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Notes: The photodissociation of F2 in crystalline Kr is subject to only a minor cage effect—quantum yield of 0.5 at 308 nm, at T=12 K. Two-photon-induced harpooning in the same system leads to dissociation with near unit quantum efficiency; it is shown that this absorption is coherent with a giant cross section of 3(±2)×10−45 cm4 s at 275 nm. Excitation and emission spectra of charge-transfer transitions in solid Kr doped with F atoms, and solid Ar multiply doped with F/Kr are reported. The vertical excitation in F/Kr leads to a state delocalized over immediate neighbors—assigned to Kr+6F−. This state localizes on a subpicosecond time scale to the triatomic Kr+2F− configuration. The latter relaxes radiatively (τr=140 ns), to the repulsive wall of the ground state (∼1 eV above ground). The excitation in F:Kr/Ar solids shows the diatomic KrF(B←X) resonances. From the analysis of the spectrum, a harmonic frequency ω=75(±3) cm−1 is extracted for F atoms in the ground state, consistent with molecular-dynamics simulations of an octahedrally trapped F atom [ω=70(±1) cm−1]. The diatomic KrF(B) state relaxes on a time scale of 20 fs〈t〈500 fs to the mixed triatomic configuration, (ArKr)+F−, which then relaxes radiatively (τr=60 ns). The kinetic energy released upon the radiative dissociation of triatomic exciplexes generates acoustic waves, and defects, and leads to mass transport. The modes of propagation of the acoustic waves, their subsequent thermalization, and self-annealing of the solid, are directly monitored by spatially and temporally resolved transient scattering experiments. A transient loss (σ(approximately-equal-to)10−17 cm2), the origin of which is not fully understood, is observed for Kr2F isolated in solid Kr. The mass transport, and long-range migration of F atoms (∼10 lattice sites), is directly monitored in multiply doped Ar solids in which the shuttle of F atoms between Xe and Kr centers can be demonstrated.

Notes: Vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy has been used to investigate the hydrogen-terminated Si(111) surfaces obtained upon dissolution of the native oxide in HF and NH4F solutions. Whereas etching in aqueous HF acid produces an atomically rough surface, comparable treatment in NH4F results in atomically flat surfaces. These atomically flat surfaces are extremely well ordered and exhibit terraces which extend thousands of angstroms.

Notes: In the Basle region of Switzerland we demonstrate that rockfall blocks can be dated accurately using the radiocarbon method. Soil beneath rockfall blocks containing organic macro-remains was sampled at four cliff sites in the Tabular Jura south-east of Basle. A lightweight drilling rig drills a 101-mm-diameter hole through rockfall blocks up to 6 m in height. A downhole sampler is used to recover soil samples from below the blocks. Eighteen radiocarbon dates on charcoal, wood, needles of conifers and organic macro-remains from 11 blocks gave dates between 970 and 440 bp. Calibrated ages range between ad 1210 and ad 1450. These results, along with field observations and historical research, suggest that a large number of blocks toppled as rockfalls within a short time interval in the epicentral area of the ad 1356 Basle earthquake.

Notes: Abstract – Following a severe traumatic incident to permanent immature teeth, the growth of calcified tissue in the pulp space may occasionally occur. This calcified tissue may be diffuse or in intimate contact with the dentine. It has been suggested that a wide open apex, severe damage to the root sheath, and the absence of infection are only some of the predisposing factors leading to this metaplasia of pulp tissue into bone-like tissue. Five cases are described.

Notes: Objective Epinephrine (Epi) is the treatment of choice for reversing cardiovascular collapse in anaphylactic shock (AS). In this condition, most treatment guidelines have been anecdotally derived and no randomized clinical trials have been conducted. In the present study, we examined the time course of haemodynamic recovery in a canine model of AS when Epi was administered at the initiation of allergen challenge before fully developed shock had occurred.Methods Randomized, controlled, crossover studies were performed approximately 3–5 weeks apart in ragweed-sensitized dogs while the animals were ventilated and anaesthetized. Epi was administered by bolus intravenous (i.v.), subcutaneous (s.c.), intramuscular (i.m.) routes and by continuous i.v. infusion (CI). The findings obtained in the Epi treatment (T) studies were compared with those found in a no treatment (NT) study. In the bolus studies, Epi was administered at 0.01 mg/kg, while in the CI study, the dose of Epi was titrated to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 70% of preshock levels. MAP, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and pulmonary wedge pressure (Pwp) were determined over a 3 h period.Results In the CI study, haemodynamics (CO, MAP, and SV) were significantly higher than those measured in the NT study and the bolus studies over approximately the first hour of the study. In the CI study, the amount of Epi infused was significantly less than in the bolus studies.Conclusion When administered at the initiation of allergen challenge, bolus treatment of Epi by i.m., i.v., or s.c. routes caused limited haemodynamic improvement in AS. In contrast, constant infusion of Epi at a lower total dose produced significant haemodynamic improvement. Within the limits of this anaesthetized canine model, the results suggest that CI should be the preferred route in the treatment of AS when this treatment option is available.

Notes: In the past, the doorstopper method has been used successfully for determining in situ tectonic stresses. Here an example is given about the application of the borehole slotter in the domain of tectonic stress determinations, which is an innovative strain relief technique without overcoring. Data are presented that test the reliability of the strain measurements by the borehole slotter under well-known stress conditions, that indicate the reproducibility of borehole slotter strain data compared with those from doorstopper measurements, and that demonstrate the utility of the borehole slotter even for the determination of weak tectonic strains. In northern Switzerland the borehole slotter was used in a horizontal borehole under lithostatic loading conditions only, in a rock slope area with very heterogeneous stress conditions, and in a vertical borehole where tectonic stress should be dominant. The results show that the borehole slotter is a reliable technique, which allows precise determination of in situ strains. In addition, borehole slotter measurements are less time-consuming and therefore less costly than most other stress-measuring techniques—an important aspect in a future of reduced research budgets.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉SummaryThe borehole slotter is a strain relief technique, using a recoverable strain sensor that need not be glued to the rock surface and need not be overcored. It is quicker to use than most other stress or strain measuring techniques, especially in comparison to standard overcoring techniques (Fig. 14).The borehole slotter supplied convincing results with respect to principal stress orientations, in good agreement with:(i) principal stress orientations related to lithostatic stress conditions (Dittingen 2 site),(ii) palaeostress orientations during the main stage of Jura folding only 13 to 7 Ma (Laufen 1 site),(iii) the results of neighboring door-stopper measurements (Dittingen 1 site).The borehole slotter tests do not supply stress magnitudes directly. Thus, the elastic properties of the rock mass have to be determined independently. Stress ratios from borehole dotter tests in Dittingen 2 are realistic.In conclusion, the borehole slotter is a fully developed probe to measure in situ strains in boreholes. It allows the reliable determination of a large number of data within a short time even in weakly stressed rocks. This makes the borehole slotter a powerful tool for the determination of contemporary regional tectonic stress fields.