Magnetic behaviour of PrPd2B2C

We have synthesized a new quaternary borocarbide PrPd$_{2}$B$_{2}$C and measured its magnetization, electrical resistivity and specific heat. The compound crystallizes in the LuNi$_{2}$B$_{2}$C-type tetragonal structure (space group {\it I4/mmm}). Above 100 K the magnetic susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior with effective moment $\mu_{eff}$ = 3.60 $\mu_{B}$, which is very close to the value expected for Pr$^{3+}$ ions. We do not find evidence for magnetic or superconducting transition down to 0.5 K. Specific heat exhibits a broad Schottky type anomaly with a peak at 24 K, very likely related to crystal electric field (CEF) excitation. The magnetic properties suggest the presence of a singlet CEF ground state leading to a Van-Vleck paramagnetic ground state.Comment: 2 pages, 2 figure

Evolution of magnetic fluctuations through the Fe-induced paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in Cr2_2B

In itinerant ferromagnets, the quenched disorder is predicted to dramatically affect the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic quantum phase transition driven by external control parameters at zero temperature. Here we report a study on Fe-doped Cr$_2$B, which, starting from the paramagnetic parent, orders ferromagnetically for Fe-doping concentrations $x$ larger than $x_{\rm c}=2.5$\%. In parent Cr$_2$B, $^{11}$B nuclear magnetic resonance data reveal the presence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic fluctuations. The latter are suppressed with Fe-doping, before the ferromagnetic ones finally prevail for $x>x_{\rm c}$. Indications for non-Fermi liquid behavior, usually associated with the proximity of a quantum critical point, were found for all samples, including undoped Cr$_2$B. The sharpness of the ferromagnetic-like transition changes on moving away from $x_{\rm c}$, indicating significant changes in the nature of the magnetic transitions in the vicinity of the quantum critical point. Our data provide constraints for understanding quantum phase transitions in itinerant ferromagnets in the limit of weak quenched disorder.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure

Insights on star formation histories and physical properties of 1.2≤z≲41.2 \leq z \lesssim 4 Herschel-detected galaxies

We test the impact of using variable star forming histories (SFHs) and the use of the IR luminosity (LIR) as a constrain on the physical parameters of high redshift dusty star-forming galaxies. We explore in particular the stellar properties of galaxies in relation with their location on the SFR-M* diagram. We perform SED fitting of the UV-NIR and FIR emissions of a large sample of GOODS-Herschel galaxies, for which rich multi-wavelength observations are available. We test different SFHs and imposing energy conservation in the SED fitting process, to face issues like the age-extinction degeneracy and produce SEDs consistent with observations. Our models work well for the majority of the sample, with the notable exception of the high LIR end, for which we have indications that our simple energy conservation approach cannot hold true. We find trends in the SFHs fitting our sources depending on stellar mass M* and z. Trends also emerge in the characteristic timescales of the SED models depending on the location on the SFR-M* diagram. We show that whilst using the same available observational data, we can produce galaxies less star-forming than usually inferred, if we allow declining SFHs, while properly reproducing their observables. These sources can be post-starbursts undergoing quenching, and their SFRs are potentially overestimated if inferred from their LIR. Fitting without the IR constrain leads to a strong preference for declining SFHs, while its inclusion increases the preference of rising SFHs, more so at high z, in tentative agreement with the cosmic star formation history. Keeping in mind that the sample is biased towards high LIR, the evolution shaped by our model appears as both bursty (initially) and steady-lasting (later on). The global SFH of the sample follows the cosmic SFH with a small scatter, and is compatible with the "downsizing" scenario of galaxy evolution.Comment: 28 pages, 26 figures, one appendix, Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Superconductivity in Dense MgB2MgB_2 Wires

$MgB_2$ becomes superconducting just below 40 K. Whereas porous polycrystalline samples of $MgB_2$ can be synthesized from boron powders, in this letter we demonstrate that dense wires of $MgB_2$ can be prepared by exposing boron filaments to $Mg$ vapor. The resulting wires have a diameter of 160 ${\mu}m$, are better than 80% dense and manifest the full $\chi = -1/4{\pi}$ shielding in the superconducting state. Temperature-dependent resistivity measurements indicate that $MgB_2$ is a highly conducting metal in the normal state with $\rho (40 K)$ = 0.38 $\mu Ohm$-$cm$. Using this value, an electronic mean free path, $l \approx 600~\AA$ can be estimated, indicating that $MgB_2$ wires are well within the clean limit. $T_c$, $H_{c2}(T)$, and $J_c$ data indicate that $MgB_2$ manifests comparable or better superconducting properties in dense wire form than it manifests as a sintered pellet.Comment: Figures' layout fixe

Management of patients with Graves' disease and orbital involvement: role of spectral domain optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of choroidal thickness evaluation with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and enhanced depth imaging (EDI) technique in the management of patients with Graves' disease and orbitopathy (GO). METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 18 patients with GO and 36 eyes of 18 age-matched control subjects were included in this retrospective observational study. All the subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation, including clinical activity score (CAS) and exophthalmometry. The SDOCT images of the choroid were obtained by EDI modality. RESULTS: Choroidal thickness was significantly increased in GO than in control eyes (p < 0.01). A significant correlation was found between choroidal thickness and CAS, proptosis, and the duration of disease (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that choroidal thickness, evaluated with EDI-OCT, is significantly increased in patients with GO and correlates with the activity of the disease, proptosis, and duration of the disease. The choroidal thickening may reflect the ocular hemodynamic changes, and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography may be a useful tool for the evaluation of orbital congestion and management of patients with Graves' disease and orbital involvement