Parity violation in elastic electron-proton scattering and the Proton's strange magnetic form factor

We report a new measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in elastic electron scattering from the proton at backward scattering angles. This asymmetry is sensitive to the strange magnetic form factor of the proton as well as electroweak axial radiative corrections. The new measurement of A = -4.92+/-0.61+/-0.73 ppm provides a significant constraint on these quantities. The implications for the strange magnetic form factor are discussed in the context of theoretical estimates for the axial corrections.     

A completion problem for finite affine planes

A partial affine plane (PAP) of ordern is ann ²-setS of points together with a collection ofn-subsets ofS called lines such that any two lines meet in at most one point. We obtain conditions under which a PAP with nearlyn ²+n lines can be completed to an affine plane by adding lines. In particular, we make use of Bruck’s completion condition for nets to show that certain PAP’s with at leastn ²+n−√n can be completed and that forn≠3 any PAP withn ²+n−2 lines can be completed.     

Adaptive refinement procedure for the finite difference method

An adaptive refinement procedure consisting of a localized error estimator and a physically based approach to mesh refinement is developed for the finite difference method. The error estimator is a variation of a successful finite element error estimator. The errors are estimated by computing an error energy norm in terms of discontinuous and continuous stress fields formed from the finite difference results for plane stress problems. The error measure identifies regions of high error which are subsequently refined to improve the result. The local refinement procedure utilizes a recently developed approach for developing finite difference templates to produce a graduated mesh. The adaptive refinement procedure is demonstrated with a problem that contains a well-defined singularity. The results are compared to finite element and uniformly refined finite difference results.     

A generalized finite difference method for solid mechanics

Procedures are developed that improve the applicability of the finite difference method to problems in solid mechanics. This is accomplished by formulating the coefficients of the Taylor series expansion used to approximate derivative quantities in terms of physically interpretable strain gradients. Improvements realized include modeling of boundary conditions that has intuitive appeal and the use of irregular grids in a natural manner. These developments are demonstrated for the analysis of plane stress problems with traction boundary conditions. The results compare well with finite element solutions. The approach suggests further generalization of the finite difference method.     

Two to one images and PFA

We prove that all maps onN ^* that are exactly two to one are trivial if PFA is assumed. This article was considerably improved by the careful referee's reports. Supported by NSF grant DMS-0103985.     

Convex labelings of trees

A convex labeling of a tree T of order n is a one-to-one function f from the vertex set of T into the nonnegative integers, so that f(y) ? (f(x) + f(z))/2 for every path x, y, z of length 2 in T. If, in addition, f(v) ? n ? 1 for every vertex v of T, then f is a perfect convex labeling and T is called a perfectly convex tree. Jamison introduced this concept and conjectured that every tree is perfectly convex. We show that there exists an infinite class of trees, none of which is perfectly convex, and in fact prove that for every n there exists a tree of order n which requires a convex labeling with maximum value at least 6n/5 – 22. We also prove that every tree of order n admits a convex labeling with maximum label no more than n²/8 + 2. In addition, we present some constructive methods for obtaining perfect convex labelings of large classes of trees.     

First-principles electronic structure calculations with molecular dynamics made easy

The technique of quantum molecular dynamics is reviewed, and a simplified approach based on a first-principles tight-binding implementation of local density theory is discussed. Several illustrations and applications of the theory are presented. Applying it to amorphous materials, we have developed a procedure for producing amorphous Si networks with small defect concentrations. Benchmark checks are made for atomic geometries at Si(111)-(2×1) and Si(001)-(2×1), p(2×2), and c(4×2) reconstructed surfaces. A simulation of a Scanning Tunneling Microscope tip interacting with a reconstructed surface is performed, and it is shown how the tip can alter the reconstruction of the surface. Simulation of a kinked Si(001) surface step and comparison to an unkinked step are also presented.     

A new calorimeter for intense laser radiation

A new type of laser calorimeter has been developed which provides high measurement sensitivity and accuracy over several decades of input radiation intensity. The approach features a rapidly spinning liquid film as the calorimetric medium, and as such can accommodate a wide spectrum of incident laser radiation, through appropriate selection of the absorbing fluid. Because of the rapidly moving thin fluid technique utilized in the construction, the calorimeter exhibits fast response, even at high or low power levels. The design concept and method of fabrication make the device quite rugged and virtually burn-out proof.     

Theory of electron spin resonance measurements of chalcogen pairs in Si

Calculations are presented which support the identification of two sulfur-related centers in Si (lying 0.37 and 0.19 eV below the conduction band minima) with (S, S)⁺ and (S, S)⁰ nearest-neighbor substitutional S pairs. Explanations in terms of $\text{meso-bonding}$ are given of the following facts: (i) Although S is much more electronegative than Si, the (S, S)⁺ pair level lies at higher energy than the S⁺ level by ? 0.2 eV; (ii) The hyperfine interaction for (S, S)⁺ is considerably smaller than for the isolated S defect; and (iii) The (S, S)⁺ molecular defect has a hyperfine tensor that is virtually isotropic.     

Myopia,amnesia, and consistent intertemporal choice

Social scientists often explain observed streams of behavior as the outcome of constrained choice at successive dates, with actors choosing among planned sequences of actions extending into the future. This paper presents four axioms for consistent intertemporal choice in such models. Within this framework, myopia and amnesia are defined to be choice processes in which future feasible actions and past decisions, respectively, play no role in current choice. Each of these modeling strategies is argued to have some plausibility on the basis of bounded rationality considerations. It is shown that an anticipatory process reduces to a behaviorally equivalent myopic process if and only if binary choices are lexically organized. Amnesia, or the absence of endogenous preference formation, is characterized by the condition that binary choices be ‘ahistorical’. The paper closes with some remarks on the methodological role of the consistency axioms, and the problems posed by inconsistent choice processes.