Wiedemann-Franz law and non-vanishing temperature scale across the field-tuned quantum critical point of YbRh2Si2

The in-plane thermal conductivity kappa(T) and electrical resistivity rho(T) of the heavy-fermion metal YbRh2Si2 were measured down to 50 mK for magnetic fields H parallel and perpendicular to the tetragonal c axis, through the field-tuned quantum critical point, Hc, at which antiferromagnetic order ends. The thermal and electrical resistivities, w(T) and rho(T), show a linear temperature dependence below 1 K, typical of the non-Fermi liquid behavior found near antiferromagnetic quantum critical points, but this dependence does not persist down to T = 0. Below a characteristic temperature T* ~ 0.35 K, which depends weakly on H, w(T) and rho(T) both deviate downward and converge in the T = 0 limit. We propose that T* marks the onset of short-range magnetic correlations, persisting beyond Hc. By comparing samples of different purity, we conclude that the Wiedemann-Franz law holds in YbRh2Si2, even at Hc, implying that no fundamental breakdown of quasiparticle behavior occurs in this material. The overall phenomenology of heat and charge transport in YbRh2Si2 is similar to that observed in the heavy-fermion metal CeCoIn5, near its own field-tuned quantum critical point.Comment: 8 figures, 8 page

Interplay between Kondo suppression and Lifshitz transitions in YbRh2_2Si2_2 at high magnetic fields

We investigate the magnetic field dependent thermopower, thermal conductivity, resistivity and Hall effect in the heavy fermion metal YbRh2Si2. In contrast to reports on thermodynamic measurements, we find in total three transitions at high fields, rather than a single one at 10 T. Using the Mott formula together with renormalized band calculations, we identify Lifshitz transitions as their origin. The predictions of the calculations show that all experimental results rely on an interplay of a smooth suppression of the Kondo effect and the spin splitting of the flat hybridized bands.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Cascade of magnetic field induced Lifshitz transitions in the ferromagnetic Kondo lattice material YbNi4P2

A ferromagnetic quantum critical point is thought not to exist in two and three-dimensional metallic systems yet is realized in the Kondo lattice compound YbNi4(P,As)2, possibly due to its one-dimensionality. It is crucial to investigate the dimensionality of the Fermi surface of YbNi4P2 experimentally but common probes such as ARPES and quantum oscillation measurements are lacking. Here, we studied the magnetic field dependence of transport and thermodynamic properties of YbNi4P2. The Kondo effect is continuously suppressed and additionally we identify nine Lifshitz transitions between 0.4 and 18 T. We analyze the transport coefficients in detail and identify the type of Lifshitz transitions as neck or void type to gain information on the Fermi surface of YbNi4P2. The large number of Lifshitz transitions observed within this small energy window is unprecedented and results from the particular flat renormalized band structure with strong 4f-electron character shaped by the Kondo lattice effect.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Magnetostriction and magnetic texture to 97.4 Tesla in frustrated SrCu2(BO3)2

Strong geometrical frustration in magnets leads to exotic states, such as spin liquids, spin supersolids and complex magnetic textures. SrCu2(BO3)2, a spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet in the archetypical Shastry-Sutherland lattice, exhibits a rich spectrum of magnetization plateaus and stripe-like magnetic textures in applied fields. The structure of these plateaus is still highly controversial due to the intrinsic complexity associated with frustration and competing length scales. We reveal new magnetic textures in SrCu2(BO3)2 via magnetostriction and magnetocaloric measurements in fields up to 97.4 Tesla. In addition to observing the low-field fine structure of the plateaus with unprecedented resolution, the data also reveal lattice responses at 82 T and at 73.6 T which we attribute, using a controlled density matrix renormalization group approach, to the long-predicted 1/2-saturation plateau, and to a new 2/5 plateau.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, submitte

