Refractive index of ice in the 1.4-7.8-µm spectral range

New accurate values of the imaginary part of the refractive index k of polycrystalline ice at T = -22 °C are reported. The k spectrum in the 1.43-2.89-μm region was found to be in excellent agreement with the most recent study, and the data in the 3.35-7.81-μm range eliminate the large existing uncertainty in the 3.5-4.3-μm region.     

Real-time measurement of in vitro enamel demineralization in the vicinity of the restoration–tooth interface

An X-ray attenuation method using photon counting (scanning microradiography) is presented for the real-time study of in vitro demineralization of dental tissues in the vicinity of the restoration–tooth interface. By repeated measurement of mineral content profiles during the course of demineralization, the pattern of lesion development and the rate of mineral loss can be studied. The method is illustrated by comparison of enamel demineralization near a polyacid-modified composite resin restoration, near a bis-GMA/TEGMA composite resin restoration, and in an unrestored control. The method has potential for study of the influence of restorative materials on susceptibility of tooth tissue to demineralization. ©©1999©Kluwer Academic Publishers     

The improvement of the amorphous environment of the germanate–tellurate glasses in the presence of the gadolinium ions

Glasses in the system xGd₂O₃·(100 − x)[TeO₂·GeO₂] with 0 ≤ x ≤ 50 mol% have been prepared from melt quenching method. In this paper, we investigated changes of the coordination numbers of germanium, tellurium, and gadolinium ions by investigations of FTIR, EPR, and UV–VIS spectroscopy. By analyzing the structural changes resulted from the IR spectra we found that the bending modes of [GeO₄] structural units and the deformed modes of the Te–O–Te linkages produce intercalation of the [GdO _n ] entities in the germanate–tellurate chain network and densification of the glasses by increasing the number of [GeO₆] structural units. EPR spectra of the studied samples reveal that the gadolinium ions play a role of network former. The UV–VIS spectra show broad UV absorption bands located in the 250–350 nm region. Their intensity increase with the increasing of Gd₂O₃ content showing that these stronger transitions can be due to the presence of the O=Ge bonds (n–π* excitations) of [GeO₅] structural units. The [GeO₅] structural units are more stable thermodynamically than their analogues and the [GeO₆] structural units produce the improvement of the amorphous character of these glasses.     

Errors in measuring the directivity of a field by the method of a reference field in the range of 25–400 MHZ

Conclusions The cited data on error components in measuring the field-strength lead to the conclusions that the reference field (provided that the distances are measured with an error of ±2%) can be determined with an error of 6%, at frequencies up to 150 MHz, and of ±7% in the range from 150 to 400 MHz. The error in determining the resulting field-strength is smaller for small angles of elevation, since the beam reflected from the ground has a substantial effect on the value of the field.     

A comparison of the creep behavior of saline ice and frozen saline Ottawa sand at −8°C

The creep behavior of saline ice (prepared in the laboratory by liquid phase sintering) and frozen saline Ottawa sand has been examined in tests performed at constant load in unconfined compression. The range of stress over which the tests were conducted was 0.345 to 1.034 MPa. In both materials, the salinity of the ice-brine mixture was 32 ppt NaCl. The saline ice was found to be quite plastic and to deform to strains in excess of 25% without failing. The Ottawa sand, on the other hand, was observed to enter into tertiary creep at strains of about 2% and then abruptly fail. Despite these differences, the creep behavior at small strains (< 2%) is remarkably similar. This is evidenced by a comparison of the strain rates at 2% strain and the times to reach 2% strains, both of which are very nearly the same for two materials. The results are discussed with respect to simple ideas about the mechanisms of deformation and the role of the sand in the deformation process.     

Isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the α-phase in the scope of the Avrami equation

Isothermal melt crystallization of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) at different crystallization temperatures was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Analysis by the two different approaches of the Avrami equation was performed: first the classical double logarithmic approximation was used, but a non-linear least squares search showed to clearly improve the fit of the model to the experimental isotherms. The differences found by both methods in the Avrami parameters are discussed. The limitation of the Avrami equation in this polymer has to do not only with the fitting procedure to determine the parameters but also with the lack of a consistent physical interpretation of their temperature evolution. The melting behavior of the samples was analyzed and an equilibrium melting temperature of 190.9 °C was obtained by the Hoffmann–Weeks extrapolation. The samples crystallize in a spherulitic structure, as observed by optical microscopy with polarized light (OMPL). Lauritzen–Hoffmann theory was applied to analyze the crystallization kinetics and the Regime III was found for the crystallization of α-PVDF.     

