Evidence for gapped spin-wave excitations in the frustrated Gd2Sn2O7 pyrochlore antiferromagnet from low-temperature specific heat measurements

We have measured the low-temperature specific heat of the geometrically frustrated pyrochlore Heisenberg antiferromagnet Gd2Sn2O7 in zero magnetic field. The specific heat is found to drop exponentially below approximately 350 mK. This provides evidence for a gapped spin-wave spectrum due to an anisotropy resulting from single ion effects and long-range dipolar interactions. The data are well fitted by linear spin-wave theory, ruling out unconventional low energy magnetic excitations in this system, and allowing a determination of the pertinent exchange interactions in this material

Second phalanx shortening osteotomy. An innovative technique for long second toe syndrome

AbstractLong second-toe syndrome, although frequent and disabling, has been little described. Current surgical techniques often lead to loss of function. Based on anatomical and biomechanical observations, the present study reports a second phalanx shortening osteotomy technique. The procedure is relatively non-invasive, involving self-stabilizing segment resection osteotomy of the second phalanx. Results for the first 23 feet undergoing the procedure were analyzed retrospectively. Assessment comprised clinical examination, radiography and AOFAS and FAAM scores. Mean follow-up was 19±9.9months. Second phalanx shortening osteotomy proved reliable, respecting the biomechanics of the toe

Pair-breaking quantum phase transition in superconducting nanowires

A quantum phase transition (QPT) between distinct ground states of matter is a wide-spread phenomenon in nature, yet there are only a few experimentally accessible systems where the microscopic mechanism of the transition can be tested and understood. These cases are unique and form the experimentally established foundation for our understanding of quantum critical phenomena. Here we report the discovery that a magnetic-field-driven QPT in superconducting nanowires - a prototypical 1d-system - can be fully explained by the critical theory of pair-breaking transitions characterized by a correlation length exponent $\nu \approx 1$ and dynamic critical exponent $z \approx 2$. We find that in the quantum critical regime, the electrical conductivity is in agreement with a theoretically predicted scaling function and, moreover, that the theory quantitatively describes the dependence of conductivity on the critical temperature, field magnitude and orientation, nanowire cross sectional area, and microscopic parameters of the nanowire material. At the critical field, the conductivity follows a $T^{(d-2)/z}$ dependence predicted by phenomenological scaling theories and more recently obtained within a holographic framework. Our work uncovers the microscopic processes governing the transition: The pair-breaking effect of the magnetic field on interacting Cooper pairs overdamped by their coupling to electronic degrees of freedom. It also reveals the universal character of continuous quantum phase transitions.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figure