The influence of strong magnetic field on photon-neutrino reactions

The two-photon two-neutrino interaction induced by magnetic field is investigated. In particular the processes $\gamma \gamma \to \nu \bar \nu$ and $\gamma \to \gamma \nu \bar \nu$ are studied in the presence of strong magnetic field. An effective Lagrangian and partial amplitudes of the processes are presented. Neutrino emissivities due to the reactions $\gamma \gamma \to \nu \bar \nu$ and $\gamma \to \gamma \nu \bar \nu$ are calculated taking into account of the photon dispersion and large radiative corrections. A comparison of the results obtained with previous estimations and another inducing mechanisms of the processes under consideration is made.Comment: 16 pages, LATEX, 3 EPS figures, based on the talk presented at XXXI ITEP Winter School of Physics, Moscow, Russia, February 18 - 26, 200

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus: Effects on cortical excitability

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as an innovative treatment for chronic tinnitus. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism and to evaluate the relationship between clinical outcome and changes in cortical excitability. We investigated ten patients with chronic tinnitus who participated in a sham-controlled crossover treatment trial. Magnetic-resonance-imaging and positron-emission-tomography guided 1 Hz rTMS were performed over the auditory cortex on 5 consecutive days. Active and sham treatments were separated by one week. Parameters of cortical excitability (motor thresholds, intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, cortical silent period) were measured serially before and after rTMS treatment by using single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clinical improvement was assessed with a standardized tinnitus-questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We noted a significant interaction between treatment response and changes in motor cortex excitability during active rTMS. Specifically, clinical improvement was associated with an increase in intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation and a prolongation of the cortical silent period. These results indicate that intraindividual changes in cortical excitability may serve as a correlate of response to rTMS treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The observed alterations of cortical excitability suggest that low frequency rTMS may evoke long-term-depression like effects resulting in an improvement of subcortical inhibitory function.</p