Field-theoretic approach to second-order phase transitions in two- and three-dimensional systems

We review the physical principles which are at the basis of recent field-theoretic computations of the critical exponents in two- and three-dimensional systems. We concentrate on those points that do not show up explicitly in the more standard-expansion: they must be discussed with care if one uses a perturbative approach at fixed space dimensions (the loop expansion). We present in detail simple computations of the critical exponents, while we summarize the results of longer and more accurate computations.     

Reactivity of β-aluminas with water

The reactivity with air moisture of finely divided crystals of Na β and Li⁺-containing β-aluminas is analyzed with thermogravimetric and X-ray techniques. For Na β-alumina two distinct water intake processes are evident: 1) a fast one, controlled by the elastic interactions among water molecules near the crystal boundaries; 2) a slow one, driven by water diffusion away from the boundaries. For finely divided crystals of Li β-alumina the two processes cannot be distinguished but the slow one is observable in crystals of macroscopic dimensions. The water intake is generally accompanied by an expansion of the c-axis. However, the relationship between water content and c-parameter is highly non-linear and the c-axis length at room temperature depends upon the thermal history of the sample. Our results confirm previous reports suggesting that β-aluminas absorb about one water molecule per cation of the conducting plane.     

C-Fe chains due to segregated carbon impurities on Fe(1 0 0)

Bulk carbon impurities segregate at the Fe(1 0 0) surface and, upon thermal annealing, can form metastable surface phases with local and long range order and peculiar electronic properties. We present a surface science study of C-segregated Fe(1 0 0) with scanning tunneling microscopy, angle resolved photoemission, and ab initio calculations of the surface structure and electron states. In particular the c(3√2 × √2) structure, observed for 0.67 atomic layers of C segregated at the iron surface, is found to be due to self-organized carbon stripes made of zig-zag chains. The strong hybridization between C and Fe was observed in ARPES spectra.     

Replica Symmetry Breaking in Short-Range Spin Glasses: Theoretical Foundations and Numerical Evidences

We discuss replica symmetry breaking (RSB) in spin glasses. We update work in this area, from both the analytical and numerical points of view. We give particular attention to the difficulties stressed by Newman and Stein concerning the problem of constructing pure states in spin glass systems. We mainly discuss what happens in finite-dimensional, realistic spin glasses. Together with a detailed review of some of the most important features, facts, data, and phenomena, we present some new theoretical ideas and numerical results. We discuss among others the basic idea of the RSB theory, correlation functions, interfaces, overlaps, pure states, random field, and the dynamical approach. We present new numerical results for the behaviors of coupled replicas and about the numerical verification of sum rules, and we review some of the available numerical results that we consider of larger importance (for example, the determination of the phase transition point, the correlation functions, the window overlaps, and the dynamical behavior of the system).     

A complete treatment of a steady-state four-level model for the interpretation of OH laser-induced fluorescence measurements in atmospheric pressure flames

In order to obtain OH concentration measurements in atmospheric pressure flames from saturated fluorescence signal, we have developed a stationary four-level model. A general relationship between the measured upper state population and the total number density has been derived. The effects of the imbalance between the rotational transfer rates in the upper and ground states is analyzed. We show that in the case of comparable rotational rates, the results of our treatment are similar to the ones obtained with the balanced cross rate model. A set of complementary data which should facilitate absolute OH concentration measurements is also pointed out.     

The Mean Field Theory of Spin Glasses: The Heuristic Replica Approach and Recent Rigorous Results

The mathematically correct computation of the spin glasses free energy in the infinite range limit crowns 25 years of mathematic efforts in solving this model. The exact solution of the model was found many years ago by using a heuristic approach; the results coming from the heuristic approach were crucial in deriving the mathematical results. The mathematical tools used in the rigorous approach are quite different from those of the heuristic approach. In this note we will review the heuristic approach to spin glasses in the light of the rigorous results; we will also discuss some conjectures that may be useful to derive the solution of the model in an alternative way.     

Soliton-based Y-branch in photorefractive crystals induced through dispersion-shifted optical fiber

We experimentally demonstrate for what is believed to be the first time that a dispersion-shifted fiber can be used to electro-optically induce a soliton Y-branch structure in a photorefractive centrosymmetric paraelectric crystal (potassium lithium tantalate niobate). The application of a nonstationary external bias field enables us to stabilize the spatially partially coherent behavior of the optical beam at the fiber output. Furthermore, we show the switching capabilities of this soliton-based device in the optical communication field guiding a probe beam at a nonphotorefractive wavelength (1557 nm).     

Tests of Lorentz invariance using a microwave resonator

The frequencies of a cryogenic sapphire oscillator and a hydrogen maser are compared to set new constraints on a possible violation of Lorentz invariance. We determine the variation of the oscillator frequency as a function of its orientation (Michelson-Morley test) and of its velocity (Kennedy-Thorndike test) with respect to a preferred frame candidate. We constrain the corresponding parameters of the Mansouri and Sexl test theory to delta-beta + 1/2 = (1.5+/-4.2) x 10(-9) and beta-alpha - 1= (-3.1+/-6.9) x 10(-7) which is of the same order as the best previous result for the former and represents a 30-fold improvement for the latter.     

Adaptive behaviour of the spinal cord in the transition from quiet stance to walking

Background

Parkinson??s disease is characterized by a continuous loss of neurons within the substantia nigra (SN) leading to a depletion of dopamine. Within the adult SN as a non-neurogenic region, cells with mainly oligodendrocytic precursor characteristics, expressing the neuro-glial antigen-2 (NG2) are continuously generated. Proliferation of these cells is altered in animal models of Parkinson??s disease (PD). Exercise and environmental enrichment re-increase proliferation of NG2⁺ cells in PD models, however, a possible mechanistic role of dopamine for this increase is not completely understood. NG2⁺ cells can differentiate into oligodendrocytes but also into microglia and neurons as observed in vitro suggesting a possible hint for endogenous regenerative capacity of the SN. We investigated the role of dopamine in NG2-generation and differentiation in the adult SN stimulated by physical activity and environmental enrichment.

Results

We used the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-model for dopamine depletion and analysed newborn cells in the SN at different maturation stages and time points depending on voluntary physical activity, enriched environment and levodopa-treatment. We describe an activity- induced increase of new NG2-positive cells and also mature oligodendrocytes in the SN of healthy mice. Running and enriched environment refused to stimulate NG2-generation and oligodendrogenesis in MPTP-mice, an effect which could be reversed by pharmacological levodopa-induced rescue.

Conclusion

We suggest dopamine being a key regulator for activity-induced generation of NG2-cells and oliogodendrocytes in the SN as a potentially relevant mechanism in endogenous nigral cellular plasticity.     

Spin–gravity coupling and gravity-induced quantum phases

External gravitational fields induce phase factors in the wave functions of particles. The phases are exact to first order in the background gravitational field, are manifestly covariant and gauge invariant and provide a useful tool for the study of spin–gravity coupling and of the optics of particles in gravitational or inertial fields. We discuss the role that spin–gravity coupling plays in particular problems.