On the problem of the relation between phason elasticity and phason dynamics in quasicrystals

It has recently been claimed that the dynamics of long-wavelength phason fluctuations has been observed in i-AlPdMn quasicrystals. We will show that the data reported call for a more detailed development of the elasticity theory of Jaric and Nelsson in order to determine the nature of small phonon-like atomic displacements with a symmetry that follows the phason elastic constants. We also show that a simple model with a single diffusing tile is sufficient to produce a signal that (1) is situated at a "satellite position'' at a distance q from each Bragg peak, that (2) has an intensity that scales with the intensity of the corresponding Bragg peak, (3) falls off as 1/q-squared and (4) has a time decay constant that is proportional to 1/(D q-squared). It is thus superfluous to call for a picture of "phason waves'' in order to explain such data, especially as such "waves'' violate many physical principles.Comment: 36 pages, 0 figures, discussion about vacancies, fluctuating Fourier components, and difference between static and dynamical structure factors added, other addition

Coherent quasielastic neutron scattering and correlations between rotational jumps of molecules on a periodic lattice

We previously derived a theorem about the {\em coherent} quasielastic neutron-scattering signal from a $d$-dimensional lattice of $N$ molecules that are undergoing rotational jump diffusion (around an $n$-fold axis), assuming that there are no correlations between the molecules. In the present paper molecular correlations are treated, but only in the sense that several molecules could reorient simultaneously as in a cog-wheel mechanism. Moreover, we do not examine the possibility that the relaxation times of these combined reorientations could depend on details of the local environment created by the neighbouring molecules. Finally also an ergodicity condition has to be fulfilled. Admitting for all these assumptions we can show that the correlations do not affect the coherent quasielastic scattering pattern in the following sense: The functions of $Q$ that intervene in the description of the intensities remain unaltered, while the functions of $\omega$ can undergo a renormalization of the time scales. The latter changes cannot be detected as the time scales that would occur if the dynamics were independent are not available for comparison. In other words: Coherent quasielastic neutron scattering is not able to betray the existence of correlations of the restricted type that occur in our model.Comment: 15 pages, 0 figure

Comment on "Sound Modes broadening in Quasicrystals"

Recently de Boissieu et al. proposed an explanation for the broadening of acoustic modes observed in quasicrystals (QC). It is the transcription of a well-known model used for glasses. We raise two fundamental objections against applying it to QC. After the text of the Comment we report the methodology that has been used to thwart the publication of this Comment, which is perfectly valid.Comment: 7 pages, 0 Figures, literal citations remove

On the problem of the correct interpretation of phason elasticity in quasicrystals

Recently Francoual et al. claimed to have observed the dynamics of long-wavelength phason fluctuations in i-AlPdMn quasicrystals. We will show that the data reported call for a more detailed development of the elasticity theory of Jaric and Nelsson in order to determine the nature of small phonon-like atomic displacements with a symmetry that follows the phason elastic constants.Comment: 18 pages, 0 figures, many additions, discussion adde

Porcine intestinal glycosphingolipids recognized by F6-fimbriated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

One important virulence factor of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is their ability to adhere via fimbrial adhesins to specific receptors located on the intestinal mucosa. Here, the potential glycosphingolipid receptors of enterotoxigenic F6-fimbriated E. coli were examined by binding of purified F6 fimbriae, and F6-expressing bacteria, to glycosphingolipids on thin-layer chromatograms. When intestinal mucosal non-acid glycosphingolipids from single pigs were assayed for F6 binding capacity, a selective interaction with two glycosphingolipids was observed. The binding-active glycosphingolipids were isolated and characterized as lactotriaosylceramide (GlcNAc beta 3Gal beta 4Glc beta 1Cer) and lactotetraosylceramide (Gal beta 3GlcNAc beta 3Gal beta 4Glc beta 1Cer). Further binding assays using a panel of reference glycosphingolipids showed a specific interaction between the F6 fimbriae and a number of neolacto core chain (Gal beta 4GlcNAc) glycosphingolipids. In addition, an occasional binding of the F6 fimbriae to sulfatide, galactosylceramide, lactosylceramide with phytosphingosine and/or hydroxy fatty acids, isoglobotriaosylceramide, gangliotriaosylceramide, and gangliotetraosylceramide was obtained. From the results we conclude that lactotriaosylceramide and lactotetraosylceramide are major porcine intestinal receptors for F6-fimbriated E. coli