Imaging scarred states in quantum dots.

We have used the scanning gate microscopy technique to image scar structures in an open quantum dot, fabricated in an InAs quantum well and defined by electron beam lithography. These are shown to have a periodicity in magnetic field that correlates with that found in the conductance fluctuations. Simulations have shown that these magnetic transform images bear a strong resemblance to actual scars found in the dots.

Viral contamination of a mosquito cell line, Aedes albopictus, associated with syncytium formation.

Viral contamination associated with syncytium formation in two sbulines of Singh's Aedes albopictus cell cultures was investigated. Electron microscopy of the syncytia revealed the presence of five different types of virus-like particles, which morphologically resembled the parvo-, picorna-, toga-, and orbi-, and bacterial viruses. When a virus-free subline of the A. albopictus cells (SL3) was inoculated with extracts of the syncytium-forming A. albopictus cells, the parvo-, toga-, and orbi-type viral agents were consistently observed. Among these three agents, the togavirus-type agent is most likely responsible for the syncytium induction. Serological examination of the infected cell extract indicated that at least one of three virus-like agents, presumably the togavirus-type agent, was related to Chikungunya. O'nyong-nyong, and Western equine encephalomyelitis viruses (alphaviruses of the Togaviridae), but separable from these.