Broken rotational symmetry in the pseudogap phase of a high-Tc superconductor

The nature of the pseudogap phase is a central problem in the quest to understand high-Tc cuprate superconductors. A fundamental question is what symmetries are broken when that phase sets in below a temperature T*. There is evidence from both polarized neutron diffraction and polar Kerr effect measurements that time- reversal symmetry is broken, but at temperatures that differ significantly. Broken rotational symmetry was detected by both resistivity and inelastic neutron scattering at low doping and by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy at low temperature, but with no clear connection to T*. Here we report the observation of a large in-plane anisotropy of the Nernst effect in YBa2Cu3Oy that sets in precisely at T*, throughout the doping phase diagram. We show that the CuO chains of the orthorhombic lattice are not responsible for this anisotropy, which is therefore an intrinsic property of the CuO2 planes. We conclude that the pseudogap phase is an electronic state which strongly breaks four-fold rotational symmetry. This narrows the range of possible states considerably, pointing to stripe or nematic orders.Comment: Published version. Journal reference and DOI adde

Ultrasound-assisted drying of orange peel in atmospheric freeze-dryer and convective dryer operated at moderate temperature

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Ronaldo E. Mello, Alessia Fontana, Antonio Mulet, Jefferson Luiz, G. Correa & Juan A. Cárcel (2020) Ultrasound-assisted drying of orange peel in atmospheric freeze-dryer and convective dryer operated at moderate temperature, Drying Technology, 38:1-2, 259-267, DOI: 10.1080/07373937.2019.1645685 [copyright Taylor & Francis], available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/07373937.2019.1645685[EN] Atmospheric freeze-drying (AFD) at -10 degrees C and moderate temperature convective drying (MTD) at 50 degrees C without and with ultrasound application (20.5 kW/m(3)) were carried out. Alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) and its swelling capacity (SC), water retention capacity (WRC) and fat retention capacity (FRC) were measured in the dried product. Ultrasound significantly shortened the drying time in both processes, the intensification effect being more significant in atmospheric freeze-drying (57% and 27% reduction in atmospheric freeze-drying and convective drying, respectively). As regards AIR and WRC, no effect was observed of either the drying temperature or ultrasound application. On the contrary, SC was significantly lower in AFD samples. The FRC of MTD samples was similar to that of the fresh ones and higher than the values obtained for atmospheric freeze-dried samples. Therefore, convective drying at moderate temperature preserved the AIR properties better than atmospheric freeze-drying.The authors acknowledge the financial support of INIA-ERDF through project RTA2015-00060-C04-02. We are also grateful for the economic support of the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior - Brasil (Capes)- Finance Code 001, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq) and Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG).Mello, RE.; Fontana, A.; Mulet Pons, A.; Correa, J.; Carcel, JA. (2020). Ultrasound-assisted drying of orange peel in atmospheric freeze-dryer and convective dryer operated at moderate temperature. Drying Technology. 38(1-2):259-267. https://doi.org/10.1080/07373937.2019.1645685S259267381-2Freire, F. B., Atxutegi, A., Freire, F. B., Freire, J. T., Aguado, R., & Olazar, M. (2016). An adaptive lumped parameter cascade model for orange juice solid waste drying in spouted bed. Drying Technology, 35(5), 577-584. doi:10.1080/07373937.2016.1190937Tasirin, S. M., Puspasari, I., Sahalan, A. Z., Mokhtar, M., Ghani, M. K. A., & Yaakob, Z. (2014). Drying ofCitrus sinensisPeels in an Inert Fluidized Bed: Kinetics, Microbiological Activity, Vitamin C, and Limonene Determination. Drying Technology, 32(5), 497-508. doi:10.1080/07373937.2013.838782Zielinska, M., Sadowski, P., & Błaszczak, W. (2015). Combined hot air convective drying and microwave-vacuum drying of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosumL.): Drying kinetics and quality characteristics. Drying Technology, 34(6), 665-684. doi:10.1080/07373937.2015.1070358Moreno, C., Brines, C., Mulet, A., Rosselló, C., & Cárcel, J. A. (2017). Antioxidant potential of atmospheric freeze-dried apples as affected by ultrasound application and sample surface. Drying Technology, 35(8), 957-968. doi:10.1080/07373937.2016.1256890Garcia-Perez, J. V., Ortuño, C., Puig, A., Carcel, J. A., & Perez-Munuera, I. (2011). Enhancement of Water Transport and Microstructural Changes Induced by High-Intensity Ultrasound Application on Orange Peel Drying. