TiOCl, an orbital-ordered system?

We present first principles density functional calculations and downfolding studies of the electronic and magnetic properties of the layered quantum spin system TiOCl. We discuss explicitely the nature of the exchange pathes and attempt to clarify the concept of orbital ordering in this material. An analysis of the electronic structure of slightly distorted structures according to the phononic modes allowed in this material suggests that this system is subject to large orbital fluctuations driven by the electron-phonon coupling. Based on these results, we propose a microscopic explanation of the behavior of TiOCl near the phase transition to a spin-gapped system.Comment: Some figures are compressed, for higher quality please contact the author

Spectral Detection of Lithium Uptake in Vegetation for Forensic Locating of Methamphetamine Lab Sites

Abstract Methamphetamine is a controlled substance having a great potential for abuse and addiction. Millions of Americans have tried this stimulant, so the need to stop its production is rapidly increasing. One approach that could assist in this regard is the use of spectral analysis of vegetation growing on land suspected of being a methamphetamine dump site. This could allow law enforcement to use multispectral data to examine the surrounding land under suspicion and obtain probable cause for a warrant for further forensic investigation of the site. As part of its production, lithium metal is introduced with anhydrousammonia to convert pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine. After this process, the remnant lithium is discarded nearby outdoors where weedy plants (such as Arabidopsis thaliana) can uptake the waste. The amount of lithium in Arabidopsis tissue can be ascertained through biochemical analysis and relatively high concentrations have the potential to affect reflected energy in particular spectral wavelengths. An experiment was conducted to determine if lithium uptake into the tissue of Arabidopsis could be discerned spectrally. T-test and linear regression evaluations found that the spectral responses of lithium treated plants were statistically different from those of controls in certain visible and near-infrared regions

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Janthinobacteriumlividum Strains, Isolated from Pristine Groundwater Collected from the Oak Ridge Field Research Center.

We present here the draft genome sequences of two Janthinobacterium lividum strains, GW456P and GW458P, isolated from groundwater samples collected from a background site at the Oak Ridge Field Research Center. Production of a purple pigment by these two strains was observed when grown on diluted (1/10) LB agar plates

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Janthinobacterium lividum Strains, Isolated from Pristine Groundwater Collected from the Oak Ridge Field Research Center

We present here the draft genome sequences of two Janthinobacterium lividum strains, GW456P and GW458P, isolated from groundwater samples collected from a background site at the Oak Ridge Field Research Center. Production of a purple pigment by these two strains was observed when grown on diluted (1/10) LB agar plates