Global entanglement and quantum criticality in spin chains

Entanglement in quantum XY spin chains of arbitrary length is investigated via a recently-developed global measure suitable for generic quantum many-body systems. The entanglement surface is determined over the phase diagram, and found to exhibit structure richer than expected. Near the critical line, the entanglement is peaked (albeit analytically), consistent with the notion that entanglement--the non-factorization of wave functions--reflects quantum correlations. Singularity does, however, accompany the critical line, as revealed by the divergence of the field-derivative of the entanglement along the line. The form of this singularity is dictated by the universality class controlling the quantum phase transition.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Opening the terahertz window on the OSIRIS spectrometer

4 pags., 6 figs. -- QENS/WINS 2014 - 11th International Conference on Quasielastic Neutron Scattering and 6th International Workshop on Inelastic Neutron SpectrometersA cooled and mechanically retractable beryllium filter has been installed and commissioned on the low-energy OSIRIS spectrometer at ISIS. This instrument development extends the energy-transfer range of the spectrometer up to ca. 20 meV (∼ 5 THz), leading to an excellent resolution at THz frequencies and substantial gains in detected flux relative to existing capabilities on the neighbouring IRIS spectrometer. Herein, we provide a concise account of this new capability for high-resolution neutron spectroscopy in the THz domain, as well as outline a number of ongoing and potential scientific opportunities in condensed-matter physics, chemistry, and materials science.The authors gratefully acknowledge the UK Science & Technology Facilities Council for financial support and access to beam time at ISIS

Evaluation of a Rapid Dipstick (Crystal VC) for the Diagnosis of Cholera in Zanzibar and a Comparison with Previous Studies

BackgroundThe gold standard for the diagnosis of cholera is stool culture, but this requires laboratory facilities and takes at least 24 hours. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can be used by minimally trained staff at treatment centers could potentially improve the reporting and management of cholera outbreaks.MethodsWe evaluated the Crystal VC™ RDT under field conditions in Zanzibar in 2009. Patients presenting to treatment centers with watery diarrhea provided a stool sample for rapid diagnostic testing. Results were compared to stool culture performed in a reference laboratory. We assessed the overall performance of the RDT and evaluated whether previous intake of antibiotics, intravenous fluids, location of testing, and skill level of the technician affected the RDT results.ResultsWe included stool samples from 624 patients. Compared to culture, the overall sensitivity of the RDT was 93.1% (95%CI: 88.7 to 96.2%), specificity was 49.2% (95%CI: 44.3 to 54.1%), the positive predictive value was 47.0% (95%CI: 42.1 to 52.0%) and the negative predictive value was 93.6% (95%CI: 89.6 to 96.5%). The overall false positivity rate was 50.8% (213/419); fieldworkers frequently misread very faint test lines as positive.ConclusionThe observed sensitivity of the Crystal VC RDT evaluated was similar compared to earlier versions, while specificity was poorer. The current version of the RDT could potentially be used as a screening tool in the field. Because of the high proportion of false positive results when field workers test stool specimens, positive results will need to be confirmed with stool culture

Modulating Temporal and Spatial Oxygenation over Adherent Cellular Cultures

Oxygen is a key modulator of many cellular pathways, but current devices permitting in vitro oxygen modulation fail to meet the needs of biomedical research. A microfabricated insert for multiwell plates has been developed to more effectively control the temporal and spatial oxygen concentration to better model physiological phenomena found in vivo. The platform consists of a polydimethylsiloxane insert that nests into a standard multiwell plate and serves as a passive microfluidic gas network with a gas-permeable membrane aimed to modulate oxygen delivery to adherent cells. Equilibration time is on the order of minutes and a wide variety of oxygen profiles can be attained based on the device design, such as the cyclic profile achieved in this study, and even oxygen gradients to mimic those found in vivo. The proper biological consequences of the device's oxygen delivery were confirmed in cellular models via a proliferation assay and western analysis of the upregulation of hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1α. These experiments serve as a demonstration for the platform as a viable tool to increase experimental throughput and permit novel experimental possibilities in any biomedical research lab

Monomineral universal clinopyroxene and garnet barometers for peridotitic, eclogitic and basaltic systems

New versions of the universal Jd-Di exchange clinopyroxene barometer for peridotites, pyroxenites and eclogites, and also garnet barometer for eclogites and peridotites were developed. They were checked using large experimental data sets for eclogitic (∼530) and peridotitic systems (>650). The precision of the universal Cpx barometer for peridotites based on Jd-Di exchange is close to Cr-Tschermakite method produced by Nimis and Taylor (2000). Cpx barometer was transformed by the substitution of major multiplier for KD by the equations dependent from Al-Na-Fe. Obtained equation in combination with the thermometer of Nimis and Taylor (2000) allow to reconstruct position of the magma feeder systems of the alkali basaltic magma within the mantle diapirs in modern platforms like in Vitim plateau and other Southern Siberia localities and several localities worldwide showing good agreement of pressure ranges for black and green suites. These equations allow construct PTX diagrams for the kimberlite localities in Siberia and worldwide calculating simultaneously the PT parameters for different groups of mantle rocks. They give very good results for the concentrates from kimberlite lamproites and placers with mantle minerals. They are useful for PT estimates for diamond inclusions. The positions of eclogite groups in mantle sections are similar to those determined with new Gar–Cpx barometer produced by C. Beyer et al. (2015). The Fe rich eclogites commonly trace the boundary between the lower upper parts of subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) at 3–4 GPa marking pyroxenite eclogites layer. Ca-rich eclogites and especially grospydites in SCLM beneath Precambrian kimberlites occurs near pyroxenite layer but in younger mantle sections they became common in the lower parts. The diamondiferous Mg Cr-less group eclogites referring to the ancient island arc complexes are also common in the middle part of mantle sections and near 5–6 GPa. Commonly eclogites in lower apart of mantle sections are remelted and trace the high temperature convective branch. The Mg- and Fe-rich pyroxenites also show the extending in pressure trends which suggest the anatexic melting under the influence of volatiles or under the interaction with plums

Bulk and physical properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics

218-229Bulk and physical properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabric depend on the nature of component fibre, the manner in which the fibres are arranged in the structure and the degree of consolidation . A proper understanding of the role of different parameters on fabric properties is important for designing the fabric suitable for its use. Normally, the longer and finer fibre in the web leads to greater fabric strength, provided the fibre breakage is controlled. The increase in needle densityand penetration improves the fibre consolidation. but beyond a certain limit the fibre damage becomes greater, leading to deterioration in fabric characteristics. Higher fabric weight and introducti on of scrim generally improve the functional properties of fabric. Finishing operation is opted in the cases where some special requirements are to be fulfilled. This paper is intended to develop some understanding about the bulk and physical properties in relation to raw material, machine parametersand process variables