Classical and Quantum Evolutions of the de Sitter and the anti-de Sitter Universes in 2+1 dimensions

Two canonical formulations of the Einstein gravity in 2+1 dimensions, namely, the ADM formalism and the Chern-Simons gravity, are investigated in the case of nonvanishing cosmological constant. General arguments for reducing phase spaces of the two formalisms are given when spatial hypersurface is compact. In particular when the space has the topology of a sphere $S^{2}$ or a torus $T^{2}$, the spacetimes constructed from these two formulations can be identified and the classical equivalence between the ADM and the CSG is shown. Moreover in the $g=1$ case the relations between their phase spaces, and therefore between their quantizations, are given in almost the same form as that in the case when the cosmological constant vanishes. There are, however, some modifications, the most remarkable one of which is that the phase space of the CSG is in 1 to 2 correspondence with the one of the ADM when the cosmological constant is negative.Comment: 37pages Latex (6 figures not included

Role of Rheology in Achieving Successful Concrete Performance

This article provides a basic introduction to concrete rheology, as well as some insight into how rheology can be applicable to concrete construction

Non-Fermi liquid behavior and Griffiths phase in {\it f}-electron compounds

We study the interplay among disorder, RKKY and Kondo interactions in {\it f}-electron alloys. We argue that the non-Fermi liquid behavior observed in these systems is due to the existence of a Griffiths phase close to a quantum critical point. The existence of this phase provides a unified picture of a large class of materials. We also propose new experiments that can test these ideas.Comment: 4 pages, 1 Figure. NEW version of the original manuscript. A single framework for NFL behavior in different kinds of alloys is presented. Final version finally allowed to appear on the glorious Physical Review Letter

Euclidean Gibbs states of interacting quantum anharmonic oscillators

A rigorous description of the equilibrium thermodynamic properties of an infinite system of interacting $\nu$-dimensional quantum anharmonic oscillators is given. The oscillators are indexed by the elements of a countable set $\mathbb{L}\subset \mathbb{R}^d$, possibly irregular; the anharmonic potentials vary from site to site. The description is based on the representation of the Gibbs states in terms of path measures -- the so called Euclidean Gibbs measures. It is proven that: (a) the set of such measures $\mathcal{G}^{\rm t}$ is non-void and compact; (b) every $\mu \in \mathcal{G}^{\rm t}$ obeys an exponential integrability estimate, the same for the whole set $\mathcal{G}^{\rm t}$; (c) every $\mu \in \mathcal{G}^{\rm t}$ has a Lebowitz-Presutti type support; (d) $\mathcal{G}^{\rm t}$ is a singleton at high temperatures. In the case of attractive interaction and $\nu=1$ we prove that $|\mathcal{G}^{\rm t}|>1$ at low temperatures. The uniqueness of Gibbs measures due to quantum effects and at a nonzero external field are also proven in this case. Thereby, a qualitative theory of phase transitions and quantum effects, which interprets most important experimental data known for the corresponding physical objects, is developed. The mathematical result of the paper is a complete description of the set $\mathcal{G}^{\rm t}$, which refines and extends the results known for models of this type.Comment: 60 page

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Quantitative Nondestructive Density Determinations of Very Low-Density Carbon Foams

Carbon foams have been manufactured at EG&G Mound Applied Technologies through the use of a salt replica process [1,2] that has been modified by a Mound propriety process [3]. Applications of these foams have been described in an early publication [4]. In the basic process [1,2] of manufacturing the foams, salt is pressed into bars; the bars are then cured, infused with polymer and cured again. The salt is then removed by copious solvent rinsings and finally carbonized into very porous and light-weight, briquette-like material [2,5]. In this paper, the carbon density and the carbon distribution in various foams were determined either by bulk measurements of weight and volume or by x-ray computed tomography (CT).</p