Geometry of random interactions

It is argued that spectral features of quantal systems with random interactions can be given a geometric interpretation. This conjecture is investigated in the context of two simple models: a system of randomly interacting d bosons and one of randomly interacting fermions in a j=7/2 shell. In both examples the probability for a given state to become the ground state is shown to be related to a geometric property of a polygon or polyhedron which is entirely determined by particle number, shell size, and symmetry character of the states. Extensions to more general situations are discussed

The PHENIX Experiment at RHIC

The physics emphases of the PHENIX collaboration and the design and current status of the PHENIX detector are discussed. The plan of the collaboration for making the most effective use of the available luminosity in the first years of RHIC operation is also presented.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure. Further details of the PHENIX physics program available at http://www.rhic.bnl.gov/phenix

Lagen eller magen? Förvaltningsrätten och LVM-mål rörande gravida kvinnor

According to the Swedish Substance Abuse (Special Provisions) Act a person may be sentenced to compulsory care for a maximum of six months by an administrative court if she has a serious ongoing substance abuse and needs care which cannot be provided through voluntary measures. The person must also risk seriously harming her physical or mental health, destroying her life, or harming herself or a next of kin. The latter does not include an unborn child and the courts are only to assess whether the grounds for commitment are sufficient in terms of the woman’s needs and risk for harm. The legislation does, however, leave ample scope for so called fairness arguments (“reella hänsyn”). This article studies the extent to which the pregnancy is accentuated in court rulings and in what way – with a special focus on fairness arguments.Gravida missbrukare och deras bar