral antibiotics. Fifty three per cent of farmers reported that they regularly used a veterinarian. Over 59% of piggeries had another piggery located within 10 km, thus increasing the possibility for disease transmission between herds. It is concluded that there is potential for veterinarians to offer advice to pig farmers, particularly on disease control measures and adoption of technological advances.