Shares of sea and valence quarks in the proton spin puzzle

The first moments of the polarized valence parton distribution functions truncated to the wide Bjorken x region 0.004 < x < 0.7 are directly (without any fitting procedure) extracted in NLO QCD from the combined COMPASS and HERMES semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering data. Applying the proposed original procedure to these results, we estimate the contributions of light sea quarks to the proton spin, which occur just zero within the errors.     

QCD Evolution of Nuclear Structure Functions at Large X: EMC Effect and Cumulative Processes

QCD evolution of nuclear structure functions at large x is reviewed within the an approach based on QCD factorization for hard processes and multiquark flucton model. In this approach, x > 1 region of the nuclear structure functions is intimately related with x < 1 region due to manifestation of quark and gluon degrees of freedom in nuclei. Properties of QCD evolution and observed EMC-ratio for nuclear structure functions at x < 1 result in an admixture of hard extra sea quark distribution. This extra nuclear quark sea provides a bump above unity for EMC-ratio at small x and becomes dominant in the nuclear quark sea for cumulative region x > 1. It leads to a striking prediction, confirmed by data, for the same spectrum slopes of all cumulative hadrons in nuclear fragmentation region.     

Photoemission study of Pd Zr and Cu Zr alloys

The XPS valence bands and core levels of the alloys Pd_1?xZr_x (0<x<1) and Cu_1?xZr_x (0<x<1) have been measured. The alloys prepared by coevaporation are crystalline — but their valence band spectra are close to those of the metallic glasses of the same compositions. The large valence band and core level shifts observed for Pd can be explained by a simple theory, not necessitating the postulation of a new type of bonding in these systems.     

Electrical conduction in sputtered Si:Al films

The d.c. electrical resistivity ?(x, T) has been measured for a series of granular Si_xAl_1?x sputtered films for 0.25 < x < 0.62 and 4K < T < 300 K. Three separate behaviours are identified in ?(x, T) corresponding to extrinsic activated semiconduction, metallic conduction and electron localisation.     

Logistic map potentials

We develop and illustrate methods to compute all single particle potentials that underlie the logistic map, x?sx(1−x) for 0<s?4. We show that the switchback potentials can be obtained from the primary potential through functional transformations. We are thereby able to produce the various branches of the corresponding analytic potential functions, which have an infinite number of branch points for generic s>2. We illustrate the methods numerically for the cases s=5/2 and s=10/3.     

Valence and sea contributions to the nucleon spin

The first moments of the polarized valence parton distribution functions (PDFs) truncated to the wide Bjorken x region 0.004<x<0.7 are directly (without any fitting procedure) extracted in the next to leading order (NLO) QCD from both COMPASS and HERMES data on pion production in polarized semi-inclusive DIS (SIDIS) experiments. The COMPASS and HERMES data are combined in two ways and two scenarios for the fragmentation functions (FFs) are considered. Two procedures are proposed for an estimation of light sea quark contributions to the proton spin. Both lead to the conclusion that these contributions are compatible with zero within the errors.     

The generalized exponential-integral V(x,y)=∫1∞ exp(−xt)ln(t+y)dtt and computer algorithms for y = 0, 1

The generalized exponential-integral function V(x, y) defined here includes as special cases the function E⁽²⁾₁(x) = V(x, 0) introduced by van de Hulst and functions M₀(x) = V(x, 1) and N₀(x) = V(x, -1) introduced by Kourganoff in connection with integrals of the form ∫ E_n)t)E_m(t±x), which play an important role in the theory of monochromatic radiative transfer. Series and asymptotic expressions are derived and, for the most important special cases, y = 0 and y = 1, Chebyshev expansions and rational approximations are obtained that permit the function to be evaluated to at least 10 sf on 0<x<∞ using 16 sf arithmetic.     

Model spectral function and superconductivity in BaxK1−xBiO3 (x=0.5-0.7)

The Eliashberg spectral density function is constructed for the superconducting compound Ba_xK_1−xBiO₃ with x=0.5, 0.6, 0.7. The functions, besides yielding some prominent structures, show widely spreading spectra that inhibit lattice instability by yielding not too large values of λ(<1.32). The resulting spectral functions show similar shape as other results, where available, and also successfully reproduce the observed critical temperature, isotope exponent, gap ratio and several other parameters.     

Quantum Tunneling and Caustics under Inverse Square Potential

We examine the quantization of a harmonic oscillator with inverse square potential V(x)=(mω²/2) x²+g/x² on the line −∞<x<∞. We find that, for 0<g<3?²/(8m), the system admits a U(2) family of inequivalent quantizations allowing for quantum tunneling through the infinite potential barrier at x=0. These are a generalization of the conventional quantization applied to the Calogero model in which no quantum tunneling is allowed. The tunneling renders the classical caustics which arise under the potential anomalous at the quantum level, leading to the possibility of copying the profile of an arbitrary state from one side x>0, say, to the other x<0.     

