Geometric phase induced by a cyclically evolving squeezed vacuum reservoir

We propose a new way to generate an observable geometric phase by means of a completely incoherent phenomenon. We show how to imprint a geometric phase to a system by adiabatically manipulating the environment with which it interacts. As a specific scheme, we analyze a multilevel atom interacting with a broadband squeezed vacuum bosonic bath. As the squeezing parameters are smoothly changed in time along a closed loop, the ground state of the system acquires a geometric phase. We also propose a scheme to measure such a geometric phase by means of a suitable polarization detection.     

Spatial distribution of AT- and GC-rich DNA within interphase cell nuclei of Triatoma infestans Klug

Heterochromatin bodies in single- and multichromocentered interphase cell nuclei of Triatoma infestans, a vector of Chagas disease, have been suggested to contain AT-rich DNA, based on their positive response to Q-banding and Hoechst 33248 treatment. No information exists on whether GC-rich DNA is also present in these nuclei and whether it plays a role on chromatin condensation. Considering that methodologies more precise than those previously used to determine DNA base composition in situ are currently available, and that the spatial distribution of chromatin areas differing in composition in interphase cell nuclei of different species is a matter of interest, the localization of AT- and GC-rich DNA in T. infestans nuclei is revisited here. The methodologies used included DAPI/AMD and CMA(3)/Distamycin differential staining, Feulgen-DNA image analysis following Msp I and Hpa II enzymatic digestion, 5-methylcytidine immunodetection, AgNOR response, confocal microscopy, and the 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA) demethylation assay. The results identified the presence of AT-rich/GC-poor DNA in chromocenters and evenly distributed AT and GC sequences in euchromatin. A GC-rich DNA zone encircling the chromocenters was also found but it could not be associated with NOR regions. To corroborate the DNA AT-richness in T. infestans nuclei, bioinformatic analyses were also performed. Methylated cytosine was evident at some points of the chromocenters' edge in single- and multichromocentered nuclei and at the euchromatin of multichromocentered nuclei and could be transiently affected by the 5-AZA treatment. The present results suggest that in the particular case of chromocenters of the hemipteran T. infestans, cytosine methylation is not a relevant factor involved in chromatin condensation.     

Time-periodic perturbation of a Liénard equation with an unbounded homoclinic loop

We consider a quadratic Liénard equation with an unbounded homoclinic loop, which is a solution tending in forward and backward time to a non-hyperbolic equilibrium point located at infinity. Under small time-periodic perturbation, this equilibrium becomes a normally hyperbolic line of singularities at infinity. We show that the perturbed system may present homoclinic bifurcations, leading to the existence of transverse intersections between the stable and unstable manifolds of such a normally hyperbolic line of singularities. The global study concerning the infinity is performed using the Poincaré compactification in polar coordinates, from which we obtain a system defined on a set equivalent to a solid torus in R³, whose boundary plays the role of the infinity. The transversality of the manifolds is proved using the Melnikov method and implies, via the Birkhoff-Smale Theorem, a complex dynamical behaviour of the perturbed system solutions in the finite part of the phase space. Numerical simulations are performed in order to illustrate this behaviour, which could be called “the chaos arising from infinity”, since it depends on the global structure of the Liénard equation, including the points at infinity. Although applied to a particular case, the analysis presented provides a geometrical approach to study periodic perturbations of homoclinic (or heteroclinic) loops to infinity of any planar polynomial vector field.     

A special anisotropic model of the universe (II)

By means of exponential laws we show a Bianchi Type I model of the universe where we define overall deceleration and Hubble's parameters that have constant values. We employ a convenient relation for defining the radius of the universe. Pressure and density have constant values, too.     

Density perturbations in a Brans-Dicke cosmological model

A very general flat solution for Brans-Dicke cosmology with a perfect-fluid, Robertson-Walker metric and a perfect gas law of state is examined regarding density perturbations. The model has growing instabilities, but not of exponential character.     

