Production and signature of intermediate vector bosons

The front-back asymmetry of outgoing muons in the inclusive reaction $\text{p}\text{p}\text{→ Z(→ μ}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{μ}{}^{\mathrm{?}}\text{)+}$ anything is calculated in the framework of the Drell-Yan model. We get very general expressions for the front-back asymmetry and the differential cross section in terms of the weak coupling constants and the parton distributions. Results for W^± production and proton-proton collisions are also given. Numerical estimates are made using various parton distributions and the Weinberg-Salam model for definiteness. We comment on the predictions of gauge theories that accommodate the absence of parity violating effects in atomic physics. We also give a new estimate of the inclusive cross sections $\text{p}\text{p}$ or pp → Z(→ μ⁺μ^?) or W^±(→ μ^±ν_μ) + anything. The effects of asymptotic freedom in the frontback asymmetries and the total cross sectons are investigated. We reanalyze results for the purely leptonic reaction e⁺e^? → γ, Z → μ⁺μ^?.     

Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles and positive enhancement for myocardial perfusion studies assessed by subsecond T1-weighted MRI

Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) are usually referred to as T₂ MR contrast agents, reducing signal intensity (SI) on T₂-weighted MR images (negative enhancement). This study reports the original use of SPIOs as T₁-enhancing contrast agents, primarily assessed in vitro, and then applied to an in vivo investigation of a myocardial perfusion defect. Using a strongly T₁-weighted subsecond MR sequence with SPIOs intravenous (IV) bolus injection, MR imaging of myocardial vascularization after reperfusion was performed, on a dog model of coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion. Immediately after the intravenous bolus injection of 20 μmol/kg of SPIOs, a positive signal intensity enhancement was observed respectively, in the right and left ventricular cavity and in the nonischemic left myocardium. Moreover, compared to normal myocardium, the remaining ischemic myocardial region (anterior wall of the left ventricle) appeared as a lower and delayed SI enhancing area (cold spot). Mean peak SIE in the nonischemic myocardium (posterior wall) was significantly higher than in the ischemic myocardium (anterior wall) (110 ± 23% vs. 74 ± 22%, Mann-Whitney test < 1%, n₁ = 6, n₂ − n₁ = 0, U > 2). In conclusion, the T₁ effect of SPIOs at low dose, during their first intravascular distribution, suggests their potential use as positive markers to investigate the regional myocardial blood flow and some perfusion defects such as the “no-reflow phenomenon”.     

Radiative decay ofJ/ψ into γ π+ π−

The radiative decayJ/ψ → γ π⁺ π^? has been studied using the 8.6 millionJ/ψ produced in the DM2 experiment at the DCIe ⁺e^? storage rings at Orsay. The π⁺ π^? mass spectrum shows a cleanf ₂ (1270) signal, and the possible presence of two other states at thef ₂ (1720) andf ₄ (2030) masses. For thef ₂ (1270), the branching ratio BR(J/ψ →γf)xBR(f→π⁺ π^?) is measured to be (7.50±0.30±1.12)×10^?4, and the spin analysis prefers theJ=2 assignment, with helicity parametersx=0.83±0.06 andy=0.01±0.06. The existence of higher mass states is discussed.     

Probing Proteins in Solution by Xe NMR Spectroscopy

The interaction of xenon with different proteins in aqueous solution is investigated by ¹²⁹Xe NMR spectroscopy. Chemical shifts are measured in horse metmyoglobin, hen egg white lysozyme, and horse cytochrome c solutions as a function of xenon concentration. In these systems, xenon is in fast exchange between all possible environments. The results suggest that nonspecific interactions exist between xenon and the protein exteriors and the data are analyzed in term of parameters which characterize the protein surfaces. The experimental data for horse metmyoglobin are interpreted using a model in which xenon forms a 1:1 complex with the protein and the chemical shift of the complexed xenon is reported (Locci et al., Keystone Symposia “Frontiers of NMR in Molecular Biology VI”, Jan. 9–15, 1999, Breckenridge, CO, Abstract E216, p. 53; Locci et al., XeMAT 2000 “Optical Polarization and Xenon NMR of Materials”, June 28–30, 2000, Sestri Levante, Italy, p. 46).     

Facets for the cut cone I

We study facets of the cut coneC _n , i.e., the cone of dimension 1/2n(n – 1) generated by the cuts of the complete graph onn vertices. Actually, the study of the facets of the cut cone is equivalent in some sense to the study of the facets of the cut polytope. We present several operations on facets and, in particular, a lifting procedure for constructing facets ofC _n+1 from given facets of the lower dimensional coneC _n . After reviewing hypermetric valid inequalities, we describe the new class of cycle inequalities and prove the facet property for several subclasses. The new class of parachute facets is developed and other known facets and valid inequalities are presented.     

Entropy-driven formation of the gyroid cubic phase

We show, by computer simulation, that tapered or pear-shaped particles, interacting through purely repulsive interactions, can freely self-assemble to form the three-dimensionally periodic, gyroid cubic phase. The Ia3d gyroid cubic phase is formed by these particles on both compression of an isotropic configuration and expansion of a smectic A bilayer arrangement. For the latter case, it is possible to identify the steps by which the topological transformation from nonintersecting planes to fully interpenetrating, periodic networks takes place.     

Topological and Steric Constraints to Stabilize Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes Combining Phenanthroline Ligands and Phosphines

Heteroleptic copper(I) complexes combining phenanthroline derivatives (NN) and chelating bisphosphine ligands (PP) are an important class of luminescent materials for various applications. Although thermodynamically stable, [Cu(NN)(PP)]⁺ derivatives are also kinetically unstable. As a result, a dynamic ligand-exchange reaction is often observed in solution, leading to a dynamic mixture of heteroleptic and homoleptic complexes. To prevent the formation of the homoleptic species, macrocyclic phenanthroline ligands have been used for the preparation of [Cu(NN)(PP)]⁺ pseudorotaxanes. The topological constraint resulting from the macrocyclic structure of the NN ligand drives the thermodynamic equilibrium towards the exclusive formation of the heteroleptic complex as long as the macrocycle is large and flexible enough to allow for the threading of the PP ligand. Conversely, when the threading is prevented by steric constraints, unprecedented copper(I) complexes with a trigonal coordination geometry are obtained. These results are summarized in the present concept article.     

In memoriam: Boris Dubrovin

Letters in Mathematical Physics -     

Initial interaction of oxygen with aluminium single crystal faces: A LEED,AES and work function study

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and work function (Kelvin probe) measurements have been used to study the initial interaction of clean Al(111), (100) and (110) surfaces with oxygen at room temperature. The oxidation process was found to be surface orientation dependent, but a common feature has been always observed on the three low-index surfaces: they show two distinct phases, i.e. a chemisorbed phase followed then by an oxidized phase. From analysis of AES, LEED and Kelvin probe results, an adsorption mechanism of O on Al for each surface orientation is proposed.