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 5(6), 2256-2265. doi:10.1007/s11947-011-0645-0Do Nascimento, E. M. G. C., Mulet, A., Ascheri, J. L. R., de Carvalho, C. W. P., & Cárcel, J. A. (2016). Effects of high-intensity ultrasound on drying kinetics and antioxidant properties of passion fruit peel. Journal of Food Engineering, 170, 108-118. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2015.09.015Martins, M. P., Cortés, E. J., Eim, V., Mulet, A., & Cárcel, J. A. (2018). Stabilization of apple peel by drying. Influence of temperature and ultrasound application on drying kinetics and product quality. Drying Technology, 37(5), 559-568. doi:10.1080/07373937.2018.1474476García-Pérez, J. V., Cárcel, J. A., Riera, E., & Mulet, A. (2009). Influence of the Applied Acoustic Energy on the Drying of Carrots and Lemon Peel. Drying Technology, 27(2), 281-287. doi:10.1080/07373930802606428Blasco, M., García-Pérez, J. V., Bon, J., Carreres, J. E., & Mulet, A. (2006). Effect of Blanching and Air Flow Rate on Turmeric Drying. Food Science and Technology International, 12(4), 315-323. doi:10.1177/1082013206067352Garau, M. C., Simal, S., Femenia, A., & Rosselló, C. (2006). Drying of orange skin: drying kinetics modelling and functional properties. Journal of Food Engineering, 75(2), 288-295. doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2005.04.017Garau, M. C., Simal, S., Rosselló, C., & Femenia, A. (2007). Effect of air-drying temperature on physico-chemical properties of dietary fibre and antioxidant capacity of orange (Citrus aurantium v. Canoneta) by-products. Food Chemistry, 104(3), 1014-1024. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.01.009Beigi, M. (2015). Hot air drying of apple slices: dehydration characteristics and quality assessment. Heat and Mass Transfer, 52(8), 1435-1442. doi:10.1007/s00231-015-1646-8Santos, P. H. S., & Silva, M. A. (2008). Retention of Vitamin C in Drying Processes of Fruits and Vegetables—A Review. Drying Technology, 26(12), 1421-1437. doi:10.1080/07373930802458911Gallego-Juárez, J. A., Riera, E., de la Fuente Blanco, S., Rodríguez-Corral, G., Acosta-Aparicio, V. M., & Blanco, A. (2007). Application of High-Power Ultrasound for Dehydration of Vegetables: Processes and Devices. Drying Technology, 25(11), 1893-1901. doi:10.1080/07373930701677371Santacatalina, J. V., Ahmad-Qasem, M. H., Barrajón-Catalán, E., Micol, V., García-Pérez, J. V., & Cárcel, J. A. (2014). Use of Novel Drying Technologies to Improve the Retention of Infused Olive Leaf Polyphenols. Drying Technology, 33(9), 1051-1060. doi:10.1080/07373937.2014.982251Silva, V. M., & Viotto, L. A. (2010). Drying of sicilian lemon residue: influence of process variables on the evaluation of the dietary fiber produced. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, 30(2), 421-428. doi:10.1590/s0101-20612010000200020Garcia-Amezquita, L. E., Tejada-Ortigoza, V., Campanella, O. H., & Welti-Chanes, J. (2018). Influence of Drying Method on the Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and Prebiotic Potential of Dietary Fibre Concentrates from Fruit Peels. Journal of Food Quality, 2018, 1-11. doi:10.1155/2018/9105237Abou-Arab, E. A., Mahmoud, M. H., & Abu-Salem, F. M. (2017). Functional Properties of Citrus Peel as Affected by Drying Methods. American Journal of Food Technology, 12(3), 193-200. doi:10.3923/ajft.2017.193.200Ghanem Romdhane, N., Bonazzi, C., Kechaou, N., & Mihoubi, N. B. (2015). Effect of Air-Drying Temperature on Kinetics of Quality Attributes of Lemon (Citrus limoncv. lunari) Peels. Drying Technology, 33(13), 1581-1589. doi:10.1080/07373937.2015.101226

