6,483 research outputs found
Spin-lattice order in frustrated ZnCr2O4
Using synchrotron X-rays and neutron diffraction we disentangle spin-lattice
order in highly frustrated ZnCrO where magnetic chromium ions occupy
the vertices of regular tetrahedra. Upon cooling below 12.5 K the quandary of
anti-aligning spins surrounding the triangular faces of tetrahedra is resolved
by establishing weak interactions on each triangle through an intricate lattice
distortion. The resulting spin order is however, not simply a N\'{e}el state on
strong bonds. A complex co-planar spin structure indicates that antisymmetric
and/or further neighbor exchange interactions also play a role as ZnCrO
resolves conflicting magnetic interactions
Evidences of a consolute critical point in the Phase Separation regime of La(5/8-y)Pr(y)Ca(3/8)MnO(3) (y = 0.4) single crystals
We report on DC and pulsed electric field sensitivity of the resistance of
mixed valent Mn oxide based La(5/8-y)Pr(y)Ca(3/8)MnO(3) (y = 0.4) single
crystals as a function of temperature. The low temperature regime of the
resistivity is highly current and voltage dependent. An irreversible transition
from high (HR) to a low resistivity (LR) is obtained upon the increase of the
electric field up to a temperature dependent critical value (V_c). The
current-voltage characteristics in the LR regime as well as the lack of a
variation in the magnetization response when V_c is reached indicate the
formation of a non-single connected filamentary conducting path. The
temperature dependence of V_c indicates the existence of a consolute point
where the conducting and insulating phases produce a critical behavior as a
consequence of their separation.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures, corresponding author: C. Acha ([email protected]
On the Origin of [OII] Emission in Red Sequence and Post-starburst Galaxies
We investigate the emission-line properties of galaxies with red rest-frame
colors using spectra from SDSS DR4. Emission lines are detected in more than
half of the red galaxies. We focus on the relationship between two emission
lines commonly used as star formation rate indicators: Ha 6563 and [OII] 3727.
There is a strong bimodality in [OII]/Ha ratio in the full SDSS sample which
closely corresponds to the bimodality in rest-frame color. Nearly all of the
line-emitting red galaxies have line ratios typical of various types of AGN --
most commonly LINERs, a small fraction of transition objects and, more rarely,
Seyferts. Only ~6% of red galaxies display star-forming line ratios. A straight
line in the [OII]-Ha equivalent width plane separates LINER-like galaxies from
other categories. Quiescent galaxies with no detectable emission lines and
LINER-like galaxies combine to form a single, tight red sequence in
color-magnitude-concentration space. [OII] EWs in LINER- and AGN-like galaxies
can be as large as in star-forming galaxies. Thus, unless objects with
AGN/LINER-like line ratios are excluded, [OII] emission cannot be used directly
as a proxy for star formation rate. Lack of [OII] emission is generally used to
indicate lack of star formation when post-starburst galaxies are selected at
high redshift. Our results imply, however, that these samples have been cut on
AGN properties as well as star formation, and therefore may provide seriously
incomplete sets of post-starburst galaxies. Furthermore, post-starburst
galaxies identifed in SDSS by requiring minimal Ha EW generally exhibit weak
but nonzero line emission with ratios typical of AGNs; few of them show
residual star formation. This suggests that most post-starbursts may harbor
AGNs/LINERs.Comment: 21 pages, 15 figures. v2: Added 4 new figures and updated many;
extended text. No conclusions change. v3: minor modifications and figure
updates to match version accepted by Ap
Superclustering at Redshift Z=0.54
We present strong evidence for the existence of a supercluster at a redshift
of z=0.54 in the direction of Selected Area 68. From the distribution of
galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts we find that there is a large
over-density of galaxies (a factor of four over the number expected in an
unclustered universe) within the redshift range 0.530 < z < 0.555. By
considering the spatial distribution of galaxies within this redshift range
(using spectroscopic and photometric redshifts) we show that the galaxies in
SA68 form a linear structure passing from the South-West of the survey field
through to the North-East (with a position angle of approximately 35 deg East
of North). This position angle is coincident with the positions of the X-ray
clusters CL0016+16, RX J0018.3+1618 and a new X-ray cluster, RX J0018.8+1602,
centered near the radio source 54W084. All three of these sources are at a
redshift of approximately z=0.54 and have position angles, derived from their
X-ray photon distributions, consistent with that measured for the supercluster.