Density perturbations in a flat universe

A well-known solution, for a flat model in general relativity obeying the Robertson-Walker metric, a perfect fluid energy-tensor and a perfect gas law of state, with constant deceleration parameter, is now shown to yield growing scalar density perturbations, provided thatq > 0. This study generalizes Weinberg's results for the radiation phase, and shows that any realistic model of this kind contains gravitational instabilities     

Synchrotron X‐ray tests of an L‐shaped laterally graded multilayer mirror for the analyzer system of the ultra‐high‐resolution IXS spectrometer at NSLS‐II

Characterization and testing of an L‐shaped laterally graded multilayer mirror are presented. This mirror is designed as a two‐dimensional collimating optics for the analyzer system of the ultra‐high‐resolution inelastic X‐ray scattering (IXS) spectrometer at National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS‐II). The characterization includes point‐to‐point reflectivity measurements, lattice parameter determination and mirror metrology (figure, slope error and roughness). The synchrotron X‐ray test of the mirror was carried out reversely as a focusing device. The results show that the L‐shaped laterally graded multilayer mirror is suitable to be used, with high efficiency, for the analyzer system of the IXS spectrometer at NSLS‐II.     

Ultrasound promoted the synthesis of N-propargylic β-enaminones

The synthesis of 14 novel N-propargylic β-enaminones from the reaction of β-alkoxy vinyltrihalomethyl[carboxyethyl] ketones [R³C(O)CHC(R¹)OMe, where R³ = CF₃, CCl₃, CO₂Et and R¹ = Me, Et, Pr, Bu, i-Pent, CH₂CH₂CO₂Me] with propargyl amines [R²NHCH₂CCH, where R² = Pr, PhCH₂] is reported. Yields, solvents and reaction times needed for reaction completion, by microwave irradiation (MW), conventional thermal heating (TH) and under ultrasound irradiation (US) are compared. The best results were obtained under US irradiation in good to excellent yields (70-93%).     

Influence of processing parameters on nanomaterials synthesis efficiency by a carbothermal reduction process

In this work, the influence of synthesis parameters on the synthesis efficiency of tin oxide nanomaterials was studied by using the carbothermal reduction method in a sealed tube furnace. The parameters were the starting material, temperature and time of synthesis as well as the gas flux. The starting material was tin dioxide mixed with carbon black in a molar proportion of 1.5:1 and 1:1. The temperature range was from 950 to 1,125 °C with a step of 25 °C, and the synthesis times used were 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 min. Using optimum values of the above parameters, the gas flux was changed to verify its influence. After completion of the syntheses, we found a grayish-black material inside the tube which was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the collected material is composed of nanobelts (with width around 60 nm) and disks that grew preferentially in the SnO phase. A model based on the oxide vapor pressure was proposed to evaluate the efficiency of the process, and the results showed good agreement between experimental data and the proposed model. Based on the results obtained, the best conditions to obtain a homogeneous material with 95% efficiency is using a starting material in the molar proportion Sn:C of 1.5:1, a temperature of 1,132 °C for 75 min, and a N₂ gas flux of 80 sccm.     

Low Dimension Dynamics in the EPRB Experiment with Random Variable Analyzers

The Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen–Bohm (EPRB) experiment performed with random variable and spatially separated analyzers is a milestone test in the controversy between Objective Local Theories (OLT) and Quantum Mechanics (QM). Only a few OLT are still possible. Some of the surviving OLT (specifically, the so called non-ergodic theories) would be undetectable in the averaged statistical values, but they may leave their trace in the time dynamics. For, while QM predicts random processes, the OLT of this kind predict the existence of regularities that may be revealed as a low dimensional object in the phase space. We perform a numerical analysis of the time-resolved data recorded in that experiment to unveil any hypothetical low dimensional dynamics that may be present. We find no consistent indication of such dynamics except for one data file, the longest of all in the real time. The possible causes of these dynamics are discussed.