Numerical study of a model for nonequilibrium wetting

We revisit the scaling properties of a model for nonequilibrium wetting [Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 2710 (1997)], correcting previous estimates of the critical exponents and providing a complete scaling scheme. Moreover, we investigate a special point in the phase diagram, where the model exhibits a roughening transition related to directed percolation. We argue that in the vicinity of this point evaporation from the middle of plateaus can be interpreted as an external field in the language of directed percolation. This analogy allows us to compute the crossover exponent and to predict the form of the phase transition line close to its terminal point.

Slavnov-Taylor identities for the 2+1 dimensional noncommutative CPN-1 model

In the context of the 1/N expansion, the validity of the Slavnov-Taylor identity relating three- and two-point functions for the 2 + 1-dimensional noncommutative CP(N-1) model is investigated, up to subleading 1/N order, in the Landau gauge.

Magnetic resonant x-ray diffraction study of europium telluride

Here we use magnetic resonant x-ray diffraction to study the magnetic order in a 1.5 mu m EuTe film grown on (111) BaF(2) by molecular-beam epitaxy. At Eu L(II) and L(III) absorption edges, a resonant enhancement of more than two orders was observed for the sigma ->pi(') diffracted intensity at half-order reciprocal-lattice points, consistent with the magnetic character of the scattering. We studied the evolution of the (1/21/21/2) magnetic reflection with temperature. When heating toward the Neel temperature (T(N)), the integrated intensity decreased monotonously and showed no hysteresis upon cooling again, indicating a second-order phase transition. A power-law fit to the magnetization versus temperature curve yielded T(N)=9.99(1) K and a critical exponent beta=0.36(1), which agrees with the renormalization theory results for three-dimensional Heisenberg magnets. The fits to the sublattice magnetization dependence with temperature, disregarding and considering fourth-order exchange interactions, evidenced the importance of the latter for a correct description of magnetism in EuTe. A value of 0.009 was found for the (2j(1)+j(2))/J(2) ratio between the Heisenberg J(2) and fourth-order j(1,2) exchange constants. The magnetization curve exhibited a round-shaped region just near T(N) accompanied by an increase in the magnetic peak width, which was attributed to critical scattering above T(N). The comparison of the intensity ratio between the (1/21/21/2) and the (1/21/21/2) magnetic reflections proved that the Eu(2+) spins align within the (111) planes, and the azimuthal dependence of the (1/21/21/2) magnetic peak is consistent with the model of equally populated S domains.

Charged and strange hadron elliptic flow in Cu plus Cu collisions at root s(NN)=62.4 and 200 GeV

We present the results of an elliptic flow, v(2), analysis of Cu + Cu collisions recorded with the solenoidal tracker detector (STAR) at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at root s(NN) = 62.4 and 200 GeV. Elliptic flow as a function of transverse momentum, v(2)(p(T)), is reported for different collision centralities for charged hadrons h(+/-) and strangeness-ontaining hadrons K(S)(0), Lambda, Xi, and phi in the midrapidity region vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1.0. Significant reduction in systematic uncertainty of the measurement due to nonflow effects has been achieved by correlating particles at midrapidity, vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1.0, with those at forward rapidity, 2.5 < vertical bar eta vertical bar < 4.0. We also present azimuthal correlations in p + p collisions at root s = 200 GeV to help in estimating nonflow effects. To study the system-size dependence of elliptic flow, we present a detailed comparison with previously published results from Au + Au collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV. We observe that v(2)(p(T)) of strange hadrons has similar scaling properties as were first observed in Au + Au collisions, that is, (i) at low transverse momenta, p(T) < 2 GeV/c, v(2) scales with transverse kinetic energy, m(T) - m, and (ii) at intermediate p(T), 2 < p(T) < 4 GeV/c, it scales with the number of constituent quarks, n(q.) We have found that ideal hydrodynamic calculations fail to reproduce the centrality dependence of v(2)(p(T)) for K(S)(0) and Lambda. Eccentricity scaled v(2) values, v(2)/epsilon, are larger in more central collisions, suggesting stronger collective flow develops in more central collisions. The comparison with Au + Au collisions, which go further in density, shows that v(2)/epsilon depends on the system size, that is, the number of participants N(part). This indicates that the ideal hydrodynamic limit is not reached in Cu + Cu collisions, presumably because the assumption of thermalization is not attained.

