Fiske Steps and Abrikosov Vortices in Josephson Tunnel Junctions

We present a theoretical and experimental study of the Fiske resonances in the current-voltage characteristics of "small" Josephson junctions with randomly distributed misaligned Abrikosov vortices. We obtained that in the presence of Abrikosov vortices the resonant interaction of electromagnetic waves, excited inside a junction, with the ac Josephson current manifests itself by Fiske steps in a current-voltage characteristics even in the absence of external magnetic field. We found that the voltage positions of the Fiske steps are determined by a junction size, but the Fiske step magnitudes depend both on the density of trapped Abrikosov vortices and on their misalignment parameter. We measured the magnetic field dependence of both the amplitude of the first Fiske step and the Josephson critical current of low-dissipative small $Nb$ based Josephson tunnel junctions with artificially introduced Abrikosov vortices. A strong decay of the Josephson critical current and a weak non-monotonic decrease of the first Fiske step amplitude on the Abrikosov vortex density were observed. The experimentally observed dependencies are well described by the developed theory.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Physical Review

Observation of superluminal geometrical resonances in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x intrinsic Josephson junctions

We study Fiske steps in small Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x mesa structures, containing only few stacked intrinsic Josephson junctions. Careful alignment of magnetic field prevents penetration of Abrikosov vortices and facilitates observation of a large variety of high quality geometrical resonances, including superluminal with velocities larger than the slowest velocity of electromagnetic waves. A small number of junctions limits the number of resonant modes and allows accurate identification of modes and velocities. It is shown that superluminal geometrical resonances can be excited by subluminal fluxon motion and that flux-flow itself becomes superluminal at high magnetic fields. We argue that observation of high-quality superluminal geometrical resonances is crucial for realization of the coherent flux-flow oscillator in the THz frequency range

Features of exogenous development of Trichuris globulosa (Nematoda, Trichuridae)

Parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichuris Röderer, 1761 are hematophagous helminths, capable of parasitizing many different hosts including humans. The domestic and wild ruminants are hosts of several Trichuris species, with Trichuris globulosa (Linstow, 1901) one of the most prevalent parasites found in cattle. The exogenous stages of the helminth’s life cycle develop in the outer environment, and their activity and survival depend on the abiotic factors. Thus the aim of the work was to determine the influence of temperature on the rate and success of development of infectious eggs of T. globulosa in laboratory culture considering their morphological and metric changes. The results of experimental studies showed that the embryogenesis of T. globulosa eggs, cultured in laboratory conditions and obtained from gonads of female nematodes, occurs in six stages regardless of the temperature regime. At the same time, the rate of transition from one stage to another, the term for the formation of infectious eggs and their viability directly depends on the temperature of the external environment. At the optimal temperature for the development of T. globulosa eggs, 25 °C, 76.3% of eggs reached the mobile larva stage. A decrease in temperature to 20 °C and an increase to 30° C led to an increase in the egg mortality of up to 26% and 32%, respectively, and the viability of eggs decreased. Under such temperature conditions, 74% and 68% of eggs of Trichuris reached the mobile larva stage. With an increase in the culture temperature, the time of embryogenesis decreased and amounted to 56 days at 20 °C, 48 days at 25 °C, and 32 days at 30 °C. Depending on the temperature regime, the zygote stage lasted from the release of eggs from the gonads of female nematodes to 12 days, the stage of blastomere formation from 4 to 12 days, the stage of the bean-shaped embryo from 8 to 24 days, the stage of the tadpole embryo from 16 to 36 days, the stage of larval formation lasted from 16 to 48 days, the stage of mobile larva from days 20 to 56. The formation of the infectious T. globulosa egg from a non-infectious one is shown in an experiment to include the metric changes confirmed by metric indicators. Mature eggs with a mobile larva are shorter and wider, with shorter and narrower plugs and a thinner shell than eggs at the zygote stage. The obtained research results on the influence of temperature on the exogenous development of Trichuris globulosa will make it possible to predict the epizootic situation of trichurosis in animal husbandry, as well as take timely measures to arrest the embryonic stages of nematode development in the external environment

Effects of different fertilizer systems and hydrothermal factors on microbial activity in the chernozem in Ukraine

