Critical roles of molecular dynamics in the superior mechanical properties of isotactic-poly (1-butene) elucidated by solid-state NMR

Isotactic-poly(1-butene) (iPB1) shows superior mechanical properties after crystal–crystal transitions. Recently, Miyoshi et al. found that crystalline stems in metastable tetragonal crystal perform uniaxial rotational diffusions accompanying side-chain conformational transitions in the fast motional limit (correlation time, 〈τc〉 10 s). In addition, lamellar thickness, 〈l〉 of iPB1 and a low isotacticity iPB1 (low_iPB1) with 〈mmmm〉=78%, respectively, were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering. The low_iPB1 sample shows very week supercooling dependence of 〈l〉 (∼5 nm), whereas iPB1 shows strong supercooling dependence of 〈l〉 (10–28 nm). On the basis of molecular dynamics and 〈l〉 results, molecular dynamics effects on structures and unique mechanical property of iPB1 are discussed

Measurement of the one prong hadronic tau branching ratios at LEP

The branching ratios of the \tau^- -> h^- \nu_\tau, \tau^- -> h^- \pi^0 \nu_\tau, \tau^- -> h^- >=2 \pi^0 \nu_\tau decays have been measured using the 1991-1995 data recorded with the OPAL detector at LEP. These branching ratios are measured simultaneously using three selection criteria and are found to be BR(\tau^- -> h^- \nu_\tau) = (11.98 +/- 0.13 +/- 0.16)% BR(\tau^- -> h^- \pi^0 \nu_\tau) = (25.89 +/- 0.17 +/- 0.29)% BR(\tau^- -> h^- >=2 \pi^0 \nu_\tau) = ( 9.91 +/- 0.31 +/- 0.27)% where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.Comment: 23 pages, LaTeX, uses a4p.sty, 9 eps figures included, submitted to Zeit. f. Physi

Measuring sedimentation in tidal marshes:a review on methods and their applicability in biogeomorphological studies

<p>It is increasingly recognised that interactions between geomorphological and biotic processes control the functioning of many ecosystem types as described e.g. by the ecological theory of ecosystem engineering. Consequently, the need for specific bio-geomorphological research methods is growing recently. Much research on bio-geomorphological processes is done in coastal marshes. These areas provide clear examples of ecosystem engineering as well as other bio-geomorphological processes: Marsh vegetation slows down tidal currents and hence stimulates the process of sedimentation, while vice versa, the sedimentation controls ecological processes like vegetation succession. This review is meant to give insights in the various available methods to measure sedimentation, with special attention to their suitability to quantify bio-geomorphological interactions. The choice of method used to measure sedimentation is important to obtain the correct parameters to understand the biogeomorphology of tidal salt marshes. This review, therefore, aims to be a tool for decision making regarding the processes to be measured and the methods to be used. We, subdivide the methods into those measuring suspended sediment concentration (A), sediment deposition (B), accretion (C) and surface-elevation change (D). With this review, we would like to further encourage interdisciplinary studies in the fields of ecology and geomorphology.</p>