Critical thermodynamics of three-dimensional MN-component field model with cubic anisotropy from higher-loop \epsilon expansion

The critical thermodynamics of an $MN$-component field model with cubic anisotropy relevant to the phase transitions in certain crystals with complicated ordering is studied within the four-loop \ve expansion using the minimal subtraction scheme. Investigation of the global structure of RG flows for the physically significant cases M=2, N=2 and M=2, N=3 shows that the model has an anisotropic stable fixed point with new critical exponents. The critical dimensionality of the order parameter is proved to be equal to $N_c^C=1.445(20)$, that is exactly half its counterpart in the real hypercubic model.Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX, no figures. Published versio

Critical behavior of certain antiferromagnets with complicated ordering: Four-loop \ve-expansion analysis

The critical behavior of a complex N-component order parameter Ginzburg-Landau model with isotropic and cubic interactions describing antiferromagnetic and structural phase transitions in certain crystals with complicated ordering is studied in the framework of the four-loop renormalization group (RG) approach in (4-\ve) dimensions. By using dimensional regularization and the minimal subtraction scheme, the perturbative expansions for RG functions are deduced and resummed by the Borel-Leroy transformation combined with a conformal mapping. Investigation of the global structure of RG flows for the physically significant cases N=2 and N=3 shows that the model has an anisotropic stable fixed point governing the continuous phase transitions with new critical exponents. This is supported by the estimate of the critical dimensionality $N_c=1.445(20)$ obtained from six loops via the exact relation $N_c={1/2} n_c$ established for the complex and real hypercubic models.Comment: LaTeX, 16 pages, no figures. Expands on cond-mat/0109338 and includes detailed formula

Stable spinning optical solitons in three dimensions

We introduce spatiotemporal spinning solitons (vortex tori) of the three-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation with focusing cubic and defocusing quintic nonlinearities. The first ever found completely stable spatiotemporal vortex solitons are demonstrated. A general conclusion is that stable spinning solitons are possible as a result of competition between focusing and defocusing nonlinearities.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figures, accepted to Phys. Rev. Let

Three-loop renormalization group analysis of a complex model with stable fixed point: Critical exponents up to ϵ3\epsilon^3 and ϵ4\epsilon^4

The complete analysis of a model with three quartic coupling constants associated with an O(2N)--symmetric, a cubic, and a tetragonal interactions is carried out within the three-loop approximation of the renormalization-group (RG) approach in $D=4-2\epsilon$ dimensions. Perturbation expansions for RG functions are calculated using dimensional regularization and the minimal subtraction (MS) scheme. It is shown that for $N\ge 2$ the model does possess a stable fixed point in three dimensional space of coupling constants, in accordance with predictions made earlier on the base of the lower-order approximations. Numerical estimate for critical (marginal) value of the order parameter dimensionality $N_c$ is given using Pad\'e-Borel summation of the corresponding $\epsilon$--expansion series obtained. It is observed that two-fold degeneracy of the eigenvalue exponents in the one-loop approximation for the unique stable fixed point leads to the substantial decrease of the accuracy expected within three loops and may cause powers of $\sqrt{\epsilon}$ to appear in the expansions. The critical exponents $\gamma$ and $\eta$ are calculated for all fixed points up to $\epsilon^3$ and $\epsilon^4$, respectively, and processed by the Borel summation method modified with a conformal mapping. For the unique stable fixed point the magnetic susceptibility exponent $\gamma$ for N=2 is found to differ in third order in $\epsilon$ from that of an O(4)--symmetric point. Qualitative comparison of the results given by $\epsilon$--expansion, three-dimensional RG analysis, non-perturbative RG arguments, and experimental data is performed.Comment: 30 pages, LaTeX, no figures. To be published in Phys. Rev. B, V.57, Jan. issue (1998

An overview of using small punch testing for mechanical characterization of MCrAlY bond coats

Considerable work has been carried out on overlay bond coats in the past several decades because of its excellent oxidation resistance and good adhesion between the top coat and superalloy substrate in the thermal barrier coating systems. Previous studies mainly focus on oxidation and diffusion behavior of these coatings. However, the mechanical behavior and the dominant fracture and deformation mechanisms of the overlay bond coats at different temperatures are still under investigation. Direct comparison between individual studies has not yet been achieved due to the fragmentary data on deposition processes, microstructure and, more apparently, the difficulty in accurately measuring the mechanical properties of thin coatings. One of the miniaturized specimen testing methods, small punch testing, appears to have the potential to provide such mechanical property measurements for thin coatings. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of using small punch testing to evaluate material properties and to summarize the available mechanical properties that include the ductile-to-brittle transition and creep of MCrAlY bond coat alloys, in an attempt to understand the mechanical behavior of MCrAlY coatings over a broad temperature range

