High-spin study of Xe

High-spin states have been populated in ₅₄¹¹⁹Xe via the ⁹⁶Mo(²⁷Al,p3n) reaction at 133 MeV, using the γ-ray spectrometer to record triple γ-ray coincidences. The known level scheme has been significantly extended and several band crossings identified. In particular, the νh_11/2 yrast band has been extended to I^π = (83/2⁻) and shows features which are consistent with those of smooth band termination at high spin. Theoretical results for ¹¹⁹Xe at high spin are discussed within the framework of cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations, together with results for ¹¹⁷Xe.     

Neuroanatomical model for laryngeal operation

The focus of this presentation is on the development of a neuroanatomical model underlying laryngeal function. It is suggested that the model can be used as an aid to the understanding of the structures that support phonatory output as well as a basis for physiological research on the nature of voice production. Although the postulates are anatomically grounded, the approach utilized also shows that there is ongoing feedback during phonation and, hence, that both the motor and sensory (neural) networks are coordinated during any phonatory activity. Additionally, the discussion serves to review the neuroanatomical interface between respiration and voice.     

Variational extension of the mean spherical approximation to arbitrary dimensions

We generalize a variational principle for the mean spherical approximation for a system of charged hard spheres in 3D to arbitrary dimensions. We first construct a free energy variational trial function from the Debye-Hückel excess charging internal energy at a finite concentration and an entropy obtained at the zero-concentration limit by thermodynamic integration. In three dimensions the minimization of this expression with respect to the screening parameter leads to the mean spherical approximation, usually obtained by solution of the Ornstein-Zernike equation. This procedure, which interpolates naturally between the zero concentration/coupling limit and the high-concentration/ coupling limit, is extended to arbitrary dimensions. We conjecture that this result is also equivalent to the MSA as originally defined, although a technical proof of this point is left for the future. The Onsager limitT ΔS ^MSA /ΔE ^MSA → 0 for infinite concentration/coupling is satisfied for all d ≠ 2, while ford=2 this limit is 1. On leave from Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00681.     

Hollow-core photonic crystal fibres for delivery and compression of ultrashort optical pulses

We describe the use of tapered hollow-core photonic crystal fibres for delivery and compression of ultrashort optical pulses. We demonstrate delivery of transform-limited pulses with less than 100 fs pulse length and above 50 nJ energy through 8 m of fibre, in a single transverse mode.     

Superdeformed bands and ‘shears’ bands in 197Pb and 198Pb

Excited states in ¹⁹⁷Pb and ¹⁹⁸Pb, produced in the ¹⁸⁶W (¹⁸O,xn) reaction, were studied using the EUROGAM phase 2 γ ray spectrometer array. Two new superdeformed bands have been observed in ¹⁹⁷Pb, and the existence of a superdeformed band in ¹⁹⁸Pb has been confirmed. The increased statistics provided by the latest generation of arrays has resulted in the reordering of some of the previous known cascades of magnetic dipole transitions, with the first observation of the extremely weak E2 crossover transitions.     

Noise-enhanced human balance control

Noise can enhance the detection and transmission of weak signals in certain nonlinear systems, via a mechanism known as stochastic resonance. Here we show that input noise can be used to improve motor control in humans. Specifically, we show that the postural sway of both young and elderly individuals during quiet standing can be significantly reduced by applying subsensory mechanical noise to the feet. We further demonstrate with input noise a trend towards the reduction of postural sway in elderly subjects to the level of young subjects. These results suggest that noise-based devices, such as randomly vibrating shoe inserts, may enable people to overcome functional difficulties due to age-related sensory loss.     

Applications of differential scanning calorimetry in developing cryopreservation strategies for Parkia speciosa, a tropical tree producing recalcitrant seeds

Shoot-tips of Parkia speciosa, a recalcitrant seed producing tropical leguminous tree withstood cryopreservation using encapsulation-vitrification in combination with trehalose preculture. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that trehalose moderated the thermal characteristics of the shoot-tips. A 30 min PVS2 treatment had the lowest glass transition temperature (Tg) (-50.2 +/- 1.1 degree C) when applied in combination with 5% (w/v) trehalose. The Tg increased to -40.2 +/- 1.0 degree C as the sugar concentration was decreased to 2.5 percent (w/v). Tg heat capacity for shoot-tips treated with 2.5 percent and 5 percent (w/v) trehalose and exposed to PVS2 for 30 min increased from 0.17 +/ 0.05 to 0.23 +/- 0.01 J per gram, respectively. Enthalpies of the melt-endotherm varied in proportion to trehalose concentration, for the 30 min PVS2 treatment, whereas the melt enthalpy for control shoots was greater than 150 J per gram and decreased to ca. 60 J per gram with 2.5 percent (w/v) trehalose. For 5 percent and 10 percent (w/v) trehalose treatments, enthalpy declined to ca. 24 and 12 J per gram respectively and freezing points were depressed to -75 degree C and -85 degree C with 2.5 percent and 5 percent trehalose (w/v), respectively. DSC elucidated the critical points at which vitrification occurred in germplasm exposed to trehalose and PVS2. A 60 min PVS2 treatment supporting ca. 70 percent survival was found optimal for stable glass formation during cooling and on rewarming.