Thermo-XRD-analysis of montmorillonite treated with 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone

Charcoals formed during the thermo-XRD-analysis of montmorillonite (MONT) complexes with the dye 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone (DAAQ) were investigated by using curve-fitting calculations. Five saturated dye solutions were prepared (i) in distilled water and (ii–v) in 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 molar HCl. Two series of dye-clay complexes were prepared by using clay suspensions of 0.6 %and of 0.006 % labeled first and second series, respectively. Five dye-clay complexes were prepared of each series by adding 25 mL of dye solution to 25 mL of clay suspension. There is no free dye in complexes of the first series, but those of the second series, which were synthesized with a high ratio between dye and clay, contain non-adsorbed dye even after five washings. Complexes of the first series are loaded with very small amounts of molecular and protonated DAAQ (5–24 mmol DAAQ per 100 g clay), and their spacings are 1.25–1.54 nm suggesting the presence of tactoids with protonated or molecular DAAQ lying parallel to the clay layers. No carbon analyses were performed to the second series complexes. In addition to tactoids with spacing of 1.32 nm, they contain tactoids with spacings of 1.81–1.96 nm, suggesting that intercalated DAAQ are lying perpendicular to the clay layers. Three types of intercalated charcoal are identified in both series during the thermal analysis, one type with a low thermal stability and two types with high thermal stabilities. Charcoals of the second series complexes preserve the geometry of the original complexes up to high temperatures.     

On the Stability of Certain Spin Models in 2+1 Dimensions

In this paper we prove large-data local stability theorems for several spin-field models in two dimensions, both in the focusing case (spherical target) and the defocusing case (hyperbolic target).     

Stable quantum resonances in atom optics

A theory for stabilization of quantum resonances by a mechanism similar to one leading to classical resonances in nonlinear systems is presented. It explains recent surprising experimental results, obtained for cold cesium atoms when driven in the presence of gravity, and leads to further predictions. The theory makes use of invariance properties of the system allowing for separation into independent kicked rotor problems. The analysis relies on a fictitious classical limit where the small parameter is not Planck's constant, but rather the detuning from the frequency that is resonant in the absence of gravity.     

Brain MRI lesion load quantification in multiple sclerosis: a comparison between automated multispectral and semi-automated thresholding computer-assisted techniques

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion volume measurement is an advantageous tool for assessing disease burden in multiple sclerosis (MS). We have evaluated two computer-assisted techniques: MSA multispectral automatic technique that is based on bayesian classification of brain tissue and NIH image analysis technique that is based on local (lesion by lesion) thresholding, to establish reliability and repeatability values for each technique. Brain MRIs were obtained for 30 clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS patients using a 2.0 Tesla MR scanner with contiguous, 3 mm thick axial, T1, T2 and PD weighted modalities. Digital (Dicom 3) images were analyzed independently by three observers; each analyzed the images twice, using the two different techniques (Total 360 analyses). Accuracy of lesion load measurements using phantom images of known volumes showed significantly better results for the MSA multispectral technique (p < 0.001). The mean intra-and inter-observer variances were, respectively, 0.04 ± 0.4 (range 0.04–0.13), and 0.09 ± 0.6 (range 0.01–0.26) for the multispectral MSA analysis technique, 0.24 ± 2.27 (range 0.23–0.72) and 0.33 ± 3.8 (range 0.47–1.36) for the NIH threshold technique. These data show that the MSA multispectral technique is significantly more accurate in lesion volume measurements, with better results of within and between observers’ assessments, and the lesion load measurements are not influenced by increased disease burden. Measurements by the MSA multispectral technique were also faster and decreased analysis time by 43%. The MSA multispectral technique is a promising tool for evaluating MS patients. Non-biased recognition and delineation algorithms enable high accuracy, low intra-and inter-observer variances and fast assessment of MS related lesion load.     

Tiebout and sympathy

In its simplest form the Tiebout hypothesis suggests that redistribution by local government is not sustainable because individuals, when confronted by negative net fiscal benefits, will vote with their feet, changing their residential locations to jurisdictions which offer a more favorable fiscal balance. It is usually thought, moreover, that they will move (e.g. from central city to suburbs) in descending order of income.Recognition of extended preference modifies this simple characterization of the tiebout process, in which the process of relocation is like ‘peeling an onion’. Any relocation sequence is possible, with either sympathy or antipathy. Even for sympathetic individuals with identical tastes, restrictive and unrealistic assumptions are required to predict, with certainty, that individuals with higher incomes would be the first to move. In particular the marginal tax rate must exceed unity. With antipathy, individuals with lower incomes may move before those with higher incomes, even if net fiscal benefits decrease with income, if they become more willing to begrudge transfers to others as their incomes increase.     

A general search game

The minimax solution is found for a game in which player I chooses a real number and player II seeks it by choosing a trajectory represented by a positive function. This work was supported by the Israel Council for Research and Development.     

PHOTOACOUSTIC SPECTROSCOPY AND RADIANT ENERGY CONVERSION: THEORY OF THE EFFECT WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Abstract—The use of photoacoustic spectroscopy in the study of photoactive samples (photochemical, luminescent, photovoltaic) is considered. After a short explanation of the parameters important in this technique and ways of measuring them, photochemical processes are considered in detail. Relations are derived for the determination of the energy stored in photochemical products and the quantum yield for the photochemical processes.
One- and two-step photochemical processes are treated in detail and the dependence of the photo-acoustically detected products on modulation frequency is considered, showing the possibility of separating reaction steps according to their rate constants. Particular attention is given to the photosynthetic process and the potential of this method for determination of energy conversion efficiencies of the different stages of photosynthesis is demonstrated. Also the use of the technique in the study of photovoltaic processes is outlined.     

Classical scaling theory of quantum resonances

The quantum resonances occurring with delta-kicked particles are studied with the help of a fictitious classical limit, establishing a direct correspondence between the nearly resonant quantum motion and the classical resonances of a related system. A scaling law which characterizes the structure of the resonant peaks is derived and numerically demonstrated.     

Control of multiple filamentation in air

In this Letter we provide what is believed to be the first experimental evidence of suppression of the number of filaments for high-intensity laser pulses propagating in air by beam astigmatism. We also show that the number, pattern, and spatial stability of the filaments can be controlled by varying the angle that a focusing lens makes with the axial direction of propagation. This new methodology can be useful for applications involving atmospheric propagation, such as remote sensing.