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Notes: Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and spontaneous Raman spectroscopy have been used to obtain vibrational spectra of shock-compressed and static high-pressure fluid nitrogen, respectively. Vibrational frequencies were obtained from the CARS data using a semiclassical model for these spectra. Spontaneous Raman vibrational frequencies were determined by fitting data using a Lorentz-shape line. A functional form was found for the dependence of the vibrational frequency on pressure and temperature to 40 GPa and 5000 K, respectively. By fitting the vibrational data to this form, a pressure scale based on the fluid nitrogen vibron has been calibrated for use at very high temperature. The nitrogen vibron pressure scale was used to determine the fluid-δ nitrogen phase boundary up to 20 GPa and 900 K.

Notes: Vibrational spectra of liquid carbon monoxide shock compressed to several high pressure/high temperature states were recorded using single-pulse multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. Vibrational frequencies, third-order suceptibility ratios, and linewidths are reported for the fundamental and first excited-state transition. The observed vibrational frequency shift with shock pressure was substantially less than that observed previously in nitrogen, implying a significant difference in the details of their inter- and intramolecular potentials. The transition intensity and linewidth data suggest that thermal equilibrium of the vibrational levels is attained in less than 10 ns at these shock pressures, and the vibrational temperatures obtained are comparable to calculated equation-of-state temperatures. The measured linewidths suggest that the vibrational dephasing time decreased to ∼2 ps at our highest pressure shock state.

Notes: Vibrational spectra of liquid nitrogen shock compressed to several high pressure/high temperature states were recorded using single-pulse multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. Vibrational frequencies, third-order susceptibility ratios, and linewidths are presented for the fundamental and several excited-state transitions. Vibrational frequencies were found to increase monotonically up to (approximate)17.5 GPa single shock and (approximate)30 GPa double shock. Above these pressures, the vibrational frequencies were observed to decrease with further increases in pressure. The decrease in vibrational frequency occurs in a pressure regime where the shocked nitrogen is becoming optically opaque. The consequence of the decrease in vibrational frequency on the Grüneisen mode gamma and its effect on the N2 equation of state is discussed. The transition intensity and linewidth data suggest that thermal equilibrium of the vibrational levels is attained in less than 10 ns at these high pressures and temperatures. Finally, the measured linewidths exhibit an almost linear dependence on shock temperature, and also suggest that the vibrational dephasing time has decreased to less than 1 ps at the highest pressures.

Notes: Vibrational spectra of liquid oxygen, shock compressed to several high-pressure/high-temperature states, were obtained using single-pulse multiplex coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS). The experimental spectra were compared to synthetic spectra calculated using a semiclassical model for the CARS intensities and best fit vibrational frequencies, peak Raman susceptibilities, and Raman linewidths. Up to the maximum shock pressure of 9.6 GPa, the vibrational frequencies were found to increase monotonically with pressure. An empirical fit, which could be used as a pressure/temperature/frequency calibration standard, showed that the Raman frequency shifts could be accurately described by linear pressure and temperature dependences. Above ≈9 GPa, the liquid oxygen opacity at 632.8 nm increased rapidly, presumably because of proximity (collision)-induced absorption. Calculations showed that the induced absorption did not resonantly enhance the CARS spectra, but did attenuate the laser beams and the CARS signals. The measured linewidths suggest that the vibrational dephasing time decreased to approximately 1 ps at the highest pressures.

Notes: We present results on sound wave propagation in pulsed fields up to 50 T for CsCuCl3 and (VO)2P2O7. Sound velocity and attenuation exhibit anomalies at the field induced spin transitions at low temperatures. In CsCuCl3 we observe step-like anomalies in sound velocity and pronounced peaks in attenuation at the saturation field (34 T at 1.5 K) and broader anomalies at the commensurate-incommensurate transition (14–17 T). In (VO)2P2O7 we observe a strong anomaly at the critical field when the lowest triplet branch crosses the singlet ground state (27 T at 1.6 K). All these experiments give important information on the spin state in high magnetic fields of these low dimensional spin systems and on the spin-phonon coupling. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: A technique for quantitative analysis of gas mixtures in a laser mass spectrometer is presented. It is based on the addition of two calibration gases with different orders of multiphoton ionization process to the sample gas. The ratio of the signals of these two internal standards serves as a sensor for the laser intensity within the ionization volume. Thus strongly fluctuating signals due to higher-order multiphoton ionization can be normalized for every single laser shot. In addition, for such a relative measurement, effects of long-term drifts of the apparatus are eliminated. Concentrations varying from a few ppm to several percent could be determined with an accuracy better than 10% at every single laser shot. Therefore this technique allows high time resolution.