Many-Body Effects on the rho(xx) Ringlike Structures in Two-Subband Wells

The longitudinal resistivity rho(xx) of two-dimensional electron gases formed in wells with two subbands displays ringlike structures when plotted in a density-magnetic-field diagram, due to the crossings of spin-split Landau levels (LLs) from distinct subbands. Using spin density functional theory and linear response, we investigate the shape and spin polarization of these structures as a function of temperature and magnetic-field tilt angle. We find that (i) some of the rings ""break'' at sufficiently low temperatures due to a quantum Hall ferromagnetic phase transition, thus exhibiting a high degree of spin polarization (similar to 50%) within, consistent with the NMR data of Zhang et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 246802 (2007)], and (ii) for increasing tilting angles the interplay between the anticrossings due to inter-LL couplings and the exchange-correlation effects leads to a collapse of the rings at some critical angle theta(c), in agreement with the data of Guo et al. [Phys. Rev. B 78, 233305 (2008)].

Short-range structure of Pb(1-x)Ba(x)Zr(0.65)Ti(0.35)O(3) ceramic compounds probed by XAS and Raman scattering techniques

Ti K-edge x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and Raman scattering were used to study the solid solution effects on the structural and vibrational properties of Pb(1-x)Ba(x)Zr(0.65)Ti(0.35)O(3) with 0.0 < x < 0.40. Compared with x-ray diffraction techniques, which indicates that the average crystal symmetry changes with the substitution of Pb by Ba ions or with temperature variations for samples with x=0.00, 0.10, and 0.20, local structural probes such as XANES and Raman scattering results demonstrate that at local level, the symmetry changes are much less prominent. Theoretical XANES spectra calculation corroborate with the interpretation of the XANES experimental data.

Transport Barkhausen-like noise in uniaxially pressed Bi(1.65)Pb(0.35)Sr(2)Ca(2)Cu(3)O(10+delta) ceramic samples

We report on the detection of the transport Barkhausen-like noise (TBN) in polycrystalline samples of Bi(1.65)Pb(0.35)Sr(2)Ca(2) Cu(3)O(10+delta) (Bi-2223) which were subjected to different uniaxial compacting pressures. The transport Barkhausen-like noise was measured when the sample was subjected to an ac triangular-shape magnetic field (f similar to 1 Hz) with maximum amplitude B(max) approximate to 5.5 mT, in order to avoid the flux penetration within the superconducting grains. Analysis of the TBN signal, measured for several values of excitation current density, indicated that the applied magnetic field in which the noise signal first appears, B(a)(t(i)), is closely related to the magnetic-flux pinning capability of the material. The combined results are consistent with the existence of three different superconducting levels within the samples: (i) the superconducting grains; (ii) the superconducting clusters; and (iii) the weak-links. We finally argue that TBN measurements constitute a powerful tool for probing features of the intergranular transport properties in polycrystalline samples of high-T(c) superconductors. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of the [Ru(3)O(CH(3)COO)(6)(py)(2)(BPE)Ru(bpy)(2)Cl](PF(6))(2) dimer

The polymetallic [Ru(3)O(CH(3)COO)(6)(py)(2)(BPE)Ru( bpy)(2)Cl](PF(6))(2) complex (bpy = 2,2`-bipyridine, BPE = trans- 1,2-bis(4-pyridil) ethylene and py = pyridine) was assembled by the combination of an electroactive [Ru(3)O] moiety with a [ Ru( bpy) 2( BPE) Cl] photoactive centre, and its structure was determined using positive ion electrospray (ESI-MS) and tandem mass (ESI-MS/MS) spectrometry. The [Ru(3)O(CH(3)COO)(6)(py)(2)(BPE)Ru(bpy)(2)Cl] (2+) doubly charged ion of m/z 732 was mass-selected and subject to 15 eV collision-induced dissociation, leading to a specific dissociation pattern, diagnostic of the complex structure. The electronic spectra display broad bands at 409, 491 and 692 nm ascribed to the [Ru(bpy)(2)(BPE)] charge-transfer bands and to the [Ru(3)O] internal cluster transitions. The cyclic voltammetry shows five reversible waves at - 1.07 V, 0.13 V, 1.17 V, 2.91 V and - 1.29 V (vs SHE) assigned to the [Ru(3)O](-1/0/+ 1/+ 2/+3) and to the bpy (0/-1) redox processes; also a wave is observed at 0.96 V, assigned to the Ru (+2/+ 3) pair. Despite the conjugated BPE bridge, the electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical results indicate only a weak coupling through the pi-system, and preliminary photophysical essays showed the compound decomposes under visible light irradiation.

