Combining pulse-probe measurements as well as local transport measurements in an electron microscope system by a simultaneous monitoring of the structural changes, we show that the nonvolatile electric pulse induced resistance change in Ca-doped praseodymium manganite is related to a polaron order-disorder transition, modified by electronic band bending in the vicinity of an interface to a metallic electrode. A pronounced resistance change requires a critical distance between the two electrode and/or oxide interfaces to form an insulating incommensurate polaron-ordered phase during the initialization of the device. Based on these observations, a qualitative model for the electronic structure of the metal-oxide interface is developed.

Analyses by fluorescence spectrophotometry and computerized gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the hydrocarbons present in surficial bottom sediments from Buchan Gulf, Baffin Island established that natural seepage of petroleum is occurring from the seabed. In addition, compounds of recent biosynthetic origin and from atmospheric fall-out of combustion products were identified.

Zinc dicycloalkyls are obtained by reaction of cycloalkylmagnesium halides with anhydrous zinc chloride. The preparation and characteristic properties of dicyclohexylzinc, dicyclopentylzinc, dicyclobutylzinc and dicyclopropylzinc are described.