Rigorous derivation of coherent resonant tunneling time and velocity in finite periodic systems

The velocity $v_{res}$ of resonant tunneling electrons in finite periodic structures is analytically calculated in two ways. The first method is based on the fact that a transmission of unity leads to a coincidence of all still competing tunneling time definitions. Thus, having an indisputable resonant tunneling time $\tau_{res},$ we apply the natural definition $v_{res}=L/\tau_{res}$ to calculate the velocity. For the second method we combine Bloch's theorem with the transfer matrix approach to decompose the wave function into two Bloch waves. Then the expectation value of the velocity is calculated. Both different approaches lead to the same result, showing their physical equivalence. The obtained resonant tunneling velocity $v_{res}$ is smaller or equal to the group velocity times the magnitude of the complex transmission amplitude of the unit cell. Only at energies where the unit cell of the periodic structure has a transmission of unity $v_{res}$ equals the group velocity. Numerical calculations for a GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice are performed. For typical parameters the resonant velocity is below one third of the group velocity.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, LaTe

ELM triggering conditions for the integrated modeling of H-mode plasmas

Recent advances in the integrated modeling of ELMy H-mode plasmas are presented. A model for the H-mode pedestal and for the triggering of ELMs predicts the height, width, and shape of the H-mode pedestal and the frequency and width of ELMs. Formation of the pedestal and the L-H transition is the direct result of ExB flow shear suppression of anomalous transport. The periodic ELM crashes are triggered by either the ballooning or peeling MHD instabilities. The BALOO, DCON, and ELITE ideal MHD stability codes are used to derive a new parametric expression for the peeling-ballooning threshold. The new dependence for the peeling-ballooning threshold is implemented in the ASTRA transport code. Results of integrated modeling of DIII-D like discharges are presented and compared with experimental observations. The results from the ideal MHD stability codes are compared with results from the resistive MHD stability code NIMROD.Comment: 12th International Congress on Plasma Physics, 25-29 October 2004, Nice (France

Electron transmission and phase time in semiconductor superlattices

We discuss the time spent by an electron propagating through a finite periodic system such as a semiconductor superlattice. The relation between dwell-time and phase-time is outlined. The envelopes of phase-time at maximum and minimum transmission are derived, and it is shown that the peaks and valleys of phase-time can be well described by parameters fitted at the extrema. For a many-period system this covers most of the allowed band. Comparison is made to direct numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation by Veenstra et al. [cond-mat/0411118] who compared systems with and without addition of an anti-reflection coating (ARC). With an ARC, the time delay is consistent with propagation at the Bloch velocity of the periodic system, which significantly reduces the time delay, in addition to increasing the transmissivity.Comment: 8 pages, 10 figures, based on a talk at Theory-Canada 3 in Edmonton AB, June 200

Interacting spinor and scalar fields in Bianchi type-I Universe filled with viscous fluid: exact and numerical solutions

We consider a self-consistent system of spinor and scalar fields within the framework of a Bianchi type I gravitational field filled with viscous fluid in presence of a $\Lambda$ term. Exact self-consistent solutions to the corresponding spinor, scalar and BI gravitational field equations are obtained in terms of $\tau$, where $\tau$ is the volume scale of BI universe. System of equations for $\tau$ and \ve, where \ve is the energy of the viscous fluid, is deduced. Some special cases allowing exact solutions are thoroughly studied.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figure

Cognitive impairment induced by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol occurs through heteromers between cannabinoid CB1 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of marijuana, induces numerous undesirable effects, including memory impairments, anxiety, and dependence. Conversely, THC also has potentially therapeutic effects, including analgesia, muscle relaxation, and neuroprotection. However, the mechanisms that dissociate these responses are still not known. Using mice lacking the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A, we revealed that the analgesic and amnesic effects of THC are independent of each other: while amnesia induced by THC disappears in the mutant mice, THC can still promote analgesia in these animals. In subsequent molecular studies, we showed that in specific brain regions involved in memory formation, the receptors for THC and the 5-HT2A receptors work together by physically interacting with each other. Experimentally interfering with this interaction prevented the memory deficits induced by THC, but not its analgesic properties. Our results highlight a novel mechanism by which the beneficial analgesic properties of THC can be dissociated from its cognitive side effects

Essential versus accessory aspects of cell death: recommendations of the NCCD 2015

Cells exposed to extreme physicochemical or mechanical stimuli die in an uncontrollable manner, as a result of their immediate structural breakdown. Such an unavoidable variant of cellular demise is generally referred to as ‘accidental cell death’ (ACD). In most settings, however, cell death is initiated by a genetically encoded apparatus, correlating with the fact that its course can be altered by pharmacologic or genetic interventions. ‘Regulated cell death’ (RCD) can occur as part of physiologic programs or can be activated once adaptive responses to perturbations of the extracellular or intracellular microenvironment fail. The biochemical phenomena that accompany RCD may be harnessed to classify it into a few subtypes, which often (but not always) exhibit stereotyped morphologic features. Nonetheless, efficiently inhibiting the processes that are commonly thought to cause RCD, such as the activation of executioner caspases in the course of apoptosis, does not exert true cytoprotective effects in the mammalian system, but simply alters the kinetics of cellular demise as it shifts its morphologic and biochemical correlates. Conversely, bona fide cytoprotection can be achieved by inhibiting the transduction of lethal signals in the early phases of the process, when adaptive responses are still operational. Thus, the mechanisms that truly execute RCD may be less understood, less inhibitable and perhaps more homogeneous than previously thought. Here, the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death formulates a set of recommendations to help scientists and researchers to discriminate between essential and accessory aspects of cell death

Constraints on the χ_(c1) versus χ_(c2) polarizations in proton-proton collisions at √s = 8 TeV

The polarizations of promptly produced χ_(c1) and χ_(c2) mesons are studied using data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC, in proton-proton collisions at √s=8  TeV. The χ_c states are reconstructed via their radiative decays χ_c → J/ψγ, with the photons being measured through conversions to e⁺e⁻, which allows the two states to be well resolved. The polarizations are measured in the helicity frame, through the analysis of the χ_(c2) to χ_(c1) yield ratio as a function of the polar or azimuthal angle of the positive muon emitted in the J/ψ → μ⁺μ⁻ decay, in three bins of J/ψ transverse momentum. While no differences are seen between the two states in terms of azimuthal decay angle distributions, they are observed to have significantly different polar anisotropies. The measurement favors a scenario where at least one of the two states is strongly polarized along the helicity quantization axis, in agreement with nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics predictions. This is the first measurement of significantly polarized quarkonia produced at high transverse momentum