Cost and impact of policies to remove and reduce fees for obstetric care in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Across the Africa region and beyond, the last decade has seen many countries introducing policies aimed at reducing financial barriers to obstetric care. This article provides evidence of the cost and effects of national policies focussed on improving financial access to caesarean and facility deliveries in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Morocco. METHODS: The study uses a comparative case study design with mixed methods, including realist evaluation components. This article presents results across 14 different data collection tools, used in 4-6 research sites in each of the four study countries over 2011-13. The methods included: document review; interviews with key informants; analysis of secondary data; structured extraction from medical files; cross-sectional surveys of patients and staff; interviews with patients and observation of care processes. RESULTS: The article finds that the policies have contributed to continued increases in skilled birth attendance and caesarean sections and a narrowing of inequalities in all four countries, but these trends were already occurring so a shift cannot be attributed solely to the policies. It finds a significant reduction in financial burdens on households after the policy, suggesting that the financial protection objectives may have been met, at least in the short term, although none achieved total exemption of targeted costs. Policies are domestically financed and are potentially sustainable and efficient, and were relatively thoroughly implemented. Further, we find no evidence of negative effects on technical quality of care, or of unintended negative effects on untargeted services. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the policies were effective in meeting financial protection goals and probably health and equity goals, at sustainable cost, but that a range of measures could increase their effectiveness and equity. These include broadening the exempted package (especially for those countries which focused on caesarean sections alone), better calibrated payments, clearer information on policies, better stewardship of the local health system to deal with underlying systemic weaknesses, more robust implementation of exemptions for indigents, and paying more attention to quality of care, especially for newborns

The NICMOS Snapshot Survey of nearby Galaxies

We present ``snapshot'' observations with the NearInfrared Camera and MultiObject Spectrometer (NICMOS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) of 94 nearby galaxies from the Revised Shapley Ames Catalog. Images with 0.2 as resolution were obtained in two filters, a broad-band continuum filter (F160W, roughly equivalent to the H-band) and a narrow band filter centered on the Paschen alpha line (F187N or F190N, depending on the galaxy redshift) with the 51x51 as field of view of the NICMOS camera 3. A first-order continuum subtraction is performed, and the resulting line maps and integrated Paschen alpha line fluxes are presented. A statistical analysis indicates that the average Paschen alpha surface brightness {\bf in the central regions} is highest in early-type (Sa-Sb) spirals.Comment: Original contained error in flux calibration. Table 1 now has correct Paschen Alpha fluxes. 14 pages LaTeX with JPEG and PS figures. Also available at http://icarus.stsci.edu/~boeker/publications.htm

An automated 3D-printed perfusion bioreactor combinable with pulsed electromagnetic field stimulators for bone tissue investigations

In bone tissue engineering research, bioreactors designed for replicating the main features of the complex native environment represent powerful investigation tools. Moreover, when equipped with automation, their use allows reducing user intervention and dependence, increasing reproducibility and the overall quality of the culture process. In this study, an automated uni-/bi-directional perfusion bioreactor combinable with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation for culturing 3D bone tissue models is proposed. A user-friendly control unit automates the perfusion, minimizing the user dependency. Computational fluid dynamics simulations supported the culture chamber design and allowed the estimation of the shear stress values within the construct. Electromagnetic field simulations demonstrated that, in case of combination with a PEMF stimulator, the construct can be exposed to uniform magnetic fields. Preliminary biological tests on 3D bone tissue models showed that perfusion promotes the release of the early differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase. The histological analysis confirmed that perfusion favors cells to deposit more extracellular matrix (ECM) with respect to the static culture and revealed that bi-directional perfusion better promotes ECM deposition across the construct with respect to uni-directional perfusion. Lastly, the Real-time PCR results of 3D bone tissue models cultured under bi-directional perfusion without and with PEMF stimulation revealed that the only perfusion induced a similar to 40-fold up-regulation of the expression of the osteogenic gene collagen type I with respect to the static control, while a similar to 80-fold up-regulation was measured when perfusion was combined with PEMF stimulation, indicating a positive synergic proosteogenic effect of combined physical stimulations