p-kernels occurring in an isogeny class of p-divisible groups

We give a computable criterion which allows to determine, in terms of the combinatorics of the root system of the general linear group, which p-kernels occur in an isogeny class of p-divisible groups over an algebraically closed field of positive characteristic. As an application we obtain a criterion for the non-emptiness of certain affine Deligne–Lusztig varieties associated to the general linear group

Tracing the minimum-energy path on the free-energy surface

The free energy profile of a reaction can be estimated in a molecular-dynamics approach by imposing a mechanical constraint along a reaction coordinate (RC). Many recent studies have shown that the temperature can greatly influence the path followed by the reactants. Here, we propose a practical way to construct the minimum energy path directly on the free energy surface (FES) at a given temperature. First, we follow the blue-moon ensemble method to derive the expression of the free energy gradient for a given RC. These derivatives are then used to find the actual minimum energy reaction path at finite temperature, in a way similar to the Intrinsic Reaction Path of Fukui on the potential energy surface [K Fukui J. Phys. Chem. 74, 4161 (1970)]. Once the path is know, one can calculate the free energy profile using thermodynamic integration. We also show that the mass-metric correction cancels for many types of constraints, making the procedure easy to use. Finally, the minimum free energy path at 300 K for the addition of the 1,1'-dichlorocarbene to ethylene is compared with a path based on a simple one-dimensional reaction coordinate. A comparison is also given with the reaction path at 0 K.Comment: Minor revisions: Citation and Equation numbers corrected. 26 pages, 6 figures, to appear in J. Chem. Phy

Lower Bound for the Fermi Level Density of States of a Disordered D-Wave Superconductor in Two Dimensions

We consider a disordered d--wave superconductor in two dimensions. Recently, we have shown in an exact calculation that for a lattice model with a Lorentzian distributed random chemical potential the quasiparticle density of states at the Fermi level is nonzero. As the exact result holds only for the special choice of the Lorentzian, we employ different methods to show that for a large class of distributions, including the Gaussian distribution, one can establish a nonzero lower bound for the Fermi level density of states. The fact that the tails of the distributions are unimportant in deriving the lower bound shows that the exact result obtained before is generic.Comment: 15 preprint pages, no figures, submitted to PR

Evolution of field spiral galaxies up to redshifts z=1

We have gained VLT/FORS spectra and HST/ACS images of a sample of 220 distant field spiral galaxies. Spatially resolved rotation curves were extracted and fitted with synthetic velocity fields that take into account all geometric and observational effects, like blurring due to the slit width and seeing influence. The maximum rotation velocity Vmax could be determined for 124 galaxies that cover the redshift range 0.1<z<1.0. The luminosity-rotation velocity distribution of this sample is offset from the Tully-Fisher relation (TFR) of local low-mass spirals, whereas the distant high-mass spirals are compatible with the local TFR. We show that the slope of the local and the intermediate-z TFR would be in compliance if its scatter decreased by more than a factor of 3 between z~0.5 and z~0. On the other hand, the distant low-luminosity disks have much lower stellar M/L ratios than their local counterparts, while high-luminosity disks barely evolved in M/L over the covered redshift range. This could be the manifestation of the "downsizing" effect, i.e. the succesive shift of the peak of star formation from high-mass to low-mass galaxies towards lower redshifts. This trend might be canceled out in the TF diagram due to the simultaneous evolution of multiple parameters. We also estimate the ratios between stellar and total masses, finding that these remained constant since z=1, as would be expected in the context of hierarchically growing structure. (Abridged)Comment: 20 pages, 5 figures, ApJ, accepte

The Dominance of Retail Stores

Most items are sold to consumers by retail stores. Stores have two features that distinguish them from auctions. First, the price is posted and a consumer who values the good at more than the posted price is sold the good. Second, the sale takes place as soon as the consumer decides to buy. In contrast, auctions have prices that are determined ex post and the potential consumer must wait until the auction is held to buy the good. Consequently, auctions result in false trading', where buyers sometimes pass up other valuable opportunities while waiting for the auction to occur or instead make undesired duplicate purchases. Retail stores dominate auctions when the good is perishable and/or becomes obsolete quickly, when the market is thin, and when close substitutes for the good are plentiful. These predictions are consistent with a number of observed phenomena.

Analysis of stratified and closely spaced jets exhausting into a crossflow

Procedures have been developed for determining the flow field about jets with velocity stratification exhausting into a crossflow. Jets with three different types of exit velocity stratification have been considered: (1) jets with a relatively high velocity core; (2) jets with a relatively low velocity core; and (3) jets originating from a vaned nozzle. The procedure developed for a jet originating from a high velocity core nozzle is to construct an equivalent nozzle having the same mass flow and thrust but having a uniform exit velocity profile. Calculations of the jet centerline and induced surface static pressures have been shown to be in good agreement with test data for a high velocity core nozzle. The equivalent ideal nozzle has also been shown to be a good representation for jets with a relatively low velocity core and for jets originating from a vaned nozzle in evaluating jet-induced flow fields. For the singular case of a low velocity core nozzle, namely a nozzle with a dead air core, and for the vaned nozzle, an alternative procedure has been developed. The internal mixing which takes place in the jet core has been properly accounted for in the equations of motion governing the jet development. Calculations of jet centerlines and induced surface static pressures show good agreement with test data these nozzles

A triple GEM detector with two dimensional readout

The triple GEM detector is a micropattern gas detector which consists of a primary ionisation gap and three consecutive gas electron multiplier (GEM) foils. A printed circuit board with readout strips detects the current induced by the drifting electron cloud originating from the last GEM stage. Thus the gas amplification and the signal readout are completely separated. Triple GEM detectors are being developed as a possible technology for the inner tracking in the LHCb experiment. In an earlier note we have reported first experience with such a detector in a test beam at PSI. Here we describe the construction of an improved version (thinner transfer gaps, segmented GEM foils, two dimensional readout). Results from performance measurements are presented using intense hadronic beams as well as cosmic ray data.Comment: 20 pages, 24 figure