Evidence for two energy scales in the superconducting state of optimally doped (Bi,Pb)2(Sr,La)2CuO6+delta

We use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the energy gap(s) in (Bi,Pb)2(Sr,La)2CuO6+delta. We find that the spectral gap has two components in the superconducting state: a superconducting gap and pseudogap. Differences in their momentum and temperature dependence suggest that they represent two separate energy scales. Spectra near the node reveal a sharp peak with a small gap below T(c) that closes at T(c). Near the antinode, spectra are broad with a large energy gap of approximately 40 meV above and below T(c). The latter spectral shape and gap magnitude are almost constant across T(c), indicating that the pseudogap state coexists with the superconducting state below T(c), and it dominates spectra around the antinode. We speculate that the pseudogap state competes with the superconductivity by diminishing spectral weight in antinodal regions, where the superconducting gap is largest.     

A measurement of the neutral current electroweak parameters using the fermilab narrow band neutrino beam

We report a measurement of the electroweak parameters sin₂θ ^w and ? based on the ratios of neutral current to charged current events measured in the Fermilab narrow-band neutrino beam at energies of 30–240 GeV. The data are fully corrected for radiative effects, heavy-quark production, and other effects. The best value for sin₂θ ^w obtained, sin₂θ ^w =0.239±0.011, is consistent with the most recent values fromW andZ production, as well as from other neutrino experiments.     

Design of a widely tunable laser with a chirped ladder filter

We theoretically investigated a digitally tunable laser with a chirped ladder filter and a ring resonator to obtain a wide wavelength tuning range covering the whole C- or L- band. The clear relation between the tuning range and laser structure, especially the ladder filter, is described analytically. The introduction of a chirped structure into a ladder filter is effective in achieving both wide tunability and a stable lasing mode. A numerical simulation based on multimode rate equations shows that a tuning range of over 40 nm and a mode suppression ratio over 40 dB can be achieved by introducing a chirped ladder filter.     

In situ observations of domain wall motion in Mn–Zn and Ni–Zn ferrites by Lorentz microscopy and electron holography

Domain wall motion in Mn–Zn and Ni–Zn ferrites with applied magnetic fields is investigated by in situ observations with Lorentz microscopy and electron holography. It is found that both Mn–Zn and Ni–Zn ferrites have a mean grain size of approximately 10 μm and several pores with sizes ranging from 0.2 to 1.1 μm. In situ observations by Lorentz microscopy with an applied magnetic field reveals that in Mn–Zn ferrite, the domain walls move easily across the grain boundary, while in Ni–Zn ferrite, the domain walls move along the grain boundary but are pinned at the grain boundary and pores. From in situ observations of Ni–Zn ferrite by electron holography, it is clarified that domain wall pinning at the grain boundary retards a sensitive increase in magnetic flux parallel to the applied field direction, which is considered to result in high hysteresis loss.     

Evaluation and comparison of three novel microbubbles: Enhancement of ultrasound-induced cell death and free radicals production

Three novel lipid-shell-type microbubbles (MBs), AS-0100, BG6356A and BG6356B, have been evaluated for their impact on ultrasound (US)-induced cell death and free radicals production. Previously studied and well-characterized US exposure conditions were employed in which human myelomonocytic lymphoma U937 cells were exposed to 1 MHz pulsed US beam (0.3 W/cm², 10% duty factor) for 1 min with or without MBs. Three different concentrations of each MB were used. Apoptosis and cell lysis were assessed by examining phosphatidylserine externalization and by counting viable cells, respectively, 6 h post-exposure. Free radicals production and scavenging activities were evaluated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-spin trapping. The results showed that only AS-0100 and BG6356A were able to enhance the US-induced apoptosis, mainly by increasing the secondary necrosis. Apoptosis and cell lysis seemed to depend more on mechanical forces exerted by oscillating MBs while free radicals played a trivial role. BG series MBs exhibited pronounced scavenging activities. Generally, despite the need for further optimization, AS-0100 and BG6356A appear to be promising as adjuncts in cases where US-induced cell death is required.     

The exact decomposition of gauge variables in lattice Yang–Mills theory

In this Letter, we consider lattice versions of the decomposition of the Yang–Mills field a la Cho–Faddeev–Niemi, which was extended by Kondo, Shinohara and Murakami in the continuum formulation. For the SU(N)$\mathit{SU}(N)$ gauge group, we propose a set of defining equations for specifying the decomposition of the gauge link variable and solve them exactly without using the ansatz adopted in the previous studies for SU(2)$\mathit{SU}(2)$ and SU(3)$\mathit{SU}(3)$. As a result, we obtain the general form of the decomposition for SU(N)$\mathit{SU}(N)$ gauge link variables and confirm the previous results obtained for SU(2)$\mathit{SU}(2)$ and SU(3)$\mathit{SU}(3)$.     

Negative normal restitution coefficient found in simulation of nanocluster collisions

The oblique impacts of nanoclusters are studied theoretically and by means of molecular dynamics. In simulations we explore two models--Lennard-Jones clusters and particles with covalently bonded atoms. In contrast with the case of macroscopic bodies, the standard definition of the normal restitution coefficient yields for this coefficient negative values for oblique collisions of nanoclusters. We explain this effect and propose a proper definition of the restitution coefficient which is always positive. We develop a theory of an oblique impact based on a continuum model of particles. A surprisingly good agreement between the macroscopic theory and simulations leads to the conclusion that macroscopic concepts of elasticity, bulk viscosity, and surface tension remain valid for nanoparticles of a few hundred atoms.     

Sound attenuation in one-dimensional magnetic systems at finite temperatures

Sound attenuattion constants are calculated for the one-dimensional ferro- and antiferromagnetic systems at finite temperatures. Their frequency dependences, in both cases, turn out to be $\text{ω}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>3</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>k</mtext>}}\text{if}\text{ω}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>k</mtext>}}\text{? ω}{}_{\mathrm{c}}\text{and}\text{ω}{}^2{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>k</mtext>}}\text{if}\text{ω}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>k</mtext>}}\text{?ω}{}_{\mathrm{c}}$, where ω_c is a “cut-off” frequency related to the three-dimensional anisotropic interactions.     

Protonation susceptibility of functional groups: A new parameter for interpreting chemical ionization mass spectra of bifunctional organic compounds

A new parameter, the protonation susceptibility (PS), of functional groups in the chemical ionization mass spectrometry of bifunctional organic compounds is presented. In terms of quasi-equilibrium theory of unimolecular decomposition of the molecular protonated ion of [MH]⁺, the relative PS corresponds to the relative area under P(E) curves of [MH]⁺ ions that have a proton at different functional groups. Numerical evaluation of the PS values of pertinent functional groups was made by using particularly selected compounds. The results clearly indicate that PS is independent of proton affinity (PA).