Thermal diffusivities and molar volumes of ternary Al20 AsxTe80−x alloy glasses: evidence of self-organization

Thermal diffusivities (α) and molar volumes (V_m) of bulk Al₂₀As_xTe_80−x alloy glasses in the composition range 0≤x≤35 are examined. The results reveal a broad maximum in alpha and a broad minimum in V_m in the 15<x<25 range. Earlier temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetric measurements on these glasses have revealed the non-reversing heat flow to show a global minimum (reversibility window) in the same composition range. Taken together these results suggest that present glasses in the 15<x<25 range are self-organized. The thermal diffusivity maximum observed near x=20 is consistent with a minimal scattering of thermal waves in the homogeneous and stress-free glass composition residing in the center of the self-organized phase.     

The EMC effect at low x in perturbative QCD

The EMC effect is studied in the perturbative QCD hard pomeron approach. In this framework the nuclear structure function can be expressed directly in terms of the proton one. In the limit x → 0 and for a nucleus with a constant density the effect is found to be a function of a single variable which combines its x-, Q- and A-dependence. The EMC ratio of the nuclear to nucleon structure functions goes to zero for x → 0 or/and A ? 1. At large Q ² the effect dies out as ln Q/Q. To describe the present data at 0. 005 < x < 0. 05 an attempt is made to take into account subasymptotic effects by introducing an anomalous dimension falling with x. This leads to a weaker x- and Q-dependence, which almost disappears as x grows and the anomalous dimension becomes small.     

Optimized implementations of rational approximations for the Voigt and complex error function

Rational functions are frequently used as efficient yet accurate numerical approximations for real and complex valued functions. For the complex error function w(x+iy), whose real part is the Voigt function K(x,y), code optimizations of rational approximations are investigated. An assessment of requirements for atmospheric radiative transfer modeling indicates a y range over many orders of magnitude and accuracy better than 10⁻⁴. Following a brief survey of complex error function algorithms in general and rational function approximations in particular the problems associated with subdivisions of the x, y plane (i.e., conditional branches in the code) are discussed and practical aspects of Fortran and Python implementations are considered. Benchmark tests of a variety of algorithms demonstrate that programming language, compiler choice, and implementation details influence computational speed and there is no unique ranking of algorithms. A new implementation, based on subdivision of the upper half-plane in only two regions, combining Weideman's rational approximation for small |x|+y<15 and Humlicek's rational approximation otherwise is shown to be efficient and accurate for all x, y.     

Magnetic properties of metastable bcc and amorphous Fe1−xMox,alloys produced by vapor quenching

X-ray diffraction, magnetization and Mössbauer measurements have been made on Fe₁−xMo_x alloys produced by vapor quenching. Single bcc phases of α-Fe- and η-Mo-type appear for x < 0.2 and x > 0.7, respectively. On the other hand, an amorphous phase is obtained for 0.3 < x < 0.6, in which region the intermetallic compounds with topologically close-packed structures are stable in the equilibrium phase diagram. The bcc phase is ferromagnetic for x < 0.85, while the amorphous phase is paramagnetic down to 4.2 K. The Mössbauer spectra indicate that the local atomic configuration of the amorphous alloy resembles that of the intermetallic compound with a similar composition.     

The thermoelectric power in AgxTiS2 and AgxNiPS3. Part II. The ionic component of the thermoelectric power

The EMF of the isothermal cells: Ag/AgI/Ag_xTiS₂: 0<x<1, T=150–200°C/Ag_xNiPS₃: 0<x<3, T=150–350°C has been measured. From the EMF-x curves the existence ranges of the 2-phase (stage I and II) regions ?0.16<x<0.32 for the Ag/Ag_xTiS₂ system at 190°C; 0.20 < x < 0.50 and 1 < x < 2 for the Ag/Ag_xNiPS₃ system at 400°C - have been determined. The results are sustained by X-ray diffraction and electrical conductivity measurements. From the EMF-T curves the partial enthalpy (ΔH?_Ag) and entropy (ΔS?_Ag) of dissolution of silver in the Ag_xSSE (solid solution electrode) materials were obtained. In the case of Ag_xTiS₂, ΔH?_Ag has a low absolute value, while ΔS?_Ag is distinctly positive. The EMF of the Ag/Ag_xNiPS₃ system also has a positive temperature coefficient. Furthermore, the ionic component of the thermoelectric power, ΔE/ΔT, of the thermogalvanic cells: Ag/AgI/Ag_xSSE/AgI/Ag Ag_xTiS₂: 0 < x < 1, T = 150–200°C( T ) (T+ΔT) Ag_xNiPS₃: 0 < x < 1, T= 150–350°C has been measured. The kinetically important heat of transport of silver ions in the Ag_xSSE materials has been determined in two ways: first from the dependence of the ionic Seebeck coefficient (?_Ag+) on reciprocal temperature; and second from direct calculation, using the data for ?_Ag+ and ΔS?_Ag. The heat of transport is much smaller than the activation enthalpy for Ag⁺-conduction, indicating a high ionic polaron binding energy in these materials.     

Studies of the EMC effect in the QCD framework with the EMC iron and hydrogen structure functions

The QCD evolution of the measured structure functions F₂ in iron and hydrogen have been analysed to show that the momentum distribution of the valence quarks is lower in iron than in hydrogen and that the opposite is true for the gluon and sea quark distributions in the region of 0.1<x<0.65.     

