Impact of Criticality and Phase Separation on the Spin Dynamics of the One-Dimensional t–J Model

The recursion method is used to determine the T=0 spin dynamic structure factor S zz (q,ω) in the Luttinger liquid state and in the phase‐separated state of the one‐dimensional t–J model. As the exchange coupling increases from zero, the dispersions and line shapes of the dominant spin excitations are observed to undergo a major metamorphosis between the free‐fermion limit and the onset of phase separation. The familiar two‐spinon spectrum of the Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain emerges gradually in the strongly phase‐separated state

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) sperm revisited : motility, morphology and ultrastructure of fresh sperm of consecutive ejaculates

Computer aided sperm analysis systems allow detailed examination of sperm motility and morphology variables, which are important for the understanding of the spermatology of a species and the development of assisted reproductive techniques. Cetacean biology is too complex to study in the wild and data from captive individuals provide an important alternative for the conservation of these charismatic animals. The present study evaluates ejaculate and sperm characteristics, including sperm motility, kinematic variables and quantitative sperm morphology and ultrastructure, of consecutive ejaculates from Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Sperm concentrations and total and progressive motilities were greater in the second than the first ejaculate, with all ejaculates being of very high quality (6.9–1127 × 106/ml sperm concentration, 75% to 91% total motility and 89% to 96% normal sperm). Most sperm in an ejaculate (≥84%) were highly (VCL>150 μm/s) and progressively motile with very few abnormal sperm. The sperm have small heads, a short but very bulky midpiece and a long tail. Detailed sperm morphometrics using CASA indicated there were similarities from one ejaculate to the next. The large mitochondria with extensive cristae mitochondriales are tightly packed in the midpiece resulting in a large midpiece volume. All the semen and sperm characteristics indicate high quality sperm and support the assumption that a multimale mating system is present in T. truncatus.The National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africahttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/anireprosci2019-08-01hj2018Production Animal StudiesZoology and Entomolog

Spectrum and transition rates of the XX chain analyzed via Bethe ansatz

As part of a study that investigates the dynamics of the s=1/2 XXZ model in the planar regime |Delta|<1, we discuss the singular nature of the Bethe ansatz equations for the case Delta=0 (XX model). We identify the general structure of the Bethe ansatz solutions for the entire XX spectrum, which include states with real and complex magnon momenta. We discuss the relation between the spinon or magnon quasiparticles (Bethe ansatz) and the lattice fermions (Jordan-Wigner representation). We present determinantal expressions for transition rates of spin fluctuation operators between Bethe wave functions and reduce them to product expressions. We apply the new formulas to two-spinon transition rates for chains with up to N=4096 sites.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

Dimer and N\'eel order-parameter fluctuations in the spin-fluid phase of the s=1/2 spin chain with first and second neighbor couplings

The dynamical properties at T=0 of the one-dimensional (1D) s=1/2 nearest-neighbor (nn) XXZ model with an additional isotropic next-nearest-neighbor (nnn) coupling are investigated by means of the recursion method in combination with techniques of continued-fraction analysis. The focus is on the dynamic structure factors S_{zz}(q,\omega) and S_{DD}(q,\omega), which describe (for q=\pi) the fluctuations of the N\'eel and dimer order parameters, respectively. We calculate (via weak-coupling continued-fraction analysis) the dependence on the exchange constants of the infrared exponent, the renormalized bandwidth of spinon excitations, and the spectral-weight distribution in S_{zz}(\pi,\omega) and S_{DD}(\pi,\omega), all in the spin-fluid phase, which is realized for planar $nn$ anisotropy and sufficiently weak nnn coupling. For some parameter values we find a discrete branch of excitations above the spinon continuum. They contribute to S_{zz}(q,\omega) but not to S_{DD}(q,\omega).Comment: RevTex file (7 pages), 8 figures (uuencoded ps file) available from author

Two-spinon dynamic structure factor of the one-dimensional S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet

The exact expression derived by Bougourzi, Couture, and Kacir for the 2-spinon contribution to the dynamic spin structure factor $S_{zz}(q,\omega)$ of he one-dimensional $S$=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet at $T=0$ is evaluated for direct comparison with finite-chain transition rates ($N\leq 28$) and an approximate analytical result previously inferred from finite-$N$ data, sum rules, and Bethe-ansatz calculations. The 2-spinon excitations account for 72.89% of the total intensity in $S_{zz}(q,\omega)$. The singularity structure of the exact result is determined analytically and its spectral-weight distribution evaluated numerically over the entire range of the 2-spinon continuum. The leading singularities of the frequency-dependent spin autocorrelation function, static spin structure factor, and $q$-dependent susceptibility are determined via sum rules.Comment: 6 pages (RevTex) and 5 figures (Postscript

