Impaired reversal but intact acquisition: Probabilistic response reversal deficits in adult individuals with psychopathy.

The performance of adult psychopathic individuals on a novel response reversal task involving 2 reward-punishment contingencies (100-0 and 80-20) was investigated. In line with predictions, adults with psychopathy presented with impairment on the response reversal component but not on the acquisition component of this task. This selective impairment for response reversal was seen for both reward-punishment contingencies and was related to the tendency of individuals with psychopathy to be less likely to stay with a rewarded correct response to a stimulus on the subsequent presentation of that stimulus. Results are discussed with reference to current models of the development of psychopathy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiCAl2O3 coatings

The microstructure, phase distribution and hardness of TiCAl₂O₃ two-phase coatings prepared by high rate physical vapor deposition have been studied as functions of deposition temperature and feed composition. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction shows that the coatings consist of α-Al₂O₃ and TiC (cubic) phases. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy have been used to study the distribution of the two phases in the coatings. The growth morphology is fine grained at low temperatures and becomes a dense columnar type at high temperatures of deposition. The microhardness shows a corresponding increase with deposition temperature. Details of the relationship between the microstructure, composition and hardness of the coatings are reported.     

Melt-spinning technique for preparation of metallic glasses

Rapid solidification of metallic melts at a rate ≳10⁵ °K/sec has gained considerable interest for casting non-equlibrium crystalline structures in general and metallic glasses in particular. Of the variety of techniques used for rapid solidification, melt-spinning and melt-extraction are widely used. This paper describes the design and development of a melt-spinning technique in our laboratory. Optimization of spinning parameters for smooth and continuous ribbons is discussed. Glassy ribhons of Cu-Zr and Pd-Ge alloys have been made under optimized conditions. A brief account of some of the structural and electronic properties of these glasses is illustrated.