Emergence of classicality for primordial fluctuations: Concepts and analogies

We clarify the way in which cosmological perturbations of quantum origin, produced during inflation, assume classical properties. Two features play an important role in this process: First, the dynamics of fluctuations which are presently on large cosmological scales leads to a very peculiar state (highly squeezed) that is indistinguishable, in a precise sense, from a classical stochastic process. This holds for almost all initial quantum states. Second, the process of decoherence by interaction with the environment distinguishes the field amplitude basis as the robust pointer basis. We discuss in detail the interplay between these features and use simple analogies such as the free quantum particle to illustrate the main conceptual issues.     

Looking Back in Mathematical Modeling: Classroom Observations and Instructional Strategies

Theorists often characterize modeling as a cyclic problem-solving process. One builds the model, assesses its validity with regard to the underlying problem situation, and revises accordingly. The process halts when, in the opinion of the modeler, the model generates a valid solution to the underlying problem. Recent research suggests that students, like experts, employ cyclic modeling processes. Extensive observations of university and high school students’ modeling efforts, however, suggest the use of linear rather than cyclic modeling strategies. That is, novice modelers often fail to look back or revise their initial models. This paper offers empirical evidence on behalf of the linear modeling theory and identifies five factors that promote the use of linear modeling strategies: students’ conceptions of models and the modeling process, the perceived objectives of the modeling activity, constraints on time and resources, statistical misconceptions, and an overall lack of interest. The paper concludes with several promising instructional strategies (strategies that address students’ difficulties and promote reflective modeling behavior), as well as suggestions for future research.     

Spin-trapped hydroxyl free radicals studied at low field by Field-Cycled Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

The technique of Field-Cycled Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (FC-DNP) involves the EPR irradiation of a free radical solution and the subsequent observation of the NMR signal, the experiment being carried out at a range of magnetic field strengths in order to measure the free radical’s EPR spectrum. In this work FC-DNP has been used to study the EPR spectrum of DMPO spin-trapped hydroxyl free radicals at magnetic field strengths between 0.5 mT and 13.0 mT (5–130 Gauss). The low-field EPR spectrum contains six separate EPR lines, in contrast to the well-known X-band spectrum where only four are seen. Knowledge of the spin-adduct’s EPR spectrum will be of use to workers involved in low-field EPR, especially those conducting biological or in-vivo spin-trapping experiments.     

Detailed nuclear structure studies far from stability

State-of-the-art spectroscopy of nuclei far from stability has achieved an extraordinary level of sophistication and detail in the last ten years. In principle, if a state can be populated, it can be characterized by its energy, spin, parity, and major decay paths. Sometimes its lifetime can be measured. In practice, one is confronted with enormous complexity. To convert raw spectroscopic data into nuclear structure data involves a complex process of disentangling gamma rays and conversion electrons into decay schemes. Specifically, coincidence techniques, especially coincidence intensities, play a crucial role in this process. Recent examples and methods from work done at UNISOR are presented.     

Assembly of bifunctional receptors via the melamine-barbiturate structural motif

An assembly of cation receptor 1 and anion receptor 2 via the hydrogen bonding melamine-barbiturate structural motif complexes sodium thiocyanate, sodium iodide, and sodium azide in apolar solvents.     

Sprouting side chain conformations in X-PLOR simulations of peptides

A scheme for sprouting peptide side chains using X-PLOR is introduced using an example from the collagen system to show how reasonable starting structures for minimization studies may be created. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.