Non-Fermi Liquid Regimes and Superconductivity in the Low Temperature Phase Diagrams of Strongly Correlated d- and f-Electron Materials

Standard models for simple metals and insulators often fail for systems based on elements with unstable d- or f-electron shells, where strong electronic correlations can generate new and unexpected states of matter. Such a scenario can often be induced when a magnetic phase transition is tuned to absolute zero temperature by an external control parameter such as chemical composition, pressure or magnetic field. At the resulting quantum critical point (QCP), emergent phenomena, such as unconventional superconductivity and novel magnetic phases are frequently observed. The temperature and energy dependences of the physical properties are also found to deviate from expectations for a simple Fermi liquid. This “non-Fermi-liquid” (NFL) behavior is commonly manifested as weak power laws and logarithmic divergences in the physical properties at low temperatures and is often found in a V-shaped region near a QCP, which has become the “classic” QCP phase diagram. However, there is also a growing number of materials where the NFL behavior either occurs far away from the QCP, within an ordered phase, or may not be associated with any putative QCP. Thus, after nearly 20 years of research, it remains unknown whether NFL physics is universal, or if a multitude of unique subclasses exist. In this article, we review research that has primarily been carried out in our laboratory on systems that exhibit NFL behavior that does not conform to the “classic” QCP scenario.     

Bulk properties of pressure-induced superconductivity in EuMo6S8

Characteristics of superconductivity induced by pressureP in EuMo₆S₈ have been investigated by dc magnetization and heat capacity measurements under nearly hydrostatic pressure. No Meissner effect was detected at the superconducting transition, in agreement with previous results, but a discontinuity in the heat capacity data demonstrates the bulk nature of the superconducting state forP≳ 13 kbar. An analysis of the heat capacity data yields a value for this discontinuity comparable to that expected from the BCS theory. In addition, heat capacity measurement forP=11 kbar reveal a feature arising from the structural transition responsible for the absence of superconductivity whenP<13 kbar in EuMo₆S₈.     

Superconducting and magnetic properties of ErRh4B4

The thermal expansion, magnetization, magnetostriction, and ac electrical resistance of the compound ErRh₄B₄ have been measured at low temperatures. The influence of magnetic fields on the superconducting and magnetic properties of this compound is emphasized, and the qualitative behavior of the upper critical field as a function of temperature has been determined from the experiments.Research supported by the Schweizerische Nationalfonds zur Förderung der wissen-schaftlichen Forschung.Research sponsored by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration under Contract No. ERDA E(04-3)-34PA227.Research in La Jolla sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Air Force Systems Command, U.S. Air Force, under AFOSR Contract No. F49620-77-C-0009.     

Behavioral and developmental consequences of early rearing experience for captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

Mother-reared (MR) and peer-reared (PR) captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) cubs were compared to evaluate the effects of early removal from mother on behavioral development. Males and females and twins and singletons were compared to assess the effects of social setting on behavioral development. Subjects included 2 PR females, 3 MR females, 3 MR males, and 3 mothers. MR cubs spent more time manipulating bamboo and fell more often than PR cubs. PR cubs spent more time inactive. Male cubs directed more playful behavior at their mothers. Twins spent more time play fighting with their mothers than with their siblings. The results suggest that peer-rearing does not provide young pandas with the same level of social stimulation as mother-rearing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Degradation chemistry of gemcitabine hydrochloride, a new antitumor agent

The anti-tumor agent gemcitabine hydrochloride, a beta-difluoronucleoside, is remarkably stable in the solid state. In 0.1 N HCI solution at 40 degrees C, deamination of gemcitabine occurs, yielding its uridine analogue. Approximately 86% of the initial gemcitabine remains after 4 weeks under these conditions. Cleavage of the N-glycosidic bond of gemcitabine or conversion to its alpha-anomer in 0.1 N HCI solution is not observed over a 4-week period. However, this work has shown that gemcitabine hydrochloride anomerizes in 0.1 N NaOH at 40 degrees C. Approximately 72% of the initial gemcitabine remains after 4 weeks under the basic conditions used. Uridine hydrolysis products are also formed under these conditions. The anormerization reaction, which is unusual under basic conditions, has been confirmed by characterization of the chromatographically isolated alpha-anomer by NMR and mass spectrometry. A mechanism involving an acyclic intermediate is proposed.