Experience in polyharmonic analysis of the parameters of the earth’s rotation

A method for approximating time series by an nth degree trigonometric polynomial for a series of parameters of the Earths rotation, calculated from GPS and GLONASS measurements, is tested. Satisfactory agreement is obtained between the model and experimental data. The results can be used for complex modeling and forecasting of the parameters of the Earths rotation.Translated from Izmeritelnaya Tekhnika, No. 12, pp. 40–42, December, 2004.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Calculation of the Free Energy of Fullerenes in the Gross–Neveu Model

Methods of field theory on Riemannian manifolds were used to study the Gross–Neveu model (incorporating the Hubbard model as a special case) at T 0. The generating functional of the Gross–Neveu model on a torus, S ² _r S ¹ , was obtained by the functional integration method. The model was regularized using the theory of zeta functions. Double sums were calculated using recurrent formulas. For the zeta function of the Dirac operator in the limit of s = 1, we obtained a polar singularity of the form 1/(s – 1), characteristic of the local limit of Green's function. The free energy density was computed as a function of the radius of the sphere r and inverse temperature using the Maple 6 pack. The results show no anomalies, indicating that there are no phase transitions to the principal order in 1/N. However, taking into account the kink–antikink configurations of the scalar field A(x) in calculations without the 1/N expansion may drastically change the phase structure of the model.     

Thermal instability in freshwater lakes under ice: Effect of salt gradients or solar radiation?

The phenomenon of “temperature dichotomy”, or anomalous heating of surface water under the ice up to temperatures exceeding 4 °C is known to take place occasionally in solar-heated ice-covered freshwater lakes and has usually been explained by the stabilizing effect of the weak vertical salinity gradient created by the melt water flux from the ice and supporting the unstable temperature distribution. Here, we report an observation of the local temperature maximum in the upper part of the water column of ice-covered Lake Vendyurskoe (northwestern Russia). The observation was accompanied by vertically resolved measurements of the conductivity allowing estimation of the dissolved salts effect on the vertical density distribution. The results demonstrate insufficiency of the salt gradient to support the vertical stability of water column. Therefore, we suggest the vertically inhomogeneous radiation absorption to be the probable stabilizing mechanism here, similarly to radiatively heated boundary layers in the ocean, the atmosphere and star interiors. An analytical solution of the heat transfer equation is derived describing the temperature profile evolution in ice-covered lakes subject to solar radiation heating above the maximum density temperature. Observed daytime temperature profiles agree well with the analytical model that suggests the absence of convective mixing. According to the model, the temperature maximum is formed within a day that supports the hypothesis about the stabilizing effect of the solar radiation absorption. We conclude that in temperate lakes the warm layer should have diurnal character and should be destroyed during the nighttime by convection. In polar lakes, in turn, the warm layer can exist during essentially longer periods that is supported by application of the model to the previously published data from Lake Peters, Alaska. In this case, the ice melting rate can be significantly affected by the increased temperature gradient beneath the ice. Apart from potential effects on the ice melting rate and the spring plankton development in lakes, the regime represents a rare geophysical example of instability driven solely by radiative heating with many useful analogies in planetary and stellar physics.     

Is the proton radius a player in the redefinition of the International System of Units?

It is now recognized that the International System of Units (SI units) will be redefined in terms of fundamental constants, even if the date when this will occur is still under debate. Actually, the best estimate of fundamental constant values is given by a least-squares adjustment, carried out under the auspices of the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) Task Group on Fundamental Constants. This adjustment provides a significant measure of the correctness and overall consistency of the basic theories and experimental methods of physics using the values of the constants obtained from widely differing experiments. The physical theories that underlie this adjustment are assumed to be valid, such as quantum electrodynamics (QED). Testing QED, one of the most precise theories is the aim of many accurate experiments. The calculations and the corresponding experiments can be carried out either on a boundless system, such as the electron magnetic moment anomaly, or on a bound system, such as atomic hydrogen. The value of fundamental constants can be deduced from the comparison of theory and experiment. For example, using QED calculations, the value of the fine structure constant given by the CODATA is mainly inferred from the measurement of the electron magnetic moment anomaly carried out by Gabrielse's group. (Hanneke et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 120801) The value of the Rydberg constant is known from two-photon spectroscopy of hydrogen combined with accurate theoretical quantities. The Rydberg constant, determined by the comparison of theory and experiment using atomic hydrogen, is known with a relative uncertainty of 6.6×10(-12). It is one of the most accurate fundamental constants to date. A careful analysis shows that knowledge of the electrical size of the proton is nowadays a limitation in this comparison. The aim of muonic hydrogen spectroscopy was to obtain an accurate value of the proton charge radius. However, the value deduced from this experiment contradicts other less accurate determinations. This problem is known as the proton radius puzzle. This new determination of the proton radius may affect the value of the Rydberg constant . This constant is related to many fundamental constants; in particular, links the two possible ways proposed for the redefinition of the kilogram, the Avogadro constant N(A) and the Planck constant h. However, the current relative uncertainty on the experimental determinations of N(A) or h is three orders of magnitude larger than the 'possible' shift of the Rydberg constant, which may be shown by the new value of the size of the proton radius determined from muonic hydrogen. The proton radius puzzle will not interfere in the redefinition of the kilogram. After a short introduction to the properties of the proton, we will describe the muonic hydrogen experiment. There is intense theoretical activity as a result of our observation. A brief summary of possible theoretical explanations at the date of writing of the paper will be given. The contribution of the proton radius puzzle to the redefinition of SI-based units will then be examined.     