Groups of microorganisms in soils perform the role of global biogeochemical membrane which provides metabolism of substances and energy between the pedosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and living organisms. Сlimate change has resulted in a complex combination of unpredictable changeability of the environment, which is a serious test for the stability and productivity for the natural and anthropogenically transformed ecosystems. Changeability of the hydrothermal factors causes serious changes in the structure and metabolic activity of soil microorganisms, the quality and properties of soil. We studied the impact of hydrothermal factors on the content of carbon, microbial biomass and organic substance in deep chernozem of a natural ecosystem (fallow) and an agroecosystem under different systems of fertilization of winter wheat. A close relationship (r = 0.69–0.79) was determined between the content of microbial biomass in soil and hydrothermal factors (air temperature and moisture). Excessive drought and high parameters of air temperature led to decrease in the content of microbial biomass by 1.5–2.8 times compared to the years with optimum parameters of hydrothermal regime (HTC = 1.0). Leveling out the impact of high temperatures on the productivity of the soil microbiota occurs at a sufficient amount of moisture, and also available nutrients. Drought (HTC = 0.4) and excessive moisture (HTC = 2.0) following heightened air temperatures reduce the release of СО2 from soil. Fallow soil usually has a high content of microbial carbon in the organic compounds of soil (Сmic/Сorg was 2%). In the agroecosystem, there was recorded a decrease by 26–32% of the Сmic specific share in the content of the organic compound of the soil compared to the natural analogue. With organic and organic-mineral systems of fertilization, an increase in Сmic/Сorg parameter occurs and the soil parameters become close to the soil of a natural ecosystem. The calculated ecological coefficients of the orientation of microbial processes in soil indicate a possibility of a balanced functioning of the microbial group and introducing organic and organic-mineral fertilizers, creating optimum conditions for the productivity of winter wheat

APPLICATION OF THE INTERACTIVE METHODS IN STUDENT-CENTERED HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION

The article deals with the problem of the need to improve the level of methodological preparation of professional activities of teachers in higher education. Interactive teaching methods, which have been developing intensively lately, more actively contribute to this. Due to the self-sufficient activity and group interaction inherent in their essence, they can be useful and promising for both teachers and students. The author reveals the popular forms and methods of interactive learning in the article. Also highlights the main advantages and disadvantages of this technology. A brief overview of group work using interactive teaching methods in higher education.Keywords: university, technology, interactive learning, teacher, pedagogical skills, student. В статье рассмотрена проблема необходимости повышения уровня методической подготовки профессиональной деятельности преподавателя в высшей школе. Лучше способствуют этому интерактивные методы обучения, которые интенсивно разрабатываются в последнее время. Благодаря заложенным в их суть самостоятельной деятельности и групповом взаимодействии, они могут быть полезными и перспективными как для преподавателя, так и для студентов. Авторы раскрывают в статье популярные формы и методы интерактивного обучения. Также подчеркиваются основные преимущества и недостатки данной технологии. Кратко приведен обзор групповой работы с использованием интерактивных методов обучения в высшей школе.Ключевые слова: высшая школа, технология, интерактивное обучение, преподаватель, педагогическое мастерство, студент. У статті розглянуто проблему необхідності підвищення рівня методичної підготовки професійної діяльності викладача у вищій школі. Якнайкраше сприяють цьому інтерактивні методи навчання, що активно розробляються останнім часом. Завдяки закладеним в їх суть самостійній діяльності та груповій взаємодії, вони можуть бути корисними та перспективними як для викладача, так і для студентів. Автори розкривають у статті найпопулярніші форми і методи інтерактивного навчання. Також підкреслюються основні переваги та недоліки даної технології. Стисло наведено огляд групової роботи з використанням інтерактивних методів навчання у вищій школі.Ключові слова: вища школа, технологія, інтерактивне навчання, викладач, педагогічна майстерність, студент

Quantum superposition of three macroscopic states and superconducting qutrit detector

Superconducting quantum coherent circuits have opened up a novel area of fundamental low-temperature science since they could potentially be the element base for future quantum computers. Here we report a quasi-three-level coherent system, the so-called superconducting qutrit, which has some advantages over a two-level information cell (qubit), and is based on the qutrit readout circuit intended to measure individually the states of each qubit in a quantum computer. The designed and implemented radio-frequency superconducting qutrit detector (rf SQUTRID) with atomic-size ScS-type contact utilizes the coherent-state superposition in the three-well potential with energy splitting Delta E_01/k_B=1.5 K at the 30th quantized energy level with good isolation from the electromagnetic environment. The reason why large values of Delta E_01 (and thus using atomic-size Nb-Nb contact) are required is to ensure an adiabatic limit for the quantum dynamics of magnetic flux in the rf SQUTRID.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, in v.3: text extended, inset in figure 1 (the device design) adde

