Relativistic corrections to the electric polarizability of compound systems

The widely used relation alpha; = alpha(0)+Deltaalpha for the electric polarizability, where Deltaalpha is proportional to the r.m.s. charge radius of the system, is revisited within a simple model of two spinless particles bound electromagnetically. A complete set of the relativistic corrections to alpha(0) following from the Breit Hamiltonian is obtained. It is shown that these corrections modify the result for alpha; in comparison to that obtained with alpha(0) taken in the nonrelativistic approximation. We propose that the same situation can take place in the more complicated case of hadrons. Special attention is devoted to the correct definition of the center-of-mass coordinates which are found to be very important.     

Thermal changes in the optical properties of SnSxSe2−x crystals

Optical measurements on crystals in the series SnS_xSe_2?x for 0 ? x ? 2, have yielded information on the changes in the ordinary refractive index $\text{Δn}\text{ΔT}$ and the energy gap $\text{ΔEg}\text{ΔT}$ in the temperature range 125–425 K. The coefficient $\text{Δn}\text{ΔT}$ has values +40 to +160 × 10^?6K^?1 and this confirms that covalent bonding predominantly exists in these materials. The coefficient $\text{ΔEg}\text{ΔT}$ remains fairly consistent for all values of x with an average value of -8.0×10^-4eV K^-1.     

Turbulence measurements in a resonance tube

Experimental investigations of acoustically induced turbulence in a resonance tube have been performed. Frequency (f) and sound pressure level (I_p) effects have been studied. Measurements were made at various spatial locations on loops and nodes. Sampled data were processed to estimate the characteristics of turbulence. It is found that the acoustically induced turbulence appears when I_p exceeds 160 dB under the experimental conditions of f = 680–2740 Hz and I_p = 160–166 dB. The turbulent spectrum (F) and the wave number (κ) are found to satisfy a power law F ∝ K^s with $\text{s ? ?1·6}\text{to}\text{? 2·1}$. The r.m.s. turbulent velocity ($\text{u}\text{?}$) is experimentally found to have an $\text{I}{}_{\mathrm{p}}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}$ dependence, yet is relatively insensitive to the variation of f. Throughout the whole measuring range of f and I_p, the rate of energy dissipation per unit mass (ε) is estimated to be in the order of 10⁶–10⁷cm²/s³.     

Shifted identical bands: A new phenomenon

The levels in ¹⁶²Gd were identified in spontaneous fission studies. Its transition energies are remarkably similar to those in ¹⁶⁰Gd. From that work, an analysis of yrast bands in even-even proton to neutron-rich Ba to Pb nuclei led to the discovery of a new phenomenon, shifted identical bands (SIB). SIBs are yrast bands in neighboring nuclei (a, b) with moments of inertia which are identical when shifted by a constant amount κ, so J _1a (1+κ)=J _1b , from 2⁺ to 8⁺ and higher to 16⁺. Out of over 700 comparisons, 55 SIBs were found from stable to the most neutron-rich Ce-W nuclei with $\left| {\bar k} \right|$ between 1.5% and 13%, where the spread in κ is less than ±1%, and only four identical bands ( $\bar k \cong 0$ ). As examples, we found for ¹⁵⁸Sm-¹⁶⁰Gd, $\bar k = \left( { - 3.2_{ - 0.2}^{ + 0.1} } \right)\%$ (where the ± is the total spread in κ from ?3.1 to ?3.4); ¹⁵⁶Nd-¹⁶⁰Gd, (?10.6 _?0.2 ^+0.4 )%; ¹⁵⁸Sm-¹⁶⁰Sm, (3.4 _?0.3 ^+0.5 )%. The J ₁ values were fitted to a variable moment of inertia model with parameters J ₀ and C whose values correlate with the SIB J ₁ values. The SIBs are not correlated either with deformation or with the N _p N _n product of the IBA model.     

Effects of individual line shapes on composite profiles and line series

We consider (i) the use of approximate ion microfield distributions as inputs into spectral line shapes and (ii) the effects of individual lines on unresolved transition array (UTA) profiles observed in highly ionized plasmas. Spectral line shapes and line wings have significant effects on mean opacity calculations.     

