Critical temperature for first-order phase transitions in confined systems

We consider the Euclidean D-dimensional -lambda vertical bar phi vertical bar(4)+eta vertical bar rho vertical bar(6) (lambda,eta > 0) model with d (d <= D) compactified dimensions. Introducing temperature by means of the Ginzburg-Landau prescription in the mass term of the Hamiltonian, this model can be interpreted as describing a first-order phase transition for a system in a region of the D-dimensional space, limited by d pairs of parallel planes, orthogonal to the coordinates axis x(1), x(2),..., x(d). The planes in each pair are separated by distances L-1, L-2, ... , L-d. We obtain an expression for the transition temperature as a function of the size of the system, T-c({L-i}), i = 1, 2, ..., d. For D = 3 we particularize this formula, taking L-1 = L-2 = ... = L-d = L for the physically interesting cases d = 1 (a film), d = 2 (an infinitely long wire having a square cross-section), and for d = 3 (a cube). For completeness, the corresponding formulas for second-order transitions are also presented. Comparison with experimental data for superconducting films and wires shows qualitative agreement with our theoretical expressions.

Torsion and the gravitational interaction

By using a nonholonomous-frame formulation of the general covariance principle, seen as an active version of the strong equivalence principle, an analysis of the gravitational coupling prescription in the presence of curvature and torsion is made. The Coupling prescription implied by this principle is found to be always equivalent to that of general relativity, a result that reinforces the completeness of this theory, as well as the teleparallel point of view according to which torsion does not represent additional degrees of freedom for gravity, but simply an alternative way of representing the gravitational field.

First quantized approaches to neutrino oscillations and second quantization

Neutrino oscillations are treated from the point of view of relativistic first quantized theories and compared to second quantized treatments. Within first quantized theories, general oscillation probabilities can be found for Dirac fermions and charged spin 0 bosons. A clear modification in the oscillation formulas can be obtained and its origin is elucidated and confirmed to be inevitable from completeness and causality requirements. The left-handed nature of created and detected neutrinos can also be implemented in the first quantized Dirac theory in the presence of mixing; the probability loss due to the changing of initially left-handed neutrinos to the undetected right-handed neutrinos can be obtained in analytic form. Concerning second quantized approaches, it is shown in a calculation using virtual neutrino propagation that both neutrinos and antineutrinos may also contribute as intermediate particles. The sign of the contributing neutrino energy may have to be chosen explicitly without being automatic in the formalism. At last, a simple second quantized description of the flavor oscillation phenomenon is devised. In this description there is no interference terms between positive and negative components, but it still gives simple normalized oscillation probabilities. A new effect appearing in this context is an inevitable but tiny violation of the initial flavor of neutrinos. The probability loss due to the conversion of left-handed neutrinos to right-handed neutrinos is also presented.

Torsion gravity: A reappraisal

The role played by torsion in gravitation is critically reviewed. After a description of the problems and controversies involving the physics of torsion, a comprehensive presentation of the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity is made. According to this theory, curvature and torsion are alternative ways of describing the gravitational field, and consequently related to the same degrees of freedom of gravity. However, more general gravity theories, like for example Einstein-Cartan and gauge theories for the Poincare and the affine groups, consider curvature and torsion as representing independent degrees of freedom. By using an active version of the strong equivalence principle, a possible solution to this conceptual question is reviewed. This solution ultimately favors the teleparallel point of view, and consequently the completeness of general relativity. A discussion of the consequences for gravitation is presented.

Green functions of the Dirac equation with magnetic-solenoid field

Various Green functions of the Dirac equation with a magnetic-solenoid field (the superposition of the Aharonov-Bohm field and a collinear uniform magnetic field) are constructed and studied. The problem is considered in 2+1 and 3+1 dimensions for the natural extension of the Dirac operator (the extension obtained from the solenoid regularization). Representations of the Green functions as proper time integrals are derived. The nonrelativistic limit is considered. For the sake of completeness the Green functions of the Klein-Gordon particles are constructed as well. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.

Recommended Guidelines for Submission, Trimming, Margin Evaluation, and Reporting of Tumor Biopsy Specimens in Veterinary Surgical Pathology

Neoplastic diseases are typically diagnosed by biopsy and histopathological evaluation. The pathology report is key in determining prognosis, therapeutic decisions, and overall case management and therefore requires diagnostic accuracy, completeness, and clarity. Successful management relies on collaboration between clinical veterinarians, oncologists, and pathologists. To date there has been no standardized approach or guideline for the submission, trimming, margin evaluation, or reporting of neoplastic biopsy specimens in veterinary medicine. To address this issue, a committee consisting of veterinary pathologists and oncologists was established under the auspices of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Oncology Committee. These consensus guidelines were subsequently reviewed and endorsed by a large international group of veterinary pathologists. These recommended guidelines are not mandated but rather exist to help clinicians and veterinary pathologists optimally handle neoplastic biopsy samples. Many of these guidelines represent the collective experience of the committee members and consensus group when assessing neoplastic lesions from veterinary patients but have not met the rigors of definitive scientific study and investigation. These questions of technique, analysis, and evaluation should be put through formal scrutiny in rigorous clinical studies in the near future so that more definitive guidelines can be derived.

Population structure and genetic variability in the Murrah dairy breed of water buffalo in Brazil accessed via pedigree analysis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Análise discursiva de dicionários de língua portuguesa

Pós-graduação em Estudos Linguísticos - IBILCE

Metodologia para avaliação de rodovias extraídas computacionalmente em imagens digitais

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Controle de qualidade de produtos cartográficos: uma proposta metodológica

Pós-graduação em Ciências Cartográficas - FCT

Percepção e perspectivas dos adolescentes sobre a TV digital

Pós-graduação em Televisão Digital: Informação e Conhecimento - FAAC

Subsídios para construção de estratégias de busca para revisões sistemáticas na base da dados Medline via Pubmed

Pós-graduação em Bases Gerais da Cirurgia - FMB

A indexação em catálogo on-line em bibliotecas universitárias na percepção de usuários integrantes de grupos de pesquisa: uma contribuição ao desenvolvimento de política de indexação na rede de biblioteca da UNESP

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Validação de formulário de notificação de eventos adversos a plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos

Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas - FCFAR

A constituição do sentimento religioso: da experiência do desamparo primordial à elaboração de um ideal vocacional

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)