Middle-Field Cusp Singularities in the Magnetization Process of One-Dimensional Quantum Antiferromagnets

We study the zero-temperature magnetization process (M-H curve) of one-dimensional quantum antiferromagnets using a variant of the density-matrix renormalization group method. For both the S=1/2 zig-zag spin ladder and the S=1 bilinear-biquadratic chain, we find clear cusp-type singularities in the middle-field region of the M-H curve. These singularities are successfully explained in terms of the double-minimum shape of the energy dispersion of the low-lying excitations. For the S=1/2 zig-zag spin ladder, we find that the cusp formation accompanies the Fermi-liquid to non-Fermi-liquid transition.Comment: 4 pages, RevTeX, 3 figures, some mistakes in references are correcte

An rf cavity for the B-Factory

The paper describes the proposed design for the 476 MHz accelerating cavity for the SLAC/LBL/LLNL B-Factory. This machine will require a high power throughput to the beam because of the large synchrotron radiation losses, and very low impedances for the higher order modes because of the high current proposed. Use of conventional construction in copper means that careful consideration has to be paid to the problem of cooling. The need for a high shunt impedance for the accelerating mode dictated the use of a re-entrant shape. This maximized the impedance of the fundamental mode with respect to the troublesome longitudinal and deflecting higher order modes, when compared to open or bell shaped'' designs. A specialized damping scheme was employed to reduce the higher order mode impedances while sacrificing as little of the fundamental mode power as possible. This was required to suppress the growth of coupled bunch beam instabilities and minimize the workload of the feedback system needed to control them. A window design capable of handling the high power was also required. 8 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs

Reduced Diversity and High Sponge Abundance on a Sedimented Indo-Pacific Reef System: Implications for Future Changes in Environmental Quality

Although coral reef health across the globe is declining as a result of anthropogenic impacts, relatively little is known of how environmental variability influences reef organisms other than corals and fish. Sponges are an important component of coral reef fauna that perform many important functional roles and changes in their abundance and diversity as a result of environmental change has the potential to affect overall reef ecosystem functioning. In this study, we examined patterns of sponge biodiversity and abundance across a range of environments to assess the potential key drivers of differences in benthic community structure. We found that sponge assemblages were significantly different across the study sites, but were dominated by one species Lamellodysidea herbacea (42% of all sponges patches recorded) and that the differential rate of sediment deposition was the most important variable driving differences in abundance patterns. Lamellodysidea herbacea abundance was positively associated with sedimentation rates, while total sponge abundance excluding Lamellodysidea herbacea was negatively associated with rates of sedimentation. Overall variation in sponge assemblage composition was correlated with a number of variables although each variable explained only a small amount of the overall variation. Although sponge abundance remained similar across environments, diversity was negatively affected by sedimentation, with the most sedimented sites being dominated by a single sponge species. Our study shows how some sponge species are able to tolerate high levels of sediment and that any transition of coral reefs to more sedimented states may result in a shift to a low diversity sponge dominated system, which is likely to have subsequent effects on ecosystem functioning. © 2014 Powell et al

Practical lessons in using indicators of determinants of health across 47 European cities

A survey was conducted of 47 European cities applying to join the third phase of the World Health Organization Healthy Cities Project. The survey tested the feasibility of recording baseline information on health-promoting processes and activities in the cities. A broad multi-sectoral focus for health in the questionnaire presented formidable challenges to respondents. Despite goodwill and local networks, the quality of certain responses was variable. Socio-economic statistics are not universally available at city level; however, descriptive responses about services and health promotion yielded uniquely useful local information over the national level. Survey responses were not comparable across cities and such interpretation would be counter-productive. Recommendations for future surveys are made. Key words: city health; determinants of health; indicators; measure