Charge and spin dynamics in the one-dimensional t−Jzt-J_z and t−Jt-J models

The impact of the spin-flip terms on the (static and dynamic) charge and spin correlations in the Luttinger-liquid ground state of the 1D $t-J$ model is assessed by comparison with the same quantities in the 1D $t-J_z$ model, where spin-flip terms are absent. We employ the recursion method combined with a weak-coupling or a strong-coupling continued-fraction analysis. At $J_z/t=0^+$ we use the Pfaffian representation of dynamic spin correlations. The changing nature of the dynamically relevant charge and spin excitations on approach of the transition to phase separation is investigated in detail. The $t-J_z$ charge excitations (but not the spin excitations) at the transition have a single-mode nature, whereas charge and spin excitations have a complicated structure in the $t-J$ model. In the $t-J_z$ model, phase separation is accompanied by N\'eel long-range order, caused by the condensation of electron clusters with an already existing alternating up-down spin configuration (topological long-range order). In the $t-J$ model, by contrast, the spin-flip processes in the exchange coupling are responsible for continued strong spin fluctuations (dominated by 2-spinon excitations) in the phase-separated state.Comment: 11 pages (RevTex). 14 Figures available from author

Dancing with death. A historical perspective on coping with covid-19

In this paper, we address the question on how societies coped with pandemic crises, how they tried to control or adapt to the disease, or even managed to overcome the death trap in history. On the basis of historical research, we describe how societies in the western world accommodated to or exited hardship and restrictive measures over the course of the last four centuries. In particular, we are interested in how historically embedded citizens' resources were directed towards living with and to a certain extent accepting the virus. Such an approach of “applied history” to the management of crises and public hazards, we believe, helps address today's pressing question of what adaptive strategies can be adopted to return to a normalized life, including living with socially acceptable medical, hygienic and other pandemic‐related measures

Effects of GnRH vaccination in wild and captive African Elephant bulls (Loxodonta africana) on reproductive organs and semen quality

OBJECTIVES: Although the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in some isolated habitats in southern Africa, contraception is of major interest due to local overpopulation. GnRH vaccination has been promoted as a non-invasive contraceptive measure for population management of overabundant wildlife. We tested the efficacy of this treatment for fertility control in elephant bulls. METHODS: In total, 17 male African elephants that were treated with a GnRH vaccine were examined in two groups. In the prospective study group 1 (n = 11 bulls, ages: 8±36 years), semen quality, the testes, seminal vesicles, ampullae and prostate, which were all measured by means of transrectal ultrasound, and faecal androgen metabolite concentrations were monitored over a three-year period. Each bull in the prospective study received 5 ml of Improvac® (1000 μg GnRH conjugate) intramuscularly after the first examination, followed by a booster six weeks later and thereafter every 5±7 months. In a retrospective study group (group 2, n = 6, ages: 19±33 years), one examination was performed on bulls which had been treated with GnRH vaccine for 5±11 years. RESULTS: In all bulls of group 1, testicular and accessory sex gland sizes decreased significantly after the third vaccination. In six males examined prior to vaccination and again after more than five vaccinations, the testis size was reduced by 57.5%. Mean testicular height and length decreased from 13.3 ± 2.6 cm x 15.2 ± 2.8 cm at the beginning to 7.6 ± 2.1 cm x 10.2 ± 1.8 cm at the end of the study. Post pubertal bulls (>9 years, n = 6) examined prior to vaccination produced ejaculates with viable spermatozoa (volume: 8±175 ml, sperm concentration: 410-4000x106/ml, total motility: 0±90%), while after 5±8 injections, only 50% of these bulls produced ejaculates with a small number of immotile spermatozoa. The ejaculates of group 2 bulls (vaccinated >8 times) were devoid of spermatozoa. Faecal androgen metabolite concentrations measured in captive males decreased significantly after the fourth vaccination. None of the males entered musth during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a marked decrease in semen quality, testicle and secondary sex gland sizes following repeated GnRH vaccinations. After 2±4 years of continuous treatment every 5±7 months, the effects were similar to surgical castration.ISIScopu