X-ray diffraction study of the CDW phase in (TaSe4)2I: Determination of the CDW modulation amplitude

An extensive X-ray diffraction study of charge density wave (CDW) phase in (TaSe₄)₂I is reported. We have observed the superstructure satellites at 2q in addition to those at q reported by Fujishita et al. The results imply a sinusoidal lattice modulation with polarization almost perpendicular to q (i.e. transverse) and the existence of CDW domains. At 15 K we have extracted an approximate value for the amplitude of the lattice modulation perpendicular to q to be μ_⊥ ∽ 0.087 Å.     

Episodic paroxysmal laryngospasm: Voice and pulmonary function assessment and management

Episodic paroxysmal laryngospasm (EPL) is a sign of laryngeal dysfunction, often without a specific organic etiology, which can masquerade as asthma, vocal fold paralysis, or a functional voice disorder. The intermittent respiratory distress of EPL may precipitate an apparent upper airway obstructive emergency, resulting in unnecessary endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or tracheostomy. During 27 months, seven women and three men, ages 30–76 years, were assessed by a high diagnostic index of suspicion, an intensive history including psychosocial factors, physical examination of the airways, provocative asthma testing, and swallowing studies. Videolaryngoscopy, stroboscopy, and pulmonary flow-volume loop testing were definitive. The classic appearance was paradoxic inspiratory adduction of the anterior vocal folds with a posterior diamond-shaped glottic gap. During an attack of stridor or wheezing, attenuation of the inspiratory flow rate as depicted by the flow-volume loop suggested partial extrathoracic upper airway obstruction. Swallowing evaluation by videolaryngoscopy and videoesophagography may uncover gastroesophageal reflux disease. Hallmarks of management include patient and family education by observation of laryngoscopic videos, a specific speech therapy program, psychotherapy, and medical treatment of associated disorders. Electromyography may become a valuable future adjunct. Unlike laryngeal dystonia, patients with EPL do not benefit from botulinum toxin type A.     

Spin-orbit interaction in symmetric wells with two subbands

We investigate the spin-orbit (SO) interaction in two-dimensional electron gases in quantum wells with two subbands. From the 8x8 Kane model, we derive a new intersubband-induced SO term which resembles the functional form of the Rashba SO but is nonzero even in symmetric structures. This follows from the distinct parity of the confined states (even or odd) which obliterates the need for asymmetric potentials. We self-consistently calculate the new SO coupling strength for realistic wells and find it comparable to the usual Rashba constant. Our new SO term gives rise to a nonzero ballistic spin-Hall conductivity, which changes sign as a function of the Fermi energy (epsilonF) and can induce an unusual Zitterbewegung with cycloidal trajectories without magnetic fields.     

Gyrocenter shift of low-temperature plasmas and the retrograde motion of cathode spots in arc discharges

The gyrocenter shift phenomenon explained the mechanism of radial electric field formation at the high confinement mode transition in fusion devices. This Letter reports that the theory of gyrocenter shift is also applicable to low temperature high collisional plasmas such as arc discharges by the generalization of the theory resulting from a short mean free path compared with the gyroradius. The retrograde motion of cathode spots in the arc discharge is investigated through a model with the expanded formula of gyrocenter shift. It is found that a reversed electric field is formed in front of the cathode spots when they are under a magnetic field, and this reversed electric field generates a rotation of cathode spots opposite to the Amperian direction. The ion drift velocity profiles calculated from the model are in agreement with the experimental results as functions of magnetic flux density and gas pressure.     

Edge-soliton-mediated vortex-core reversal dynamics

We report an additional reversal mechanism of magnetic vortex cores in nanodot elements driven by currents flowing perpendicular to the sample plane, occurring via dynamic transformations between two coupled edge solitons and bulk vortex solitons. This mechanism differs completely from the well-known switching process mediated by the creation and annihilation of vortex-antivortex pairs in terms of the associated topological solitons, energies, and spin-wave emissions. Strongly localized out-of-plane gyrotropic fields induced by the fast motion of the coupled edge solitons enable a magnetization dip that plays a crucial role in the formation of the reversed core magnetization. This work provides a deeper physical insight into the dynamic transformations of magnetic topological solitons in nanoelements.