Management of the Recall of Defective Motor Vehicles in China

The A dm inistrative Regulation on the RecallofD efective M otorV ehicles has officially entered into force on ctober1st,2004,w hich m eans the m anagem enton defective products has m ade a substantive progress.The enact- entand enforcem entofthe A dm inistrative Regulation has generated active responses in our society and draw n uch attention from the autom obile industry.U p to M arch 2005,there have been 15 dom estic and foreign auto m an-facturersinitiating voluntary recallssince the A…     

Is the radon risk overestimated? Neglected doses in the estimation of the risk of lung cancer in uranium underground miners

Only the exposure to inhaled radon decay products is usually taken into account in the determination of the risk of radiogenic lung cancer in uranium miners. However, the elevated lung cancer risk in uranium miners is due to the total dose of radiation received by that organ, not to the dose from inhaled radon-222 decay products (222Rn D.P.) alone. Lung doses from sources other than 222Rn D.P. may reach 25% to 75% of total effective dose, absorbed dose or equivalent lung dose, are correlated to 222Rn D.P. doses and are quite variable between facilities. Therefore, to neglect these doses leads to a systematic overestimation of the risk of lung cancer per unit 222Rn D.P. exposure, both through dose underestimation and dose misclassification. Correction for neglected doses and dose misclassification would pull the risk per unit radon exposure downward by a factor of at least two or three and bring the overall dose-effect relationship towards the no-effect null hypothesis, thereby increasing the likelihood of thresholds for lung cancer risk at indoor and today's uranium mine exposures.     

Reconfirmation of the existence of δ2 in dental amalgams

The 90°C endotherm peak in the thermogram of a conventional dental amalgam is due to two overlapping peritectic transitions involving SnHg-2 and HgAgSn-1, respectively. The aim of the present study is to separate these two events and thus confirm that the 2 phase is indeed a part of an amalgam microstructure. The materials used in this study were: sample 1, 1+1 wt% Sn; sample 2, 1+2 wt% Sn; sample 3, 1+3 wt% Sn; and sample 4, a commercial conventional amalgam with 48 wt% Hg. In powder form, they were exposed to 1 wt% NaCl solution at 37 °C for up to 45 days. At 15 day intervals, samples were withdrawn from the solution, washed, dried and then characterized by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. Corrosion of Sn from ternary 1 matrix and intergranular 2 in respective materials during their exposure to the NaCl solution led to the following: (a) a progressive increase in 11 transition temperature in samples 1 and 2; (b) a gradual decrease in 2 peak and its disappearance in sample 2; and (c) in samples 3 and 4, initial splitting of the 90°C peak into two distinct endotherms associated with 2 and 1, respectively. Continued corrosion of the last two materials produced further changes in 2 and 1 in a manner similar to that seen in samples 1 and 2. On the basis of these observations, we have concluded that the 90°C endotherm is a valid indicator of the existence of the 2 phase in dental amalgams.     

Modeling of the Surface Structure in Gasdynamic Problems with the Use of the Data of Atomic‐Force Microscopy

The morphology of the surface of singlecrystalline silicon as a function of the degree of oxidation has been investigated by the method of atomicforce microscopy. The roughness of the surface at different stages of treatment has been evaluated with the use of topographic images. It has been found that the standard deviation characterizing the distribution of microroughnesses by height, or the roughness, increases with oxidation of the sample. A histogram of the distribution of structural surface elements has been presented. The data obtained can be employed in specifying boundary conditions to gasdynamic problems.     

Distribution of copper in the vicinity of a deactivated mining site at Carajás in the Amazon region of Brazil

In this work the re-fixation of mobilized copper (Cu) that was released from a deactivated pilot Cu ore dressing plant in the tropical rain forest at Southeastern Amazon (Carajás) was studied. Samples of top soils, decay leaf litter deposited on soils, roots and leaves of standing biomass were taken for the determination of Cu concentration in order to evaluate the distribution of it between different environmental compartments. In the sampling points near to the now extinct plant, total Cu concentrations in the soil reached an average value of 2140 microg g(-1) above the natural level of about 40 microg g(-1), being that bioavailable Cu estimated by DTPA method varied from 1.9 to 20.7% of this total. From the data was possible to calculate that the soil compartment is able to hold around 10 kg Cu/m(2) of ground. Roots of the standing biomass in that area hold around 17 g Cu/m(2), while the Cu content in leaves showed to be largely independent of the Cu level in the soil. Copper in the leaves was estimated as around 1g/m(2) of ground area. In turn, the decay leaf litter deposited on soil can hold about 1.6 g Cu/m(2). The terrestrial system surrounding the abandoned pilot plant demonstrated great buffer capacity to retain mobile Cu released by anthropogenic activities in the area.     

On the measurement of electrons in the 5–20 MeV range in liquids

Recent approaches to solve the solar neutrino problem comprise both new theoretical ideas and newly developed techniques for huge underground detectors. The investigation of electrons produced by neutrinos from the ⁸B decay is particularly interesting. Earlier bubble chamber photographs of electron tracks (5–20 MeV) in two liquids, the measurements of their energy and direction, may help to optimize the design of these detectors.