306 research outputs found
Born-Infeld Theory and Stringy Causality
Fluctuations around a non-trivial solution of Born-Infeld theory have a
limiting speed given not by the Einstein metric but the Boillat metric. The
Boillat metric is S-duality invariant and conformal to the open string metric.
It also governs the propagation of scalars and spinors in Born-Infeld theory.
We discuss the potential clash between causality determined by the closed
string and open string light cones and find that the latter never lie outside
the former. Both cones touch along the principal null directions of the
background Born-Infeld field. We consider black hole solutions in situations in
which the distinction between bulk and brane is not sharp such as space filling
branes and find that the location of the event horizon and the thermodynamic
properties do not depend on whether one uses the closed or open string metric.
Analogous statements hold in the more general context of non-linear
electrodynamics or effective quantum-corrected metrics. We show how Born-Infeld
action to second order might be obtained from higher-curvature gravity in
Kaluza-Klein theory. Finally we point out some intriguing analogies with
Einstein-Schr\"odinger theory.Comment: 31 pages, 4 figures, LaTex; Some comments and references adde
Grain Boundaries in Graphene on SiC(000) Substrate
Grain boundaries in epitaxial graphene on the SiC(000) substrate are
studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. All investigated
small-angle grain boundaries show pronounced out-of-plane buckling induced by
the strain fields of constituent dislocations. The ensemble of observations
allows to determine the critical misorientation angle of buckling transition
. Periodic structures are found among the flat
large-angle grain boundaries. In particular, the observed highly ordered grain boundary is assigned to the previously
proposed lowest formation energy structural motif composed of a continuous
chain of edge-sharing alternating pentagons and heptagons. This periodic grain
boundary defect is predicted to exhibit strong valley filtering of charge
carriers thus promising the practical realization of all-electric valleytronic
devices
Atomic Configuration of Nitrogen Doped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Having access to the chemical environment at the atomic level of a dopant in
a nanostructure is crucial for the understanding of its properties. We have
performed atomically-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect
individual nitrogen dopants in single-walled carbon nanotubes and compared with
first principles calculations. We demonstrate that nitrogen doping occurs as
single atoms in different bonding configurations: graphitic-like and
pyrrolic-like substitutional nitrogen neighbouring local lattice distortion
such as Stone-Thrower-Wales defects. The stability under the electron beam of
these nanotubes has been studied in two extreme cases of nitrogen incorporation
content and configuration. These findings provide key information for the
applications of these nanostructures.Comment: 25 pages, 13 figure
Probing the crossover in CO desorption from single crystal to nanoparticulate Ru model catalysts
cited By 10International audienceUsing model catalysts, we demonstrate that CO desorption from Ru surfaces can be switched from that typical of single crystal surfaces to one more characteristic of supported nanoparticles. First, the CO desorption behaviour from Ru nanoparticles supported on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite was studied. Both mass-selected and thermally evaporated nanoparticles were deposited. TPD spectra from the mass-selected nanoparticles exhibit a desorption peak located around 410 K with a broad shoulder extending from around 480 K to 600 K, while spectra obtained from thermally evaporated nanoparticles exhibit a single broad feature from ∼350 K to ∼450 K. A room temperature deposited 50 Å thick Ru film displays a characteristic nanoparticle-like spectrum with a broad desorption feature at ∼420 K and a shoulder extending from ∼450 K to ∼600 K. Subsequent annealing of this film at 900 K produced a polycrystalline morphology of flat Ru(001) terraces separated by monatomic steps. The CO desorption spectrum from this surface resembles that obtained on single crystal Ru(001) with two large desorption features located at 390 K and 450 K due to molecular desorption from terrace sites, and a much smaller peak at ∼530 K due to desorption of dissociatively adsorbed CO at step sites. In a second experiment, ion sputtering was used to create surface defects on a Ru(0 1 54) single crystal surface. A gradual shift away from the desorption spectrum typical of a Ru(001) surface towards one resembling desorption from supported Ru nanoparticles was observed with increasing sputter time. © 2011 the Owner Societies
Pathophysiology of L-dopa-induced motor and non-motor complications in Parkinson's disease
Involuntary movements, or dyskinesia, represent a debilitating complication of levodopa (L-dopa) therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) are ultimately experienced by the vast majority of patients. In addition, psychiatric conditions often manifested as compulsive behaviours, are emerging as a serious problem in the management of L-dopa therapy. The present review attempts to provide an overview of our current understanding of dyskinesia and other L-dopa-induced dysfunctions, a field that dramatically evolved in the past twenty years. In view of the extensive literature on LID, there appeared a critical need to re-frame the concepts, to highlight the most suitable models, to review the central nervous system (CNS) circuitry that may be involved, and to propose a pathophysiological framework was timely and necessary. An updated review to clarify our understanding of LID and other L-dopa-related side effects was therefore timely and necessary. This review should help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the generation of dyskinetic symptoms
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