3,235 research outputs found
Preeminent role of the Van Hove singularity in the strong-coupling analysis of scanning tunneling spectroscopy for two-dimensional cuprates
In two dimensions the non-interacting density of states displays a Van Hove
singularity (VHS) which introduces an intrinsic electron-hole asymmetry, absent
in three dimensions. We show that due to this VHS the strong-coupling analysis
of tunneling spectra in high- superconductors must be reconsidered. Based
on a microscopic model which reproduces the experimental data with great
accuracy, we elucidate the peculiar role played by the VHS in shaping the
tunneling spectra, and show that more conventional analyses of strong-coupling
effects can lead to severe errors.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure
Isotope shift in the Sulfur electron affinity: observation and theory
The electron affinities eA(S) are measured for the two isotopes 32S and 34S
(16752.9753(41) and 16752.9776(85) cm-1, respectively). The isotope shift in
the electron affinity is found to be positive, eA(34S)-eA(32S) = +0.0023(70)
cm-1, but the uncertainty allows for the possibility that it may be either
"normal" (eA(34S) > eA(32S)) or "anomalous" (eA(34S) < eA(32S)). The isotope
shift is estimated theoretically using elaborate correlation models, monitoring
the electron affinity and the mass polarization term expectation value. The
theoretical analysis predicts a very large specific mass shift that
counterbalances the normal mass shift and produces an anomalous isotope shift,
eA(34S)-eA(32S) = - 0.0053(24) cm-1. The observed and theoretical residual
isotope shifts agree with each other within the estimated uncertainties.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figure
Revisiting the vortex-core tunnelling spectroscopy in YBaCuO
The observation by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) of Abrikosov vortex
cores in the high-temperature superconductor YBaCuO (Y123)
has revealed a robust pair of electron-hole symmetric states at finite subgap
energy. Their interpretation remains an open question because theory predicts a
different signature in the vortex cores, characterised by a strong zero-bias
conductance peak. We present STS data on very homogeneous Y123 at 0.4 K
revealing that the subgap features do not belong to vortices: they are actually
observed everywhere along the surface with high spatial and energy
reproducibility, even in the absence of magnetic field. Detailed analysis and
modelling show that these states remain unpaired in the superconducting phase
and belong to an incoherent channel which contributes to the tunnelling signal
in parallel with the superconducting density of states.Comment: Final version with supplementary materia
Prediction of Wind Speeds based on Digital Elevation Models using Boosted Regression Trees
In this paper a new approach is presented to predict maximum wind speeds using Gradient Boosted Regression Trees (GBRT). GBRT are a non-parametric regression technique used in various applications, suitable to make predictions without having an in-depth a-priori
knowledge about the functional dependancies between the predictors and the response variables. Our aim is to predict maximum wind speeds based on predictors, which are derived from a digital elevation model (DEM). The predictors describe the orography of the
Area-of-Interest (AoI) by various means like first and second order derivatives of the DEM, but also higher sophisticated classifications describing exposure and shelterness of the terrain to wind flux. In order to take the different scales into account which probably
influence the streams and turbulences of wind flow over complex terrain, the predictors are computed on different spatial resolutions ranging from 30 m up to 2000 m. The geographic area used for examination of the approach is Switzerland, a mountainious region in the heart of europe, dominated by the alps, but also covering large valleys. The full workflow is described in this paper, which consists
of data preparation using image processing techniques, model training using a state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm, in-depth analysis of the trained model, validation of the model and application of the model to generate a wind speed map
HST Scattered Light Imaging and Modeling of the Edge-on Protoplanetary Disk ESO-H 569
We present new HST ACS observations and detailed models for a recently
discovered edge-on protoplanetary disk around ESO H 569 (a low-mass T
Tauri star in the Cha I star forming region). Using radiative transfer models
we probe the distribution of the grains and overall shape of the disk
(inclination, scale height, dust mass, flaring exponent and surface/volume
density exponent) by model fitting to multiwavelength (F606W and F814W) HST
observations together with a literature compiled spectral energy distribution.
A new tool set was developed for finding optimal fits of MCFOST radiative
transfer models using the MCMC code emcee to efficiently explore the high
dimensional parameter space. It is able to self-consistently and simultaneously
fit a wide variety of observables in order to place constraints on the physical
properties of a given disk, while also rigorously assessing the uncertainties
in those derived properties. We confirm that ESO H 569 is an optically
thick nearly edge-on protoplanetary disk. The shape of the disk is well
described by a flared disk model with an exponentially tapered outer edge,
consistent with models previously advocated on theoretical grounds and
supported by millimeter interferometry. The scattered light images and spectral
energy distribution are best fit by an unusually high total disk mass (gas+dust
assuming a ratio of 100:1) with a disk-to-star mass ratio of 0.16.Comment: Accepted for publication in Ap
Commentary: Mirror-Image Equivalence and Interhemispheric Mirror-Image Reversal
International audienc
Aphid Alarm Pheromone as a Cue for Ants to Locate Aphid Partners
The mutualistic relationships that occur between myrmecophilous aphids and ants are based on the rich food supply that honeydew represents for ants and on the protection they provide against aphid natural enemies. While aphid predators and parasitoids actively forage for oviposition sites by using aphid semiochemicals, scouts of aphid-tending ant species would also benefit from locating honeydew resources by orienting toward aphid pheromone sources. The present study aims to provide additional information on the use of Aphis fabae alarm pheromone, i.e. (E)-ÎČ-farnesene (EÎČF), by ant scouts. The perception and behavioral impact of EÎČF on Lasius niger were investigated using electroantennography and two bio-assays measuring their attraction and orientation towards aphid semiochemicals. Pronounced electrical depolarizations were observed from L. niger scout antennae to stimulations of A. fabae alarm pheromone, while other sesquiterpenes elicited weak or no responses. L. niger scouts were significantly attracted toward EÎČF in a four-arm olfactometer, as well as in an two-choice bioassay. These laboratory results suggest for the first time that low amounts of aphid alarm pheromone can be used by L. niger scouts as a cue indicating the presence of aphid colonies and could therefore mediate the aphid-ant partnership in the field.Peer reviewe
The elephant in the room is really a cow:using consumption corridors to define sustainable meat consumption in the European Union
Implementing the European Green Deal requires a consistent food systemsâ policy that involves not only targeting the supply side but also conducting extensive changes in diets at the consumer level. Reducing meat consumption is an obvious strategy to put the European food system on track to meet the Green Dealâs goals. This cannot be achieved by focusing solely on consumer choice and individual responsibility. Stronger governance is required to reduce the scale of meat consumption to sustainable levels. Such governance needs to be informed by a holistic definition of âsustainable meat consumptionâ, designed to ensure that important sustainability priorities are not neglected, and to account for all emissions associated with EU consumption, regardless of where production takes place. This article presents a conceptual framework to define âsustainable meat consumptionâ based on the concept of consumption corridors (CCs). A CC is the space between a minimum (the floor) and maximum (the ceiling) consumption level, which allows everybody to satisfy their needs without compromising othersâ ability to meet their own. Embedded in a powerful set of principles (recognizing universal needs; tackling both over and under-consumption; framing food as a common good; promoting public participation; and addressing environmental justice and planetary sustainability), CCs are attuned to the Green Dealâs ambition to âleave no one behindâ, in the EU and beyond. CCs provide a demand-side solution encompassing a more equitable alternative to discuss what is actually a âfair shareâ of the worldâs limited resources when it comes to meat consumption.</p
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