Laser Scanning Microscopy of HTS Films and Devices

The work describes the capabilities of Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM) as a spatially resolved method of testing high_Tc materials and devices. The earlier results obtained by the authors are briefly reviewed. Some novel applications of the LSM are illustrated, including imaging the HTS responses in rf mode, probing the superconducting properties of HTS single crystals, development of twobeam laser scanning microscopy. The existence of the phase slip lines mechanism of resistivity in HTS materials is proven by LSM imaging.Comment: 17 pages, 21 figures, Submitted to Fizika Nizkikh Temperatur (Low Temperature Physics

Atlantic water flow into the Arctic Ocean through the St. Anna Trough in the northern Kara Sea

The Atlantic Water flow from the Barents and Kara seas to the Arctic Ocean through the St. Anna Trough (SAT) is conditioned by interaction between Fram Strait branch water circulating in the SAT and Barents Sea branch water—both of Atlantic origin. Here we present data from an oceanographic mooring deployed on the eastern flank of the SAT from September 2009 to September 2010 as well as CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) sections across the SAT. A distinct vertical density front over the SAT eastern slope deeper than ∼50 m is attributed to the outflow of Barents Sea branch water to the Arctic Ocean. In turn, the Barents Sea branch water flow to the Arctic Ocean is conditioned by two water masses defined by relative low and high fractions of the Atlantic Water. They are also traceable in the Nansen Basin downstream of the SAT entrance. A persistent northward current was recorded in the subsurface layer along the SAT eastern slope with a mean velocity of 18 cm s−1 at 134–218 m and 23 cm s−1 at 376–468 m. Observations and modeling suggest that the SAT flow has a significant density-driven component. It is therefore expected to respond to changes in the cross-trough density gradient conditioned by interaction between the Fram Strait and Barents Sea branches. Further modeling efforts are necessary to investigate hydrodynamic instability and eddy generation caused by the interaction between the SAT flow and the Arctic Ocean Fram Strait branch water boundary current

Fractional ac Josephson effect in unconventional superconductors

For certain orientations of Josephson junctions between two p_x-wave or two d-wave superconductors, the subgap Andreev bound states produce a 4pi-periodic relation between the Josephson current I and the phase difference phi: I ~ sin(phi/2). Consequently, the ac Josephson current has the fractional frequency eV/h, where V is the dc voltage. In the tunneling limit, the Josephson current is proportional to the first power (not square) of the electron tunneling amplitude. Thus, the Josephson current between unconventional superconductors is carried by single electrons, rather than by Cooper pairs. The fractional ac Josephson effect can be observed experimentally by measuring frequency spectrum of microwave radiation from the junction.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, RevTEX 4; v2. - minor typos corrected in proof

Description of the Nematode Dirofilaria repens (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) Parasitic in Dogs in Ukraine

Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease of domestic and wild carnivores and humans. Subcutaneous migration of the parasite Dirofilaria repens Railliet & Henry, 1911 may cause local swelling with variable localisation. In humans, this parasite can cause damage to the lungs, male genitalia and eyes. The range of D. repens is constantly expanding into new areas and, considering the zoonotic potential of this parasite, it is important to extend the existing data on the morphology of D. repens. The present study provides a morphometric description of D. repens nematodes obtained from subcutaneous tissues of dogs in Ukraine. The aim of this study was to highlight the key features for the identification of parasites of this species. For males, 27 morphometric characteristics were identified, characterising the overall size of the body and the oesophagus, the thickness of the cuticle in the region of the mouth opening, the localisation of the nerve ring and the cloaca, the morphological structure and metric parameters of the spicules, and the length of the tail. For females, 18 morphometric traits were identified that, in addition to common parameters, characterize cuticle thickness in the region of the vulva, localisation of the vulva and anus, body width in the regions of the anus and vulva, and tail length. This report adds to the existing data on the morphological and metric characteristics of D. repens nematodes