Relationship between Rheological Properties and One-Step W/O/W Multiple Emulsion Formation

Formation of a normal (not temporary) W/O/W multiple emulsion via the one-step method as a result of the simultaneous occurrence of catastrophic and transitional phase inversion processes has been recently reported. Critical features of this process include the emulsification temperature (corresponding to the ultralow surface tension point), the use of a specific nonionic surfactant blend and the surfactant blend/oil phase ratio, and the addition of the surfactant blend to the oil phase. The purpose of this study was to investigate physicochemical properties in an effort to gain a mechanistic understanding of the formation of these emulsions. Bulk, surface, and interfacial theological properties of adsorbed nonionic surfactant (CremophorRH40 and Span80) films were investigated under conditions known to affect W/O/W emulsion formation. Bulk viscosity results demonstrated that CremophorRH40 has a higher mobility in oil compared than in water, explaining the significance of the solvent phase. In addition, the bulk viscosity profile of aqueous solutions containing CremophorRH40 indicated a phase transition at around 78 +/- 2 degrees C, which is in agreement with cubic phase formation in the Winsor III region. The similarity in the interfacial elasticity values of CremophorRH40 and Span80 indicated that canola oil has a major effect on surface activity, showing the significance of vegetable oil. The highest interfacial shear elasticity and viscosity were observed when both surfactants were added to the oil phase, indicating the importance of the microstructural arrangement. CremophorRH40/Span80 complexes tended to desorb from the solution/solution interface with increasing temperature, indicating surfactant phase formation as is theoretically predicted in the Winsor III region. Together these interfacial and bulk rheology data demonstrate that one-step W/O/W emulsions form as a result of the simultaneous occurrence of phase-transition processes in the Winsor III region and explain the critical formulation and processing parameters necessary to achieve the formation of these normal W/O/W emulsions.

Visible and near-infrared luminescent Eu(3+) or Er(3+) doped laponite-derived xerogels and thick films: Structural and spectroscopic properties

Laponite-derived materials represent promising materials for optical applications. In this work, Eu(3+)- or Er(3+)-doped laponite xerogels and films were prepared from colloidal dispersion. Homogeneous, crack-free and transparent single layers were deposited on soda-lime substrates with a thickness of 10 mu m. Structural and spectroscopic properties were analyzed by thermal analyses, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. The addition of a rare earth ion to the laponite does not promote any changes in thermal stability or phase transition. Laponite clay was identified after annealing up to 500 degrees C, with a decrease in basal spacing when the annealing temperature is changed from 100 degrees C to 500 degrees C. Enstatite polymorphs and amorphous silicate phases were observed after heat treatment at 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C. Stationary and time-dependent luminescence spectra in the visible region for Eu(3+), and (5)D(0) lifetime are discussed in terms of thermal treatment and structural evolution. In the layered host, the Eu(3+) ions are distributed in many different local environments. However, Eu(3+) ions were found to occupy at least two symmetry sites, and the ions are preferentially incorporated into the crystalline enstatite for the materials annealed at 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C. A (5)D(0) lifetime of 1.3 ms and 3.1 ms was obtained for Eu(3+) ions in an amorphous silicate and crystalline MgSiO(3) local environment, respectively. Strong Er(3+) emission at the 1550 nm region was observed for the materials annealed at 900 degrees C, with a bandwidth of 44 nm. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of cholesterol on the reconstitution of alkaline phosphatase into liposomes

Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), present on the surface of chondrocyte- and osteoblast-derived matrix vesicles (MVs), plays key enzymatic functions during endochondral ossification. Many studies have shown that MVs are enriched in TNAP and also in cholesterol compared to the plasma membrane. Here we have studied the influence of cholesterol on the reconstitution of TNAP into dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)-liposomes, monitoring the changes in lipid critical transition temperature (T(c)) and enthalpy variation (Delta H) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DPPC-liposomes revealed a T(c) of 41.5 degrees C and Delta H of 7.63 Kcal mol(-1). The gradual increase in cholesterol concentration decrease Delta H values, reaching a Delta H of 0.87 Kcal mol(-1) for DPPC: cholesterol system with 36 mol% of cholesterol. An increase in T(c), up to 47 degrees C for the DPPC:cholesterol liposomes (36 mol% of Chol), resulted from the increase in the area per molecule in the gel phase. TNAP (0.02 mg/mL) reconstitution was done with protein:lipid 1:10,000 (molar ratio), resulting in 85% of the added enzyme being incorporated. The presence of cholesterol reduced the incorporation of TNAP to 42% of the added enzyme when a lipid composition of 36 mol% of Chol was used. Furthermore, the presence of TNAP in proteoliposomes resulted in a reduction in Delta H. The gradual proportional increase of cholesterol in liposomes results in broadening of the phase transition peak and eventually eliminates the cooperative gel-to-liquid-crystalline phase transition of phospholipids bilayers. Thus, the formation of microdomains may facilitate the clustering of enzymes and transporters known to be functional in MVs during endochondral ossification. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Film forming solutions based on gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) blends: Thermal and rheological characterizations

