Two-photon absorption spectroscopy of metastable hydrogen-like atoms

Recent experimental technology points to the possibility of measuring the 2S–3S transition in hydrogen-like atoms via two-photon absorption. The non-relativistic amplitude for this process is evaluated exactly and numerical values are given.     

Equation of state for pion condensed neutron star matter

We include the effect of the Δ-isobar resonance in the equation of state for neutron star matter in the presence of a pion condensate. We find matter undergoing a first order phase transition after a seconf order phase transition at a much lower density.     

Amplification in photorefractive materials via a higher order wave

It is shown that power exchange is possible in photorefractive materials even though the grating produced by the two incident waves is in phase with their interference pattern. The reason is that the interaction of the principal waves will produced higher order waves and their presence will form further gratings which assist power transfer between the principle beams. Under favourable conditions significant amounts of power may be transferred.     

A reply to “Gauge invariance and experimental processes”

We reply to the charges by K.H. Yang in his paper “Gauge invariance and experimental processes”.     

3-Methylpyrazolo [1,2-a] pyridazin-1-one. Selenium derivatives of 5,8-dihydropyrazolo[1,2-a]pyridazine

The dehydrogenation of the known 3-methyl-5,8-dihydropyrazolo[1,2-a]pyridazin-1-one (2) to the ten π electron heteroaromatic 3-methylpyrazolo[1,2-a]pyridazin-1-one ( 3 ) is reported. Conversions of the pyrazolone 2 to the pyrazoloselenone 6 via the chloropyrazolium chloride 7 , and of pyrazolones 2 and 3 and pyrazoloselenone 6 into the corresponding O or Se ethyl pyrazolium fluoroborates 5, 4 , and 8 by triethyloxonium fluoroborate are also described.     

Acoustic features of objects matched by an echolocating bottlenose dolphin

The focus of this study was to investigate how dolphins use acoustic features in returning echolocation signals to discriminate among objects. An echolocating dolphin performed a match-to-sample task with objects that varied in size, shape, material, and texture. After the task was completed, the features of the object echoes were measured (e.g., target strength, peak frequency). The dolphin's error patterns were examined in conjunction with the between-object variation in acoustic features to identify the acoustic features that the dolphin used to discriminate among the objects. The present study explored two hypotheses regarding the way dolphins use acoustic information in echoes: (1) use of a single feature, or (2) use of a linear combination of multiple features. The results suggested that dolphins do not use a single feature across all object sets or a linear combination of six echo features. Five features appeared to be important to the dolphin on four or more sets: the echo spectrum shape, the pattern of changes in target strength and number of highlights as a function of object orientation, and peak and center frequency. These data suggest that dolphins use multiple features and integrate information across echoes from a range of object orientations.     

Testing the odontocete acoustic prey debilitation hypothesis: no stunning results

The hypothesis that sounds produced by odontocetes can debilitate fish was examined. The effects of simulated odontocete pulsed signals on three species of fish commonly preyed on by odontocetes were examined, exposing three individuals of each species as well as groups of four fish to a high-frequency click of a bottlenose dolphin [peak frequency (PF) 120 kHz, 213-dB peak-to-peak exposure level (EL)], a midfrequency click modeled after a killer whale's signal (PF 55 kHz, 208-dB EL), and a low-frequency click (PF 18 kHz, 193-dB EL). Fish were held in a 50-cm diameter net enclosure immediately in front of a transducer where their swimming behavior, orientation, and balance were observed with two video cameras. Clicks were presented at constant rates and in graded sweeps simulating a foraging dolphin's "terminal buzz." No measurable change in behavior was observed in any of the fish for any signal type or pulse modulation rate, despite the fact that clicks were at or near the maximum source levels recorded for odontocetes. Based on the results, the hypothesis that acoustic signals of odontocetes alone can disorient or "stun" prey cannot be supported.