Assuming a redshift of 0.54 for the distribution of galaxies and a FWHM
dispersion in redshift of 0.020 this represents a coherent structure with a
radial extent of 31 Mpc, transverse dimension of 12 Mpc, and a thickness of
approximately 4 Mpc. The detection of this possible supercluster demonstrates
the power of using X-ray observations, combined with multicolor observations,
to map the large scale distribution of galaxies at intermediate redshifts.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, Latex, aaspp4.sty, accepted for publication in
Ap J Letters. Figure 3 and followup observations can be found at
http://tarkus.pha.jhu.edu/~ajc/papers/supercluster
Correlated Polarons in Dissimilar Perovskite Manganites
We report x-ray scattering studies of broad peaks located at a (0.5 0 0)/(0
0.5 0)-type wavevector in the paramagnetic insulating phases of
La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3} and Pr_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3}. We interpret the
scattering in terms of correlated polarons and measure isotropic correlation
lengths of 1-2 lattice constants in both samples. Based on the wavevector and
correlation lengths, the correlated polarons are found to be consistent with
CE-type bipolarons. Differences in behavior between the samples arise as they
are cooled through their respective transition temperatures and become
ferromagnetic metallic (La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3}) or charge and orbitally
ordered insulating (Pr_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3}). Since the primary difference
between the two samples is the trivalent cation size, these results illustrate
the robust nature of the correlated polarons to variations in the relative
strength of the electron-phonon coupling, and the sensitivity of the
low-temperature ground state to such variations.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure
Serological evidence of exposure to Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia typhi in Australian veterinarians
BACKGROUND: Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia typhi are emerging arthropod-borne zoonoses causing fever and flu-like symptoms. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to these organisms was explored in Australian veterinarians. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-one veterinarians from across Australia were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Veterinarians provided a single blood sample and answered a questionnaire on potential risk factors influencing their exposure to R. felis and R. typhi. Indirect microimmunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) was used to identify evidence of serological exposure of the participants to R. felis and R. typhi. Results were analyzed and a logistical regression model performed to predict risk factors associated with seropositivity. RESULTS: In total, 16.0% of participants were seropositive to R. felis, 4.6% to R. typhi and 35.1% seropositive to both, where cross-reactivity of the IFAT between R. felis and R. typhi precluded a definitive diagnosis. Veterinarians residing within the south-eastern states of Victoria and Tasmania were at a higher risk of exposure to R. felis or generalised R. felis or R. typhi exposure. Older veterinarians and those that recommended flea treatment to their clients were found to be significantly protected from exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The high exposure to R. felis amongst veterinary professionals suggests that flea-borne spotted fever is an important cause of undifferentiated fever conditions that may not be adequately recognized in Australia
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Intumescent Flame Retardant Polyamide 11 Nanocomposites
Current polyamide 11 and 12 are lacking in fire retardancy and high strength/high heat
resistance characteristics for a plethora of fabricated parts that are desired and required
for performance driven applications. The introduction of selected nanoparticles such as
surface modified montmorillonite (MMT) clay or carbon nanofibers (CNFs), combined
with a conventional intumescent flame retardant (FR) additive into the polyamide
11/polyamide 12 (PA11/PA12) by melt processing conditions has resulted in the
preparation of a family of intumescent polyamide nanocomposites. These intumescent
polyamide 11 and 12 nanocomposites exhibit enhanced polymer performance
characteristics, i.e., fire retardancy, high strength and high heat resistance and are
expected to expand the market opportunities for polyamide 11 and polyamide 12 polymer
manufacturers.
The objective of this research is to develop improved polyamide 11 and 12 polymers with
enhanced flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties for selective laser
sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing (RM). In the present study, a nanophase was
introduced into the polyamide 11 and combining it with a conventional intumescent FR
additive via twin screw extrusion. Arkema RILSAN® polyamide 11 molding polymer
pellets were examined with two types of nanoparticles: chemically modified
montmorillonite (MMT) organoclays, and carbon nanofibers (CNFs); and Clairant’s
Exolit® OP 1230 intumescent FR additive were used to create a family of FR
intumescent polyamide 11 nanocomposites.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the degree of
nanoparticles dispersion. Injection molded specimens were fabricated for physical,
thermal, and flammability measurements. Thermal stability of these intumescent
polyamide 11 nanocomposites was examined by TGA. Flammability properties were
obtained using the Cone Calorimeter at an external heat flux of 35 kW/m
2
and UL 94
Test Method. Heat deflection temperatures (HDT) were also measured. TEM
micrographs, physical, thermal, and flammability properties are presented. FR
intumescent polyamide 11 nanocomposites properties are compared with polyamide 11
baseline polymer. Based on flammability and mechanical material performance, selective
polymers including polyamide 11 nanocomposites and control polyamide 11 will be
cryogenically ground into fine powders for SLS RM processing. SLS specimens will be
fabricated for thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties characterization.Mechanical Engineerin
Anisotropic strains and magnetoresistance of La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3}
Thin films of perovskite manganite La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3} were grown
epitaxially on SrTiO_3(100), MgO(100) and LaAlO_3(100) substrates by the pulsed
laser deposition method. Microscopic structures of these thin film samples as
well as a bulk sample were fully determined by x-ray diffraction measurements.
The unit cells of the three films have different shapes, i.e., contracted
tetragonal, cubic, and elongated tetragonal for SrTiO_3, MgO, and LaAlO_3
cases, respectively, while the unit cell of the bulk is cubic. It is found that
the samples with cubic unit cell show smaller peak magnetoresistance than the
noncubic ones do. The present result demonstrates that the magnetoresistance of
La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_{3} can be controlled by lattice distortion via externally
imposed strains.Comment: Revtex, 10 pages, 2 figure
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