Imaging the domain pattern of the canted magnetization state in Co/Pt multilayer films

The exact magnetization pattern of magnetic films close to a spin-reorientation transition is difficult to analyze due to the intrinsically three-dimensional (3d) variation of the orientation of the local magnetization. We present a technique how this can be performed, based on the analysis of high quality 2d polarization maps from a single scanning electron microscope with polarization analysis (SEMPA) measurement with tilted sample. The key tool is the statistical distribution of all occurring polarization doublets, visualized in a 2d histogram plot. From the shape of the distribution the type of transition—canted-phase, or coexisting phases—can be inferred. For the canted-phase state, the canting angle can be accurately determined from geometrical considerations. With help of the histogram the image data can be analyzed and the three components of the magnetization can be calculated for most points of the image. For a Co/Pt multilayer film we found a cone state. The magnetization forms a complex pattern consisting of out-of-plane domains while the in-plane magnetization shows a maze pattern.     

Assessing Human Impact of Organizational Crises: Reliability and Validity of the Triage Assessment Scale for Organizations (TAS:O)

The present study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Triage Assessment Survey: Organizations (TAS:O), a 27-item, 5-point, Likert summated rating scale. One hundred and seventeen participants responded to the TAS:O after reading mild, moderate, marked and severe organizational crisis scenarios. The overall Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability were both .93. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed three factors, supporting the hypothesis that the TAS:O is comprised of three distinct factors (i.e., Affect, Behavior, and Cognition). An analysis of variance provided evidence that the TAS:O has the capacity to distinguish among mild, moderate, marked, and severe crises. Because this research is the first to evaluate the TAS:O, further studies are needed to strengthen confidence in the psychometric properties of this scale.     

Possible involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in regulated exocytosis: studies in chromaffin cells with inhibitor LY294002

Several lines of evidence suggest that phosphorylated products of phosphatidylinositol play critical functions in the regulation of membrane trafficking along the secretory pathway. To probe the possible involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in regulated exocytosis, we have examined its subcellular distribution in cultured chromaffin cells by immunoreplica analysis and confocal immunofluorescence. We found that the PI 3-kinase heterodimer consisting of the regulatory and catalytic subunits was associated essentially with the subplasmalemmal cytoskeleton in both resting and nicotine-stimulated chromaffin cells. Attempts to immunoprecipitate PI 3-kinase with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies failed, suggesting that the activity of PI 3-kinase was not modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation and/or physical interaction with SH2-containing proteins in stimulated chromaffin cells. LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one], a potent inhibitor of PI 3-kinase, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of catecholamine secretion evoked by various secretagogues. Furthermore, cytochemical experiments with rhodamine-labeled phalloidin revealed that LY294002 blocked the disassembly of cortical actin in chromaffin cells stimulated by a depolarizing concentration of potassium. Our results suggest that PI 3-kinase may be one of the important regulatory exocytotic components involved in the signaling cascade controlling actin rearrangements required for catecholamine secretion.     

The marginal cost of CO2 emissions

Haraden's model for estimating the economic cost of global warming is analysed. We change his method of discounting and some of his input parameters in a manner consistent with physical and economic theory as well as empirical data. We then find much higher costs than Haraden found. These costs are compared to the cost of reducing CO₂ emissions and we find that deep cuts of the emissions of CO₂ are preferable. A check of the sensitivity of our results with respect to some crucial parameter values does not alter that conclusion.     

Demonstrative Suffering: The Gestural (Re)embodiment of Symptoms

Despite the long-standing interest in emotion and bodily conduct, there remains relatively little research concerned with how gestures are used with talk and within interaction to reveal emotional and personal experience. In this article, the author considers the medical consultation and, in particular, the ways in which patients attempt to reveal their experience of illness to the doctor. The paper examines how gesture and other forms of bodily conduct are used to transform symptoms into suffering; to display, enact, and (re)embody medical problems and difficulties. The analysis is based on videorecordings of primary health care consultations and focuses on the social and interactional organization of demonstrative suffering.