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The electrolytic current in an aluminum smelter can amplify resonant motions on the Al–electrolyte interface, producing a circulating wave that can grow out of control. Thick electrolyte layers prevent this magnetohydrodynamic metal pad instability (MPI) but sacrifice efficiency because the electrolyte is a poor conductor. In high-fidelity simulations of a TRIMET 180 kA smelter, we found that adding an oscillating component to the current prevented the MPI and replaced it with stable standing waves. We also found that initiating an oscillating current component can halt the MPI in progress. In our simulations, stable operation with steady current required a 4.3-cm anode–cathode distance (ACD), but stable operation with oscillations was achieved at 3.8 cm ACD, with heat power reduced by 12% and overall power by 4%. Different frequencies or amplitudes might allow further ACD reduction. Our method could allow Al production at lower cost, with less energy, and a smaller carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has been conducted on the escalation level and extinction selectivity of bivalves. The bivalves' metabolic rate has been tested via the use of oxygen isotope ratios of fossil bivalve shells and the results suggest that isotopic approach to metabolism determination may not support the extinction selectivity hypothesis.

Social psychology should focus on the study of interaction, including its immediate determinants and consequences. Topics discussed include social psychologists as a marginal group, forty years of 'interdependence theory,' and the proper focus of social psychology.

We test the hypothesis that escalated species (e.g., those with antipredatory adaptations such as heavy armor) are more vulnerable to extinctions caused by changes in climate. If this hypothesis is valid, recovery faunas after climate-related extinctions should include significantly fewer species with escalated shell characteristics, and escalated species should undergo greater rates of extinction than nonescalated species. This hypothesis is tested for the Cretaceous-Paleocene, Eocene-Oligocene, middle Miocene, and Pliocene-Pleistocene mass extinctions. Gastropod and bivalve molluscs from the U.S. coastal plain were evaluated for 10 shell characters that confer resistance to predators. Of 40 tests, one supported the hypothesis; highly ornamented gastropods underwent greater levels of Pliocene-Pleistocene extinction than did nonescalated species. All remaining tests were nonsignificant. The hypothesis that escalated species are more vulnerable to climate-related mass extinctions is not supported.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to qualitatively explore how religion can be a catalyst or support for positive, spontaneous transformations in families and the timing of these transformations. Background: There is a paucity of empirical literature that discusses how positive change or transformation occurs within families independent of professional intervention. Research has shown that religion can have many positive influences on family relationships, but more research is needed that explores religion and religiosity as a transformative agent in familial relationships. Method: Using interviews from 198 racially diverse, marriage‐based families (N = 476 participants) from Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam), we employed a team‐based methodology to code and analyze accounts of positive relational transformation. Results: Two themes relating to the timing of transformation, gradual and sudden, along with supports and catalysts for these transformations were identified from qualitative data analysis. These themes are presented with supportive illustrations. Conclusion: For some families, religious experiences did reportedly help inspire and transform their marriages and family relationships. Implications: This study suggests that religion can lead to positive transformation in families, and thus religion may be an effective tool families, religious leaders, and therapists can use to improve and transform family relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]