Stochastic relativistic shock-surfing acceleration

We study relativistic particles undergoing surfing acceleration at perpendicular shocks. We assume that particles undergo diffusion in the component of momentum perpendicular to the shock plane due to moderate fluctuations in the shock electric and magnetic fields. We show that dN/dE, the number of surfing-accelerated particles per unit energy, attains a power-law form, dN/dE \propto E^{-b}. We calculate b analytically in the limit of weak momentum diffusion, and use Monte Carlo test-particle calculations to evaluate b in the weak, moderate, and strong momentum-diffusion limits.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, accepted by ApJ; this version corrects a few minor typographical error

Monetary policy and natural disasters in a DSGE model: how should the Fed have responded to Hurricane Katrina?

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, speculation arose that the Federal Reserve might respond by easing monetary policy. This paper uses a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model to investigate the appropriate monetary policy response to a natural disaster. We show that the standard Taylor (1993) rule response in models with and without nominal rigidities is to increase the nominal interest rate. That finding is unchanged when we consider the optimal policy response to a disaster. A nominal interest rate increase following a disaster mitigates both temporary inflation effects and output distortions that are attributable to nominal rigidities.Monetary policy - United States ; Natural disasters - Economic aspects

Observations of the Biology of \u3ci\u3ePhasgonophora Sulcata\u3c/i\u3e (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a Larval Parasitoid of the Twolined Chestnut Borer, \u3ci\u3eAgrilus Bilineatus\u3c/i\u3e (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in Wisconsin

Phasgorzophora sulcata Westwood was the principal larval parasitoid of Agrilus bilineatus (Weber) during a study conducted in a natural oak-hardwood forest in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Mean percent larval parasitism was 10.5%. Mean A. bilineatus and P. sulcata densities were, respectively, 53.0 and 6.1 adults per square meter of bark. The theoretical developmental threshold temperatures for over- wintering A. bilineatus and P. sulcata larvae were 17.8 and 19.l0C, respectively. The peak flight period of P. sulcata (9 July 1980) occurred ca. 3 weeks after the A. bilineatus peak flight (18 June 1980) at about the time of peak A. bilineatus egg eclosion. The P. sulcata sex ratios (malexfemales) for laboratory-reared and field-captured adults were 1:1.35 and 1:3.22, respectively

Multi-Qubit Gates in Arrays Coupled by 'Always On' Interactions

Recently there has been interest in the idea of quantum computing without control of the physical interactions between component qubits. This is highly appealing since the 'switching' of such interactions is a principal difficulty in creating real devices. It has been established that one can employ 'always on' interactions in a one-dimensional Heisenberg chain, provided that one can tune the Zeeman energies of the individual (pseudo-)spins. It is important to generalize this scheme to higher dimensional networks, since a real device would probably be of that kind. Such generalisations have been proposed, but only at the severe cost that the efficiency of qubit storage must *fall*. Here we propose the use of multi-qubit gates within such higher-dimensional arrays, finding a novel three-qubit gate that can in fact increase the efficiency beyond the linear model. Thus we are able to propose higher dimensional networks that can constitute a better embodiment of the 'always on' concept - a substantial step toward bringing this novel concept to full fruition.Comment: 20 pages in preprint format, inc. 3 figures. This version has fixed typos and printer-friendly figures, and is to appear in NJ

Person-related and Treatment-related Barriers to Alcohol Treatment

Treatment underutilization by persons with alcohol use disorder is well-documented. This study examined barriers to treatment at the latter stages of the treatment-seeking process, which was conceptualized as recognizing the problem, deciding that change is necessary, deciding that professional help is required, and seeking care. All participants identified themselves as having a drinking problem that was severe enough to warrant treatment. Differences between those who had (Treatment Seekers) and those who had not (Comparison Controls) sought treatment were evaluated, including the experience of person-related (e.g., shame) and treatment-related (e.g., cost) barriers. Person-related barriers were more commonly endorsed by both groups than treatment-related barriers. Comparison Controls were more likely to endorse both types of barriers, especially the preference for handling the problem without treatment. Treatment-related barriers were less relevant than person-related barriers at the latter stage of help seeking. The significance of barriers endured after accounting for other differences, such as drinking-related negative consequences. Treatment implications are discussed