Theoretical analysis of magnetic coupling in sandwich clusters V_n(C_6H_6)_{n+1}

The mechanism of ferromagnetism stability in sandwich clusters V$_n$(C$_6$H$_6$)$_{n+1}$ has been studied by first-principles calculation and model analysis. It is found that each of the three types of bonds between V and benzene (Bz) plays different roles. V 3d$_{z^2}$ orbital, extending along the molecular axis, is weakly hybridized with Bz's HOMO-1 orbital to form the $\sigma$-bond. It is quite localized and singly occupied, which contributes 1$\mu_B$ to the magnetic moment but little to the magnetic coupling of neighboring V magnetic moments. The in-plane d$_{x^2-y^2}$, d$_{xy}$ orbitals are hybridized with the LUMO of Bz and constitute the $\delta$-bond. This hybridization is medium and crucial to the magnetic coupling though the $\delta$ states have no net contribution to the total magnetic moment. d$_{xz}$, d$_{yz}$ and HOMO of Bz form a quite strong $\pi$-bond to hold the molecular structure but they are inactive in magnetism because their energy levels are far away from the Fermi level. Based on the results of first-principles calculation, we point out that the ferromagnetism stability is closely related with the mechanism proposed by Kanamori and Terakura [J. Kanamori and K. Terakura, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 70, 1433 (2001)]. However, the presence of edge Bz's in the cluster introduces an important modification. A simple model is constructed to explain the essence of the physical picture.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figure

Detection of Noble Gas Scintillation Light with Large Area Avalanche Photodiodes (LAAPDs)

Large Area Avalanche Photodiodes (LAAPDs) were used for a series of systematic measurements of the scintillation light in Ar, Kr, and Xe gas. Absolute quantum efficiencies are derived. Values for Xe and Kr are consistent with those given by the manufacturer. For the first time we show that argon scintillation (128 nm) can be detected at a quantum efficiency above 40%. Low-pressure argon gas is shown to emit significant amounts of non-UV radiation. The average energy expenditure for the creation of non-UV photons in argon gas at this pressure is measured to be below 378 eV.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figure

Epoxy-functionalised 4-vinylguaiacol for the synthesis of bio-based, degradable star polymers via a RAFT/ROCOP strategy

An epoxy derivative of a naturally occuring vinylphenolic compound, 4-vinylguaiacol (4VGEP), was used for the synthesis of a well-defined (Mw/Mn = 1.08–1.14), bio-based styrene-type polymer. Block copolymers of 4VGEP with styrene and diethylacrylamide were also prepared and used as macro-monomers in metal, and metal-free, ring-opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) with cis-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride to form ester cross-linked star polymers in high yields (82–90%), with narrow dispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.27–1.40). Finally, the selective degradation of the ester core of the styrene-based star was achieved under acidic conditions

Quaternionic Monopoles

We present the simplest non-abelian version of Seiberg-Witten theory: Quaternionic monopoles. These monopoles are associated with Spin^h(4)-structures on 4-manifolds and form finite-dimensional moduli spaces. On a Kahler surface the quaternionic monopole equations decouple and lead to the projective vortex equation for holomorphic pairs. This vortex equation comes from a moment map and gives rise to a new complex-geometric stability concept. The moduli spaces of quaternionic monopoles on Kahler surfaces have two closed subspaces, both naturally isomorphic with moduli spaces of canonically stable holomorphic pairs. These components intersect along Donaldsons instanton space and can be compactified with Seiberg-Witten moduli spaces. This should provide a link between the two corresponding theories. Notes: To appear in CMP The revised version contains more details concerning the Uhlenbeck compactfication of the moduli space of quaternionic monopoles, and possible applications are discussed. Attention ! Due to an ununderstandable mistake, the duke server had replaced all the symbols "=" by "=3D" in the tex-file of the revised version we sent on February, the 2-nd. The command "\def{\ad}" had also been damaged !Comment: LaTeX, 35 page

