264 research outputs found
Phenomenological theory of the s-wave state in superconductors without an inversion center
Abstract.: In materials without an inversion center of symmetry the spin degeneracy of the conducting band is lifted by an antisymmetric spin orbit coupling (ASOC). Under such circumstances, spin and parity cannot be separately used to classify the Cooper pairing states. Consequently, the superconducting order parameter is generally a mixture of spin singlet and triplet pairing states. In this paper we investigate the structure of the order parameter and its response to disorder for the most symmetric pairing state (A1). Using the example of the heavy Fermion superconductor CePt3Si, we determine characteristic properties of the superconducting instability. Depending on the type of the pairing interaction, the gap function is characterized by the presence of line nodes. We show that this line nodes move in general upon temperature. Such nodes would be essential to explain recent low-temperature data of thermodynamic quantities such as the NMR-T1 -1, London penetration depth, and heat conductance. Moreover, we study the effect of (non-magnetic) impurity on the superconducting stat
Anisotropic charge dynamics in the quantum spin-liquid candidate -(BEDT-TTF)Cu(CN)
We have in detail characterized the anisotropic charge response of the dimer
Mott insulator -(BEDT-TTF)\-Cu(CN) by dc conductivity, Hall
effect and dielectric spectroscopy. At room temperature the Hall coefficient is
positive and close to the value expected from stoichiometry; the temperature
behavior follows the dc resistivity . Within the planes the dc
conductivity is well described by variable-range hopping in two dimensions;
this model, however, fails for the out-of-plane direction. An unusually broad
in-plane dielectric relaxation is detected below about 60 K; it slows down much
faster than the dc conductivity following an Arrhenius law. At around 17 K we
can identify a pronounced dielectric anomaly concomitantly with anomalous
features in the mean relaxation time and spectral broadening. The out-of-plane
relaxation, on the other hand, shows a much weaker dielectric anomaly; it
closely follows the temperature behavior of the respective dc resistivity. At
lower temperatures, the dielectric constant becomes smaller both within and
perpendicular to the planes; also the relaxation levels off. The observed
behavior bears features of relaxor-like ferroelectricity. Because
heterogeneities impede its long-range development, only a weak tunneling-like
dynamics persists at low temperatures. We suggest that the random potential and
domain structure gradually emerge due to the coupling to the anion network.Comment: 14 pages, 13 figure
Hole-depletion of ladders in SrCuO induced by correlation effects
The hole distribution in SrCuO is studied by low
temperature polarization dependent O K Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine
Structure measurements and state of the art electronic structure calculations
that include core-hole and correlation effects in a mean-field approach.
Contrary to all previous analysis, based on semi-empirical models, we show that
correlations and antiferromagnetic ordering favor the strong chain
hole-attraction. For the remaining small number of holes accommodated on
ladders, leg-sites are preferred to rung-sites. The small hole affinity of
rung-sites explains naturally the 1D - 2D cross-over in the phase diagram of
(La,Y,Sr,Ca)CuOComment: 6 pages, 8 figure
Anomalous Metal-Insulator Transition in Filled Skutterudite CeOsSb
Anomalous metal-insulator transition observed in filled skutterudite
CeOsSb is investigated by constructing the effective tight-binding
model with the Coulomb repulsion between f electrons. By using the mean field
approximation, magnetic susceptibilities are calculated and the phase diagram
is obtained. When the band structure has a semimetallic character with small
electron and hole pockets at and H points, a spin density wave
transition with the ordering vector occurs due to the
nesting property of the Fermi surfaces. Magnetic field enhances this phase in
accord with the experiments.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
The Sydney Diabetes Prevention Program: A community-based translational study
Background. Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem in Australia with prevalence increasing in parallel with increasing obesity. Prevention is an essential component of strategies to reduce the diabetes burden. There is strong and consistent evidence from randomised controlled trials that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modification which improves diet, increases physical activity and achieves weight loss in at risk people. The current challenge is to translate this evidence into routine community settings, determine feasible and effective ways of delivering the intervention and providing on-going support to sustain successful behavioural changes. Methods/Design. The Sydney Diabetes Prevention Program (SDPP) is a translational study which will be conducted in 1,550 participants aged 50-65 years (including 100 indigenous people aged 18 years and older) at high risk of future development of diabetes. Participants will be identified through a screening and recruitment program delivered through primary care and will be offered a community-based lifestyle modification intervention. The intervention comprises an initial individual session and three group sessions based on behaviour change principles and focuses on five goals: 5% weight loss, 210 min/week physical activity (aerobic and strength training exercise), limit dietary fat and saturated fat to less than 30% and 10% of energy intake respectively, and at least 15 g/1000 kcal dietary fibre. This is followed by 3-monthly contact with participants to review progress and offer ongoing lifestyle advice for 12 months. The effectiveness and costs of the program on diabetes-related risk factors will be evaluated. Main outcomes include changes in weight, physical activity, and dietary changes (fat, saturated fat and fibre intake). Secondary outcomes include changes in waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, lipids, quality of life, psychological well being, medication use and health service utilization. Discussion. This translational study will ascertain the reach, feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program delivered in a community setting through primary health care. If demonstrated to be effective, it will result in recommendations for policy change and practical methods for a wider community program for preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes in high risk people. © 2010 Colagiuri et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd
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