Distribution of the invasive ctenophore <i>Mnemiopsis leidyi</i> in the Belgian part of the North Sea

The invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz, 1865 was recorded for the first time in Northern Europe in summer 2005, while the first records in the North Sea date back to summer 2006. The first sightings in the Belgian part of the North Sea were made in August 2007 in the port of Zeebrugge, but most probably M. leidyi had already been present for a longer period in this area. The high densities in the port of Zeebrugge suggest that M. leidyi entered the Belgian marine waters via ballast water transport, comparable with the invasion in the Black and Caspian Seas and the Dutch part of the North Sea. In the period 2009–2011, M. leidyi was found in all ports and all along the Belgian coastline, up to 27 km offshore. Further offshore, no M. leidyi were found in zooplankton samples and small meshed otter trawl samples. Sightings of adult individuals in the coldest winter months imply that the species can survive Belgian winters. Highest densities (17 ind.m-3) were found in the Sluice dock in the port of Oostende. Along the coastline, average densities of 0.4 ind.m 3 were recorded. As M. leidyi might previously have been misidentified on the basis of morphological features alone, we also determined the species with genetic identification tools. Taking into account the notorious impact of this species in its native and in other invaded waters, it is recommended to continue the monitoring of M. leidyi populations in the Belgian part of the North Sea

A novel, aerosol-nanocrystal floating-gate device for non-volatile memory applications

This paper describes the fabrication, and structural and electrical characterization of a new, aerosol-nanocrystal floating-gate FET, aimed at non-volatile memory (NVM) applications. This aerosol-nanocrystal NVM device features program/erase characteristics comparable to conventional stacked gate NVM devices, excellent endurance (>l0^5 P/E cycles), and long-term non-volatility in spite of a thin bottom oxide (55-60Å). In addition, a very simple fabrication process makes this aerosol-nanocrystal NVM device a potential candidate for low cost NVM applications

A radiation-tolerant, low-power non-volatile memory based on silicon nanocrystal quantum dots

Nanocrystal nonvolatile floating-gate memories are a good candidate for space applications - initial results suggest they are fast, more reliable and consume less power than conventional floating gate memories. In the nanocrystal based NVM device, charge is not stored on a continuous polysilicon layer (so-called floating gate), but instead on a layer of discrete nanocrystals. Charge injection and storage in dense arrays of silicon nanocrystals in SiO_2 is a critical aspect of the performance of potential nanocrystal flash memory structures. The ultimate goal for this class of devices is few- or single-electron storage in a small number of nanocrystal elements. In addition, the nanocrystal layer fabrication technique should be simple, 8-inch wafer compatible and well controlled

Anti-Glycine Receptor Antibody Mediated Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonus Associated with Breast Cancer

We describe a 66-year-old woman who presented with a dramatic course of PERM. Anti-glycine receptor antibodies were found. She stabilized after plasma-exchange and partly recovered. Eighteen months later, a diagnosis of smouldering breast cancer with bone marrow metastasis was made. There are indications that this tumor was already present at first presentation. An overview of PERM and anti-glycine receptor antibodies is given

New and little known species of <i>Celleporina</i> Gray, 1848 (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata) from the Atlantic-Mediterranean region

Celleporina parvula, a species present in shallow waters along the NW African coast, is re-described from its original material. Celleporina fragilis, only known from the Canaries, and Celleporina derungsi, from south Portugal, are newly reported from the Gorringe Bank and NW Iberian Peninsula respectively. Two new species are described: Celleporina algarvensis n. sp., from south Portugal, and Celleporina mediterranea n. sp., from NW Mediterranean. The structure of the ooecium and its tabula, and the structure of the frontal wall in the genus Celleporina are discussed in the light of new observations

Recent observations of the introduced Fenestrulia delicia winston, Hayward & Craig, 2000 (Bryzoa) in Western Europe

We detail the discovery of recently established immigrant populations and beached material of the encrusting bryozoan Fenestrulina delicia from the Atlantic coasts of Europe. This species of unknown origin is highly invasive and, in contrast to most other introduced bryozoans spreads along offshore natural and artificial hard substrates, rather than hopping from one marina to another. Part of the material, collected in situ, was found on empty shells at locations well known for their aquaculture of oysters and mussels. This suggests that the import of shellfish could be the vector of primary introduction. Beached material suggests that floating plastic debris might be a vector of transport for secondary introduction. The base of offshore wind turbines forms a supplementary substrate in the sandy southern North Sea and probably provides stepping stones for this exotic species