Of the importance of a leaf: the ethnobotany of sarma in Turkey and the Balkans

BACKGROUND: Sarma - cooked leaves rolled around a filling made from rice and/or minced meat, possibly vegetables and seasoning plants - represents one of the most widespread feasting dishes of the Middle Eastern and South-Eastern European cuisines. Although cabbage and grape vine sarma is well-known worldwide, the use of alternative plant leaves remains largely unexplored. The aim of this research was to document all of the botanical taxa whose leaves are used for preparing sarma in the folk cuisines of Turkey and the Balkans. Methods: Field studies were conducted during broader ethnobotanical surveys, as well as during ad-hoc investigations between the years 2011 and 2014 that included diverse rural communities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. Primary ethnobotanical and folkloric literatures in each country were also considered. Results: Eighty-seven botanical taxa, mainly wild, belonging to 50 genera and 27 families, were found to represent the bio-cultural heritage of sarma in Turkey and the Balkans. The greatest plant biodiversity in sarma was found in Turkey and, to less extent, in Bulgaria and Romania. The most commonly used leaves for preparing sarma were those of cabbage (both fresh and lacto-fermented), grape vine, beet, dock, sorrel, horseradish, lime tree, bean, and spinach. In a few cases, the leaves of endemic species (Centaurea haradjianii, Rumex gracilescens, and R. olympicus in Turkey) were recorded. Other uncommon sarma preparations were based on lightly toxic taxa, such as potato leaves in NE Albania, leaves of Arum, Convolvulus, and Smilax species in Turkey, of Phytolacca americana in Macedonia, and of Tussilago farfara in diverse countries. Moreover, the use of leaves of the introduced species Reynoutria japonica in Romania, Colocasia esculenta in Turkey, and Phytolacca americana in Macedonia shows the dynamic nature of folk cuisines. Conclusion: The rich ethnobotanical diversity of sarma confirms the urgent need to record folk culinary plant knowledge. The results presented here can be implemented into initiatives aimed at re-evaluating folk cuisines and niche food markets based on local neglected ingredients, and possibly also to foster trajectories of the avant-garde cuisines inspired by ethnobotanical knowledge

Maternal mortality in Spain and its association with country of origin: cross-sectional study during the period 1999–2015

Abstract Background The available literature suggests that there are significant differences in maternal mortality according to maternal origin in high income countries. The objective of this study was to quantify the risk of maternal death by maternal origin and region of Spain where the birth occurred and to identify the most important causes of maternal death in our country. Methods An ecological cross-sectional study was conducted that included all deliveries that resulted in maternal survival and cases of maternal death during 1999–2015 in Spain. A descriptive analysis of the maternal mortality rate by maternal origin, region and year of birth was performed. The risk of maternal death was calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for the variables included in the descriptive analysis. Results There were 272 maternal deaths during this period, most of which were due to haemorrhage (63 cases, 23.16%).Women whose continent of origin was South America had the highest adjusted risk of maternal death, with an OR of 3.92 (95% CI 2.75–5.58). The region of Spain with the highest risk of maternal death was Ceuta, with an OR of 12.11 (95% CI 2.02–72.68). Conclusions This study shows that there are inequalities in maternal mortality according to maternal origin and region where labour occurred. These findings highlight the need to establish strategies at the national and European levels to analyse the most relevant causes and risk factors associated with maternal mortality in order to reduce it and pay closer attention in identifying and carefully managing pregnant women from this at risk groups

Use of a dual-labelled oligonucleotide as a DNA dosemeter for radiological exposure detection

A reporter molecule consisting of a synthetic oligonucleotide is being characterised for a novel damage detection scenario for its potential use as a field-deployable, personal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) dosemeter for radiation detection. This dosemeter is devoid of any biological properties other than being naked DNA and therefore has no DNA repair capabilities. It supports biodosimetry techniques, which require lengthy analysis of cells from irradiated individuals, and improves upon inorganic dosimetry, thereby providing for a more relevant means of measuring the accumulated dose from a potentially mixed-radiation field. Radiation-induced single strand breaks (SSBs) within the DNA result in a quantifiable fluorescent signal. Proof of concept has been achieved over 250 mGy-10 Gy dose range in radiation fields from . 60Co, with similar results seen using a linear accelerator X-ray source. Further refinements to both the molecule and the exposure/detection platform are expected to lead to enhanced levels of detection for mixed-field radiological events. \ua9 Crown copyright 2011Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

A brief summary of the progress on the EFDA tungsten materials program

The long-term objective of the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) fusion materials programme is to develop structural and armor materials in combination with the necessary production and fabrication technologies for reactor concepts beyond the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The programmatic roadmap is structured into four engineering research lines which comprise fabrication process development, structural material development, armor material optimization, and irradiation performance testing, which are complemented by a fundamental research programme on "Materials Science and Modeling." This paper presents the current research status of the EFDA experimental and testing investigations, and gives a detailed overview of the latest results on materials research, fabrication, joining, high heat flux testing, plasticity studies, modeling, and validation experiments. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved