Unique phase diagram with narrow superconducting dome in EuFe2_2(As1−x_{1-x}Px_x)2_2 due to Eu2+^{2+} local magnetic moments

The interplay between superconductivity and Eu$^{2+}$ magnetic moments in EuFe$_2$(As$_{1-x}$P$_x$)$_2$ is studied by electrical resistivity measurements under hydrostatic pressure on $x=0.13$ and $x=0.18$ single crystals. We can map hydrostatic pressure to chemical pressure $x$ and show, that superconductivity is confined to a very narrow range $0.18\leq x \leq 0.23$ in the phase diagram, beyond which ferromagnetic (FM) Eu ordering suppresses superconductivity. The change from antiferro- to FM Eu ordering at the latter concentration coincides with a Lifshitz transition and the complete depression of iron magnetic order.Comment: 4 page

Effective action approach to the Leggett's mode in two-band superconductors

We investigate a collective excitation (Leggett's mode) corresponding to small fluctuations of the relative phase of two condensates in two-band superconductor using the effective ``phase only'' action. We consider the possibility of observing Leggett's mode in MgB$_2$ superconductor and conclude that for the known at present values of the two-band model parameters for MgB$_2$ Leggett's mode arises above the two-particle threshold.Comment: 9 pages, RevTeX4; final version published in EPJ

The Infrared Nucleus of the Wolf-Rayet Galaxy Henize 2-10

We have obtained near-infrared images and mid-infrared spectra of the starburst core of the dwarf Wolf-Rayet galaxy He 2-10. We find that the infrared continuum and emission lines are concentrated in a flattened ellipse 3-4'' or 150 pc across which may show where a recent accretion event has triggered intense star formation. The ionizing radiation from this cluster has an effective temperature of 40,000 K, corresponding to $30M_\odot$ stars, and the starburst is $0.5-1.5 \times 10^7$ years old.Comment: 17 pages Latex, 7 postscript figures, 1 postscript table, accepted to A

Spin lifetimes and strain-controlled spin precession of drifting electrons in zinc blende type semiconductors

We study the transport of spin polarized electrons in n-GaAs using spatially resolved continuous wave Faraday rotation. From the measured steady state distribution, we determine spin relaxation times under drift conditions and, in the presence of strain, the induced spin splitting from the observed spin precession. Controlled variation of strain along [110] allows us to deduce the deformation potential causing this effect, while strain along [100] has no effect. The electric field dependence of the spin lifetime is explained quantitatively in terms of an increase of the electron temperature.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

R116C mutation of cationic trypsinogen in a Turkish family with recurrent pancreatitis illustrates genetic microheterogeneity of hereditary pancreatitis

Hereditary pancreatitis is due to heterozygosity for gain-of-function mutations in the cationic trypsinogen gene which result in increased levels of active trypsin within pancreatic acinar cells and autodigestion of the pancreas. The number of disease-causing defects is generally considered to be low. To gain further insight into the molecular basis of this disorder, DNA sequence analysis of all five exons was performed in 109 unrelated patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis in order to determine the variability of the underlying mutations. Two German females and one German male were carriers of the most common N291 and R122H mutations (trypsinogen numbering system). In a Turkish proband, an arginine (CGT) to cysteine (TGT) substitution at amino acid position 116 was identified. Family screening demonstrated that the patient had inherited the mutation from his asymptomatic father and that he had transmitted it to both of his children, his daughter being symptomatic since the age of 3 years. In addition, a German male was found to be a heterozygote for a D100H (GAC-->CAC) amino acid replacement. Our data provide evidence for genetic heterogeneity of hereditary pancreatitis. The growing number of cationic trypsinogen mutations is expected to change current mutation screening practices for this disease

The eight micron band of silicon monoxide in the expanding cloud around VY Canis Majoris

Observations of vibration-rotation transitions of silicon monoxide in VY CMa show that the lines originate in accelerating, expanding, and cool (600 K) layers of a circumstellar cloud at a distance of roughly 0.15 minutes from the central star. The central stellar velocity, as estimated from observed SiO P Cygni line profiles, is somewhat redshifted from the midpoint of the maser emission features. Most of the silicon is probably in the form of dust grains. The isotopic ratios of silicon are nearly terrestrial

Phase II of the ASCE Benchmark Study on SHM

The task group on structural health monitoring of the Dynamic Committee of ASCE was formed in 1999 at the 12 th Engineering Mechanics Conference. The task group has designed a number of analytical studies on a benchmark structure and there are plans to follow these with an experimental program. The first phase of the analytical studies was completed in 2001. The second phase, initiated in the summer of 2001, was formulated in the light of the experience gained on phase I and focuses on increasing realism in the simulation of the discrepancies between the actual structure and the mathematical model used in the analysis. This paper describes the rational that lead the SHM task group to the definition of phase II and presents the details of the cases that are being considered