MOCK-UP TEST OF REMOTE CONTROLLED DISMANTLING APPARATUS FOR LARGE-SIZED VESSELS

ABSTRACT The remote dismantling apparatus, which is equipped with multi-units for functioning of washing, cutting, collection of cut pieces and so on, has been constructed to dismantle the large-sized vessels in the JAERI's Reprocessing Test Facility (JRTF). The apparatus has five-axis movement capability and its operation is performed remotely. The mock-up tests were performed to evaluate the applicability of the apparatus to actual dismantling activities by using the mock-ups of LV-3 and LV-5 in the facility. It was confirmed that each unit was satisfactory functioned by remote operation. Efficient procedure for dismantling the large-sized vessel was studied and various data were obtained from the mock-up tests. This apparatus was found to be applicable for the actual dismantling activity in JRTF

High sensitivity GEM experiment on double beta decay of 76-Ge

The GEM project is designed for the next generation 2 beta decay experiments with 76-Ge. One ton of ''naked'' HP Ge detectors (natural at the first GEM-I phase and enriched in 76-Ge to 86% at the second GEM-II stage) are operating in super-high purity liquid nitrogen contained in the Cu vacuum cryostat (sphere with diameter 5 m). The latest is placed in the water shield. Monte Carlo simulation evidently shows that sensitivity of the experiment (in terms of the T1/2 limit for neutrinoless 2 beta decay) is 10^27 yr with natural HP Ge crystals and 10^28 yr with enriched ones. These bounds corresponds to the restrictions on the neutrino mass less than 0.05 eV and 0.015 eV with natural and enriched detectors, respectively. Besides, the GEM-I set up could advance the current best limits on the existence of neutralinos - as dark matter candidates - by three order of magnitudes, and at the same time would be able to identify unambiguously the dark matter signal by detection of its seasonal modulation.Comment: LaTeX, 20 pages, 4 figure

Inhibitory Effects of Anti-VEGF Antibody on the Growth and Angiogenesis of Estrogen-induced Pituitary Prolactinoma in Fischer 344 Rats: Animal Model of VEGF-targeted Therapy for Human Endocrine Tumors

Estrogen-induced pituitary prolactin-producing tumors (PRLoma) in F344 rats express a high level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) associated with marked angiogenesis and angiectasis. To investigate whether tumor development in E2-induced PRLoma is inhibited by anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (G6-31), we evaluated tumor growth and observed the vascular structures. With simultaneous treatment with G6-31 for the latter three weeks of the 13-week period of E2 stimulation (E2+G6-31 group), the following inhibitory effects on the PRLoma were observed in the E2+G6-31 group as compared with the E2-only group. In the E2+G6-31 group, a tendency to reduction in pituitary weight was observed and significant differences were observed as (1) reductions in the Ki-67-positive anterior cells, (2) increases in TUNEL-positive anterior cells, and (3) repair of the microvessel count by CD34-immunohistochemistry. The characteristic “blood lakes” in PRLomas were improved and replaced by repaired microvascular structures on 3D observation using confocal laser scanning microscope. These inhibitory effects due to anti-VEGF antibody might be related to the autocrine/paracrine action of VEGF on the tumor cells, because VEGF and its receptor are co-expressed on the tumor cells. Thus, our results demonstrate that anti-VEGF antibody exerted inhibitory effects on pituitary tumorigenesis in well-established E2 induced PRLomas

Theory of optical spectra of polar quantum wells: Temperature effects

Theoretical and numerical calculations of the optical absorption spectra of excitons interacting with longitudinal-optical phonons in quasi-2D polar semiconductors are presented. In II-VI semiconductor quantum wells, exciton binding energy can be tuned on- and off-resonance with the longitudinal-optical phonon energy by varying the quantum well width. A comprehensive picture of this tunning effect on the temperature-dependent exciton absorption spectrum is derived, using the exciton Green's function formalism at finite temperature. The effective exciton-phonon interaction is included in the Bethe-Salpeter equation. Numerical results are illustrated for ZnSe-based quantum wells. At low temperatures, both a single exciton peak as well as a continuum resonance state are found in the optical absorption spectra. By contrast, at high enough temperatures, a splitting of the exciton line due to the real phonon absorption processes is predicted. Possible previous experimental observations of this splitting are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev. B. Permanent address: [email protected]