Notes: The transformation from smectite to chlorite has been interpreted as involving either a disequilibrium chlorite/smectite mixed-layering sequence, or an equilibrated discontinuous sequence involving smectite–corrensite–chlorite. Here, analysis of the smectite to chlorite transition in different geothermal systems leads us to propose that the transformation proceeds via three contrasting reaction pathways involving (i) a continuous mixed-layer chlorite/smectite series; (ii) a discontinuous smectite–corrensite–chlorite series and (iii) a direct smectite to chlorite transition. Such contrasting pathways are not in accord with an equilibrium mineral reaction series, suggesting that these pathways record kinetically controlled reaction progress. In the geothermal systems reviewed the style of reaction pathway and degree of reaction progress is closely correlated with intensity of recrystallization, and not to differences in thermal gradients or clay grain size. This suggests a kinetic effect linked to variation in fluid/rock ratios and/or a contrast between advective or diffusive fluid transport. The mode of fluid transport provides a means by which the rates of dissolution/nucleation/growth can control the reaction style and the reaction progress of the smectite to chlorite transition. Slow rates of growth are linked to the first reaction pathway involving mixed-layering, while increasing rates of growth, relative to nucleation, promote the generation of more ordered structures and ultimately lead to the direct smectite to chlorite transition, representative of the third pathway.

Notes: Alpine metamorphism, related to the development of a metamorphic core complex during Cretaceous orogenic events, has been recognized in the Veporic unit, Western Carpathians (Slovakia). Three metamorphic zones have been distinguished in the metapelites: 1, chloritoid + chlorite + garnet; 2, garnet + staurolite + chlorite; 3, staurolite + biotite + kyanite. The isograds separating the metamorphic zones have been modelled by discontinuous reactions in the system K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (KFMASH). The isograds are roughly parallel to the north-east-dipping foliation related to extensional updoming along low-angle normal faults. Thermobarometric data document increasing P–T conditions from c. 500 °C and 7–8 kbar to c. 620 °C and 9–10 kbar, reflecting a coherent metamorphic field gradient from greenschist to middle amphibolite facies. 40Ar/39Ar data obtained by high spatial resolution in situ ultraviolet (UV) laser ablation of white micas from the rock slabs constrain the timing of cooling and exhumation in the Late Cretaceous. Mean dates are between 77 and 72 Ma; however, individual white mica grains record a range of apparent 40Ar/39Ar ages indicating that cooling below the blocking temperature for argon diffusion was not instantaneous. The reconstructed metamorphic P–T–t path is ‘clockwise’, reflecting post-burial decompression and cooling during a single Alpine orogenic cycle. The presented data suggest that the Veporic unit evolved as a metamorphic core complex during the Cretaceous growth of the Western Carpathian orogenic wedge. Metamorphism was related to collisional crustal shortening and stacking, following closure of the Meliata Ocean. Exhumation was accomplished by synorogenic (orogen-parallel) extension and unroofing in an overall compressive regime.

Notes: Abstract The North Shore Volcanic Group in northern Minnesota is part of the Middle Proterozoic Keweenawan sequence, one of the largest plateau lava provinces in the world. The primary geochemistry of the basalts suggests that volcanism occurred in an intracontinental rift environment. The subaerial lava flows, mainly amygdaloidal olivine tholeiites and tholeiites, have undergone low-grade metamorphism from zeolite to lower greenschist facies. On the basis of alteration phases replacing the primary magmatic minerals, infilling amygdales and veins, and replacing secondary minerals, the following zones have been distinguished: (1) thomsonite-scolecite-smectite, (2) heulandite-stilbite-smectite, (3) laumontitechlorite-albite, (4) laumontite-chlorite-albite ± prehnite ± pumpellyite and (5) epidote-chlorite-albite ± actinolite zone.In addition to the overall zonation based on mineral parageneses, zonations in the composition of the Ab content of the newly formed albite replacing primary Ca-rich plagioclase and of the newly formed mafic phyllosilicates are observed within the sequence and within single flows. Mafic phyllosilicates in the upper part of the sequence (mainly smectites and mixed-layer smectite/chlorites) display high Si and Ca + Na + K contents, whereas in the lower part of the sequence the amounts of Si and Ca + Na + K are markedly lower (mainly chlorites and mixed-layer chlorite/smectites). Similar zonations are observed within the individual flows. The albite content of the newly formed plagioclase is highest, and the Si and Ca + Na + K content of the phyllosilicates lowest in the amygdaloidal flow top while the opposite is true for the massive flow interior.The above features suggest that the overall pattern is one of burial-type metamorphism associated with extension in the rift setting. In detail, the mineral assemblages are controlled not only by the stratigraphic position but also by the flow morphology controlling permeability whose effect on the assemblages is most pronounced in the stratigraphically upper parts. This suggests that at the first stages of alteration (lowest grade) the patterns of fluid flow were important effects in controlling the assemblages. At greater burial depth, assemblages are more homogeneous, perhaps representative of a more even and pervasive flow pattern.Using the observed assemblages at face value to define grade and/or facies, different conditions would be assigned within the different morphological flow portions. Thus at low-grade metamorphic conditions it is essential to integrate assemblages from different morphological flow portions in order to define satisfactorily the overall metamorphic conditions.

Notes: Summary. The efficacy of electronic fetal monitoring combined with fetal blood analysis during labour in identifying fetal distress was investigated in a retrospective study. Operative delivery for fetal distress diagnosed during labour was performed in 9% of 2659 deliveries. All had continuous fetal heart rate monitoring and 22% had a fetal scalp blood analysis. Operative delivery had been performed in 53% of the infants who were acidotic at birth (umbilical artery pH 〈7.20) and in 46% of those with a low modified Apgar score (〈7). These results show that the use of continuous fetal heart rate monitoring and fetal scalp blood sampling detects fetal distress without resulting in a high rate of operative delivery.