Neutron scattering and molecular correlations in a supercooled liquid

We show that the intermediate scattering function $S_n(q,t)$ for neutron scattering (ns) can be expanded naturely with respect to a set of molecular correlation functions that give a complete description of the translational and orientational two-point correlations in the liquid. The general properties of this expansion are discussed with special focus on the $q$-dependence and hints for a (partial) determination of the molecular correlation functions from neutron scattering results are given. The resulting representation of the static structure factor $S_n(q)$ is studied in detail for a model system using data from a molecular dynamics simulation of a supercooled liquid of rigid diatomic molecules. The comparison between the exact result for $S_n(q)$ and different approximations that result from a truncation of the series representation demonstrates its good convergence for the given model system. On the other hand it shows explicitly that the coupling between translational (TDOF) and orientational degrees of freedom (ODOF) of each molecule and rotational motion of different molecules can not be neglected in the supercooled regime.Further we report the existence of a prepeak in the ns-static structure factor of the examined fragile glassformer, demonstrating that prepeaks can occur even in the most simple molecular liquids. Besides examining the dependence of the prepeak on the scattering length and the temperature we use the expansion of $S_n(q)$ into molecular correlation functions to point out intermediate range orientational order as its principle origin.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figure

Leading Chiral Logarithms to the Hyperfine Splitting of the Hydrogen and Muonic Hydrogen

We study the hydrogen and muonic hydrogen within an effective field theory framework. We perform the matching between heavy baryon effective theory coupled to photons and leptons and the relevant effective field theory at atomic scales. This matching can be performed in a perturbative expansion in alpha, 1/m_p and the chiral counting. We then compute the O(m_{l_i}^3 alpha^5/m_p^2 x logarithms) contribution (including the leading chiral logarithms) to the Hyperfine splitting and compare with experiment. They can explain about 2/3 of the difference between experiment and the pure QED prediction when setting the renormalization scale at the rho mass. We give an estimate of the matching coefficient of the spin-dependent proton-lepton operator in heavy baryon effective theory.Comment: 17 pages, LaTeX, minor changes, one reference adde

What's new with the neutron and proton

The existence and importance of the proton radius puzzle, observed via a Lamb shift measurement in muonic atoms, is discussed. Possible resolutions of the puzzle are discussed. Then the broader question of the meaning of the proton radius is addressed and examples of correctly defined charge densities are presented.Gerald A. Miller, Anthony W. Thomas, Jonathan D. Carroll, Johann Rafelsk

Novel and emerging biotechnological crop protection approaches

Traditional breeding or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have for a long time been the sole approaches to effectively cope with biotic and abiotic stresses and implement the quality traits of crops. However, emerging diseases as well as unpredictable climate changes affecting agriculture over the entire globe force scientists to find alternative solutions required to quickly overcome seasonal crises. In this review, we first focus on cisgenesis and genome editing as challenging biotechnological approaches for breeding crops more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, we take into consideration a toolbox of new techniques based on applications of RNA interference and epigenome modifications, which can be adopted for improving plant resilience. Recent advances in these biotechnological applications are mainly reported for non‐model plants and woody crops in particular. Indeed, the characterization of RNAi machinery in plants is fundamental to transform available information into biologically or biotechnologically applicable knowledge. Finally, here we discuss how these innovative and environmentally friendly techniques combined with traditional breeding can sustain a modern agriculture and be of potential contribution to climate change mitigation