Electron transport in NbxTi1−xO2 with 0.04 < x < 1

Electrical conductivity and thermopower have been determined in the Nb_xTi_1?xO₂ solid solutions for 0.04 < x < 1 and between 300 and 1300 K. Experimental results are fitted with a small polaron model of electron transport. Thermopower results are consistent with localized particle motion with a binding energy increasing with Nb content up to 0.1 eV. Nevertheless, it seems that this localized particle is a single small polaron only at low temperatures because of the high calculated energy at high temperatures for the associated phonon according to the single small polaron theory. A tentative interpretation for the high-temperature range is proposed: the existence of a bipolaron for 0.04 < x < 0.2 (as in Ti₄O₇) and a tripolaron for 0.2 < x < 0.5. This assumption accounts correctly for the hightemperature thermopower and the variation of the activation energy of mobility with temperature. Nevertheless, new experiments such as magnetic susceptibility determination are required to prove this idea.     

Ground-state phase diagrams of Ising metamagnet in a mixed longitudinal and transverse magnetic field

The ground-state magnetic properties of a two-sublattice Ising metamagnet in a mixed longitudinal and transverse magnetic field are studied within the effective-field theory. A parameter j₂=J₂/J₁ is introduced, which reflects the strength ratio of spin coupling between adjacent planes and in each plane. In addition to the second-order transition lines, the first-order transition lines are also presented, since the ground-state energy can be calculated numerically. The ground-state phase diagrams in h_x–h_z are presented. The results show that when j₂<0 the phase transition of the system is always first-order for h_x<2.751, and when −1000?j₂<0 it is always second-order for h_x>4.36. For the given h_x (0<h_x<14.71), the longitudinal critical magnetic field increases as j₂ decreases. The reentrant phenomenon occurs in the range of j₂<−11.89, h_x>14.71. There is no fourth-order critical point in the phase diagrams given by using EFT as found by using mean field theory (MFT).     

Quasielastic versus inelastic and deep inelastic lepton scattering in nuclei at x > 1

We have made a thorough investigation of the nuclear structure function W_2A in the region of 0.8 < x < 1.5 and Q² < 20 GeV², separating the quasielastic and inelastic plus deep inelastic contributions. The agreement with present experimental data is good giving support to the results for both channels. Predictions are made in yet unexplored regions of x and Q² to assert the weight of the quasielastic or inelastic channels. We find that at Q² < 4 GeV² the structure function is dominated by the quasielastic contributions for x < 1.5, while for values of Q² > 15 GeV² and the range of x studied the inelastic channels are over one order of magnitude bigger than the quasielastic one. The potential of the structure function at x > 1 as a source of information on nuclear correlations is stressed once more.     

Population analysis solution to hardness enhancement in TiCxN1−x

We investigated the hardness enhancement in titanium carbonitrides (TiC_xN_1−x) by the population analysis method based on first-principles calculations. Populations for bonds TiC and TiN in TiC_xN_1−x (0.25<x<0.75) are all positive. The enhanced hardness for titanium carbonitrides is well explained by overlap population analysis. Intrinsic hardness of TiC_xN_1−x has been calculated based on the obtained overlap populations. The calculated results are in good agreement with the available experimental data.     

Optical reflectance, dielectric functions and phonon-vibrational modes of reactively sputtered Nb-substituted TiN thin films

The optical reflectance, dielectric functions and phonon vibrational modes of Ti_1?x Nb _x N (0≤x≤0.77) thin films are reported. Films of 500-nm thickness were deposited on 316LN nuclear grade stainless steel substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. The reflectance spectra of the films, in the energy range 1.5 to 5.5 eV, are fitted using the Drude–Lorentz model as the response of one Drude parameter and four Lorentz oscillators. It is demonstrated that the properties studied are dependent on Nb concentration, x, and exhibit a behavior transition threshold at x=0.5. The optical properties studied are closer to TiN for x<0.5 and resemble NbN for x>0.5. For example, the films showed a minimum in reflectance at ～2.33 eV for values of x up to 0.5, corresponding to the Ti–N charge transfer band. Increase in Nb concentration beyond 0.5 caused a large shift in this energy to 3.2 eV, corresponding to the Nb–N charge transfer excitation. Similarly, the real part of the dielectric function is characterized by a screened plasma energy of 2.25 eV for values of x<0.5 (～TiN) and 3.25±0.2 eV for x>0.5 (～NbN). The energy at which the loss function reaches a peak value increases linearly for values of x from 0 to 0.41 and decreases very drastically for x>0.5. Phonon-vibrational modes of Ti_1?x Nb _x N thin films studied by Raman spectroscopy show that Nb substitution in TiN results in first-order Raman scattering. The single-phonon acoustical peak at 270 cm^?1 of TiN shifted to 265 cm^?1 for x=0.77, while the two-phonon acoustical peak of TiN at 620 cm^?1 shifted to 630 cm^?1 for the same value of x. The reasons for the existence of a behavior transition threshold in Nb concentration are discussed.