The objective of this work was to study the theological and thermal properties of film forming solutions (FFS) based on blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The effect of the PVA concentration and plasticizer presence on the flow behavior, and viscoelastic and thermal properties of FFS was studied by steady-shear flow and oscillatory experiments, and also, by microcalorimetry. The FB presented Newtonian behavior at 30 degrees C, and the viscosity was not affected neither by the PVA concentration nor by the plasticizer. All FFS presented a phase transition during tests applying temperature scanning. It was verified that the PVA affected the viscoelastic properties of FFS by dilution of gelatin. This behavior was confirmed by microcalorimetric analysis. The behaviors of the storage (G`) and loss (G ``) moduli as a function of frequency of FFS obtained at 5 degrees C were typical of physical gels; with the G` higher than the G ``. The strength of the gels was affected by the PVA concentration. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The search for primordial quark nuggets among near Earth asteroids

Primordial Quark Nuggets, remnants of the quark-hadron phase transition, may be hiding most of the baryon number in superdense chunks have been discussed for years always from the theoretical point of view. While they seemed originally fragile at intermediate cosmological temperatures, it became increasingly clear that they may survive due to a variety of effects affecting their evaporation (surface and volume) rates. A search of these objects have never been attempted to elucidate their existence. We discuss in this note how to search directly for cosmological fossil nuggets among the small asteroids approaching Earth. `Asteroids` with a high visible-to-infrared flux ratio, constant lightcurves and devoid of spectral features are signals of an actual possible nugget nature. A viable search of very definite primordial quark nugget features can be conducted as a spinoff of the ongoing/forthcoming NEAs observation programmes.

Random primordial magnetic fields and the gas content of dark matter haloes

We recently predicted the existence of random primordial magnetic fields (RPMFs) in the form of randomly oriented cells with dipole-like structure with a cell size L(0) and an average magnetic field B(0). Here, we investigate models for primordial magnetic field with a similar web-like structure, and other geometries, differing perhaps in L(0) and B(0). The effect of RPMF on the formation of the first galaxies is investigated. The filtering mass, M(F), is the halo mass below which baryon accretion is severely depressed. We show that these RPMF could influence the formation of galaxies by altering the filtering mass and the baryon gas fraction of a halo, f(g). The effect is particularly strong in small galaxies. We find, for example, for a comoving B(0) = 0.1 mu G, and a reionization epoch that starts at z(s) = 11 and ends at z(e) = 8, for L(0) = 100 pc at z = 12, the f(g) becomes severely depressed for M < 10(7) M(circle dot), whereas for B(0) = 0 the f(g) becomes severely depressed only for much smaller masses, M < 10(5) M(circle dot). We suggest that the observation of M(F) and f(g) at high redshifts can give information on the intensity and structure of primordial magnetic fields.

Mixture of changing uniaxial micellar forms in lyotropic biaxial nematics

Lyotropic nematics consisting of surfactant-cosurfactant water solutions may present a biaxial phase or direct U(+) <-> U(-) transitions, in different regions of the temperature-relative concentration phase diagram, for different systems and compositions. We propose that these may be related to changes of uniaxial micellar form, which may occur either smoothly or abruptly. Smooth change of cylinder-like into disc-like shapes requires a distribution of Maier-Saupe interaction constants and we consider two limiting cases for the distribution of forms: a single Gaussian and a double Gaussian. Alternatively, an abrupt change of form is described by a discontinuous distribution of interaction constants. Our results show that the dispersive distributions yield a biaxial phase, while an abrupt change of shape leads to coexistence of uniaxial phases. Fitting the theory to the experiment for the ternary system KL/decanol/D2O leads to transition lines in very good agreement with experimental results. In order to rationalise the results of the comparison, we analyse temperature and concentration form dependence, which connects micellar and experimental macroscopic parameters. Physically consistent variations of micellar asymmetry, amphiphile partitioning and volume are obtained. To the best of the authors` knowledge, this is the first truly statistical microscopic approach that is able to model experimentally observed lyotropic biaxial nematic phases.