Newby shift ofK=0 rotational bands in odd-odd rare-earths

A data set of 29 experimentally determined Newby shifts in rare-earth nuclei is examined for the reliability of each values. Using this data set, Newby shifts are obtained which are free from the Coriolis and the particle-particle coupling effects. These new empirical values help resolve the failure of a recently proposed rule for the sign of the Newby shift in the {5/2[413]p − 5/2[642]n} configuration of¹⁶⁰Tb and the {5/2[402]p − 5/2[512]n} configuration of¹⁷⁴Lu. Also the Newby shifts are significantly modified in two other cases namely the {1/2[411]p − 1/2[521]n} configuration in¹⁶⁸Tm and the {1/2[541]p − 1/2[521]n} configuration in¹⁷²Lu. Only marginal changes are seen in the rest of the cases in the rare-earth nuclei.     

Partitioning multi-edge graphs

We introduce a new kind of graph called multi-edge graph which arises in many applications such as finite state Markov chains and broadcasting communication networks. A cluster in such a graph is a set of nodes such that for any ordered pair of nodes, there is a path of multi-edges from one to the other such that these edges remain within the same set. We give two algorithms to partition a multi-edge graph into maximal clusters. Both these algorithms are based on the depth-first search algorithm to find strongly connected components of the directed graph. We also discuss some applications of clustering in multi-edge graphs.     

Enhanced grain growth in YBa2Cu3O7−δ doped with Ag,Cu, and CuO

Powders of YBa₂Cu₃O_7– were mixed with Ag, Cu, and CuO powders, pressed and sintered in air and oxygen. Grain-growth enhancement has been observed in the doped samples on sintering in oxygen at 980°C and its attributable to a partial melting and decomposition followed by crystallization during cooling. While the mechanisms of the partial melt may differ with dopant, grain growth enhancement appears to be a common feature of partial melt followed by slow cooling. The possibility of using suitable dopants in aiding an aligned grain structure is pointed out.     

Local dynamic mechanical properties in model free-standing polymer thin films

High-frequency sinusoidal oscillations of a coarse-grained polymer model are used to calculate the local dynamic mechanical properties (DMPs) of free-standing polymer thin films. The storage modulus G(') and loss modulus G(") are examined as a function of position normal to the free surfaces. It is found that mechanically soft layers arise near the free surfaces of glassy thin films, and that their thickness becomes comparable to the entire film thickness as the temperature approaches the glass transition T(g). As a result, the overall stiffness of glassy thin films decreases with film thickness. It is also shown that two regions coexist in thin films just at the bulk T(g); a melt-like region (G(')G(")) in the middle of the film. Our findings on the existence of a heterogeneous distribution of DMPs in free-standing polymer thin films provide insights into recent experimental measurements of the mechanical properties of glassy polymer thin films.