“Loop the loop”

The applicability of the collective coordinate method (saddle-point approximation) for large-N planar models is discussed. Some unstated assumptions are clarified. Statements that Wilson loops form a complete set of gauge invariant operators are also examined and a set of generalized algebraic Mandelstam relations among Wilson loops is presented. The inclusion of loops that wind around themselves and cross many times, as independent variables, is stressed.     

“Almost direct” photons

Quantum chromodynamics has intensified the interest and enhanced the importance of measuring the production of direct photons in hadron collisions. We point out that lepton pairs of low invariant mass (m² < m²_ψ) provide an equally good probe for testing Q.C.D. Their experimental observation is not only easier, the relevant data may already exist.     

On “diagonal” Bianchi cosmologies

A list of the possible “diagonal” Bianchi cosmologies is given, with a proof that it is complete.     

“Compensatory falsetto”: Effects on vocal quality

The term “compensatory falsetto”, for the purpose of this investigation, refers to the development of an abnormally high-pitched voice in the presence of laryngeal pathology where more socially acceptable lower pitched voice production is possible. The purpose of this investigation was to compare laryngeal compensations and their effects on objective measures of vocal function during production of compensatory falsetto voice. Eighteen patients with abnormally high-pitched voice in the presence of underlying laryngeal pathology were evaluated in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Miami School of Medicine from January 1988 through December 1992 and were diagnosed with “compensatory falsetto”. Vocal fold paralysis (n = 11) was the most common laryngeal pathology. Vibratory characteristics were evaluated through videostrobolaryngoscopic examination. Acoustic and aerodynamic parameters assessed included fundamental frequency, jitter rate, harmonic-to-noise ratio, glottal air flow, and maximum phonation time. Production of a higher-pitched voice appeared to improve glottic closure and decrease the amount of air loss during phonation. A corresponding increase in maximum phonation time and improvement in acoustic characteristics of jitter and harmonic-to-noise ratio was also observed.     

“It's been plenty of time ...”

Die Geburtsstunde der theoretischen Nanotechnologie wird heute gerne auf den 29. Dezember 1959 zurückdatiert. An diesem Tag äußerte der spätere Nobelpreisträger Richard Feynman in seiner Bankettansprache “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom” erste Gedanken zu einer extremen Erhöhung von Datenspeicherdichten. Nanotechnologen sehen sich mit ihrer Arbeit in der Tradition seiner Ideen.     

Schlieren “PIV” for turbulent flows

The possibility of using commercial PIV equipment combined with schlieren optics to measure the velocity fields of turbulent flows is explored. Given a sufficiently high Reynolds number and adequate refractive flow differences, turbulent eddies can serve as the PIV “particles” in a schlieren image or shadowgram. The PIV software analyzes motion between consecutive schlieren or shadowgraph frames to obtain velocity fields. Velocimetry examples of an axisymmetric sonic helium jet in air and a 2D turbulent boundary layer at Mach 3 are shown. Due to optical path integration, axisymmetric flows require the inverse Abel transform to extract center-plane velocity data. Conditions for optimum schlieren sensitivity are examined. In its present embodiment, “schlieren PIV” is not useful for laminar flows nor for fully 3D flows. Otherwise it functions much like standard PIV under conditions where individual particles are not resolved and velocimetry is instead based on correlation of the motion of turbulent structures. “Schlieren PIV” shows significant promise for general refractive turbulent flow velocimetry if its integrative nature can be overcome through sharp-focusing optics.     

Designing the “perfect” projection screen

A perfect diffuser would place 100% of the light leaving the projector in that small region of space where there will be audience eyes to observe it. It would not allow light from sources other than the projector to reach the eyes from the screen. The screen should be affordably priced and cosmetically unremarkable, e.g. seamless. The image seen by any observer should be equally bright over the whole screen. I discuss a way to approximate the perfect projection screen using kinoform diffusers, a Fresnel lens and a mirrored surface.     

“Hot Potato Voice” in Peritonsillitis: A Misnomer

The "hot potato voice" is widely recognized as a symptom of peritonsillar cellulitis or abscess; yet there have been no studies assessing the resonance characteristics of the vocal tract in peritonsillitis. Analysis was undertaken of formant frequencies in the articulation of the vowels /i:/. /a:/ and /u:/ in six subjects with peritonsillitis and compared with articulation once the peritonsillitis had settled. Significant variation was found in F1 when articulating /i:/ and in F2 when articulating /a:/, which are explainable by dyskinesis of the peritonsillar musculature. These findings were compared with six subjects articulating the same vowels with and without a hot potato in their mouth. Variation was found in both F1 and F2 when articulating /i:/, which can be related to interference of the potato with movement of the anterior tongue. The changes in the vocal tract differ in these two cases and the title "hot potato voice" in peritonsillitis is a misnomer.     

“Proper Time” Method Calculation of the “One Loop” Thermodynamical Potential for QED in External Electromagnetic Field

The extension of the “proper time” method to the statistical field theory is obtained. The procedure is used to calculate the “one loop” contribution to the thermodynamical potential in electrodynamics, when the electron positron gas is located in a combination of an inhomogeneous electrostatic field and an uniform magnetic one. Also, a “proper time” representation of the temperature Green function for this problem is given.     

A comment on “ghosts and geometry”

Recent attempts at geometric interpretations of Feynman-De Witt-Faddeev-Popov ghosts and Becchi-Rouet-Stora symmetries of gauge theories are reviewed critically, and an interpretation in terms of the infinite-dimensional group of gauge transformations is restated. This interpretation seems adequate both in the path-integral approach and in canonical quantization with indefinite metric.