Phase transitions and renormalization group hamiltonian densities in the 80 diperiodic space groups

Phase transitions for systems with diperiodic symmetry are discussed. Direct group-theoretical methods are employed to obtain a list of possible commensurate lower-symmetry phases (subgroups) which are induced by a single order parameter. The lower-symmetry phases for all 80 diperiodic space groups are given, along with specific details of the group-subgroup relationships. Results for the 17 two-dimensional space groups are also contained in our list. The renormalization-group Hamiltonian densities for the diperiodics are calculated. The 12 densities listed constitute the complete set of densities which may arise in the diperiodic space groups. Critical properties for the diperiodics can thus be obtained from analysis of these densities.     

Resistive and Magnetic Susceptibility Transitions in Superconducting (TMTSF)2C104

We report measurements of the ac magnetic susceptibility and dc resistive superconducting transitions in the organic superconductor (TMTSF)₂C10₄. Inductive measurements show complete diamagnetic shielding below a broad transition and initial flux penetration at very low fields [H_c1(0) < 1 Oe]. The resistive transition is also broad, but occurs at a significantly higher temperature than the inductive transition, T_c = 1.0 K and 0.65 K respectively. Resistance measurements also show evidence of a phase transition in the vicinity of 24 K. Magnetic field induced transitions, measured both inductively and resistively, show marked anistropy both in magnitude and in breadth of the transition. Results suggest that (TMTSF)₂C10₄ is a quasi ID or 2D superconductor at high temperatures and high magnetic fields and an anisotropic bulk superconductor at low temperatures and fields. Associated thermoelectric power measurements suggest that spin density waves coexist with the superconducting state.     

Assessment of a combined spin- and gradient-echo (SAGE) DSC-MRI method for preclinical neuroimaging

The goal of this study was to optimize and validate a combined spin- and gradient-echo (SAGE) sequence for dynamic susceptibility-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to obtain hemodynamic parameters in a preclinical setting. The SAGE EPI sequence was applied in phantoms and in vivo rat brain (normal, tumor, and stroke tissue). Partial and full Fourier encoding schemes were implemented and characterized. Maps of cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), vessel size index (VSI), volume transfer constant (K^trans), and volume fraction of the extravascular extracellular space (v_e) were obtained. Partial Fourier encoding provided shortened echo times with acceptable signal-to-noise ratio and temporal stability, thus enabling reliable characterization of T₂, T₂^? and T₁ in both phantoms and rat brain. The hemodynamic parameters CBV, CBF, and MTT for gradient-echo and spin-echo contrast were determined in tumor and stroke; VSI, K^trans, and v_e were also computed in tumor tissue. The SAGE EPI sequence allows the acquisition of multiple gradient- and spin-echoes, from which measures of perfusion, permeability, and vessel size can be obtained in a preclinical setting. Partial Fourier encoding can be used to minimize SAGE echo times and reliably quantify dynamic T₂ and T₂^? changes. This acquisition provides a more comprehensive assessment of hemodynamic status in brain tissue with vascular and perfusion abnormalities.     

Linear spaces and transversal designs: k-anonymous combinatorial configurations for anonymous database search notes

Anonymous database search protocols allow users to query a database anonymously. This can be achieved by letting the users form a peer-to-peer community and post queries on behalf of each other. In this article we discuss an application of combinatorial configurations (also known as regular and uniform partial linear spaces) to a protocol for anonymous database search, as defining the key-distribution within the user community that implements the protocol. The degree of anonymity that can be provided by the protocol is determined by properties of the neighborhoods and the closed neighborhoods of the points in the combinatorial configuration that is used. Combinatorial configurations with unique neighborhoods or unique closed neighborhoods are described and we show how to attack the protocol if such configurations are used. We apply k-anonymity arguments and present the combinatorial configurations with k-anonymous neighborhoods and with k-anonymous closed neighborhoods. The transversal designs and the linear spaces are presented as optimal configurations among the configurations with k-anonymous neighborhoods and k-anonymous closed neighborhoods, respectively.     

Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Laboratory‐Scale Carbon–Carbon Bond‐Forming Reactions of Ethylene

Ethylene, the simplest alkene, is the most abundantly synthesized organic molecule by volume. It is readily incorporated into transition‐metal‐catalyzed carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions through migratory insertions into alkylmetal intermediates. Because of its D_2h symmetry, only one insertion outcome is possible. This limits byproduct formation and greatly simplifies analysis. As described within this Minireview, many carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions incorporate a molecule (or more) of ethylene at ambient pressure and temperature. In many cases, a useful substituted alkene is incorporated into the product.     

Investigation of Thermal Degradation of PVC in the Solid State

The thermal degradation of PVC powders and the inhibition of this process by cadmium laurate was investigated by the measurement of discoloration, diffuse reflectance spectra, and the quantity of hydrochloric acid formed. Kinetic analysis of the data obtained by us previously showed that both the data of color measurements and those of diffuse reflectance spectra may be used conveniently for the calculation of the number of double bonds formed during the degradation.     

Inter-comparison among fast neutron dosimetric services using PADC material of different composition

A trial inter-comparison has been performed among four fast neutron dosimetric services: PSI(CH), ENEA (I), DRPS (UK), LANL (US). The PADC used for the tests has been produced by Intercast Europe S.p.A. Three sets of detectors have been employed: two of PADC standard material from two different batches, and one of PADC with the addition of 0.1% dioctylphthalate. Each set consisted of 50 detectors.

For each set of detectors, 20 have been irradiated free-in-air at 1 mSv of H^*(10) with an ²⁴¹Am–Be source at ENEA-IRP, whilst the other detectors have been used as background samples. For each batch the value of the average background signal, B, the average neutron sensitivity, S, and minimum detectable dose equivalent, MDDE, have been determined. Two identical tests have been completed and separated with a time of 4 months in order to evaluate the ageing effect on the material stored in different conditions. Each dosimetric service processed the detectors according to local routine procedures. Three laboratories used an Autoscan60 reader, whilst one laboratory has an in-house reading system. Therefore, the results of the tests allowed a comparison of either the performance PADC materials, of different batches and of different compositions, or to evaluate how different etching, reading and storage conditions affect the results.     

Fastscan z-scan system for determining optical non-linearities in semiconductors

Traditional z-scan techniques have been used to determine the non-linear optical coefficients of semiconductors. This is usually carried out by scanning a sample along the optical z-axis using a manual or computer-controlled linear translation stage. We report upon a novel z-scan method involving a fastscanning sampleholder: This gives real-time z-scan traces and greatly improves experimental efficiency and applicability. The technique is used here to study the two-photon absorption coefficient of ZnSe.