Electron-conformational transformations in nanoscopic RyR channels govern both the heart's contraction and beating

We show that a simple biophysically based electron-conformational model of RyR channel is able to explain and describe on equal footing the oscillatory regime of the heart's cell release unit both in sinoatrial node (pacemaker) cells under normal physiological conditions and in ventricular myocytes under Ca$^{2+}$ SR overload.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

A simplified model of the source channel of the Leksell Gamma Knife(R)^(R): testing multisource configurations with PENELOPE

A simplification of the source channel geometry of the Leksell Gamma Knife$^{\circledR}$, recently proposed by the authors and checked for a single source configuration (Al-Dweri et al 2004), has been used to calculate the dose distributions along the $x$, $y$ and $z$ axes in a water phantom with a diameter of 160~mm, for different configurations of the Gamma Knife including 201, 150 and 102 unplugged sources. The code PENELOPE (v. 2001) has been used to perform the Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, the output factors for the 14, 8 and 4~mm helmets have been calculated. The results found for the dose profiles show a qualitatively good agreement with previous ones obtained with EGS4 and PENELOPE (v. 2000) codes and with the predictions of GammaPlan$^{\circledR}$. The output factors obtained with our model agree within the statistical uncertainties with those calculated with the same Monte Carlo codes and with those measured with different techniques. Owing to the accuracy of the results obtained and to the reduction in the computational time with respect to full geometry simulations (larger than a factor 15), this simplified model opens the possibility to use Monte Carlo tools for planning purposes in the Gamma Knife$^{\circledR}$.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, 5 table

The strength of frustration and quantum fluctuations in LiVCuO4

For the 1D-frustrated ferromagnetic J_1-J_2 model with interchain coupling added, we analyze the dynamical and static structure factor S(k,omega), the pitch angle phi of the magnetic structure, the magnetization curve of edge-shared chain cuprates, and focus on LiCuVO4 for which neither a perturbed spinon nor a spin wave approach can be applied. phi is found to be most sensitive to the interplay of frustration and quantum fluctuations. For LiVCuO4 the obtained exchange parameters J are in accord with the results for a realistic 5-band extended Hubbard model and LSDA + U predictions yielding alpha=J_2/|J_1| about 0.75 in contrast to 5.5 > alpha > 1.42 suggested in the literature. The alpha-regime of the empirical phi-values in NaCu2O2 and linarite are considered, too.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures, (1 figure added), improved text including also the abstract (the present second version has been submitted to EPL 26.10.2011, so far with one missing first referee report

Topological phase separation in 2D hard-core Bose-Hubbard system away from half-filling

We suppose that the doping of the 2D hard-core boson system away from half-filling may result in the formation of multi-center topological defect such as charge order (CO) bubble domain(s) with Bose superfluid (BS) and extra bosons both localized in domain wall(s), or a {\it topological} CO+BS {\it phase separation}, rather than an uniform mixed CO+BS supersolid phase. Starting from the classical model we predict the properties of the respective quantum system. The long-wavelength behavior of the system is believed to remind that of granular superconductors, CDW materials, Wigner crystals, and multi-skyrmion system akin in a quantum Hall ferromagnetic state of a 2D electron gas.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figur

Nanoscale phase separation in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_3 films: evidence for the texture driven optical anisotropy

The IR optical absorption (0.1-1.5 eV) in the $La_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}MnO_3$ films on LAO substrate exhibits the drastic temperature evolution of the spectral weight evidencing the insulator to metal transition. Single crystal films were found to reveal strong linear dichroism with anomalous spectral oscillations and fairly weak temperature dependence. Starting from the concept of phase separation, we develop the effective medium model to account for these effects. The optical anisotropy of the films is attributed to the texturization of the ellipsoidal inclusions of the quasimetal phase caused by a mismatch of the film and substrate and the twin texture of the latter.Comment: 6 pages, 5 Encapsulated PostScript figures, uses RevTeX

Dispersion of the dielectric function of a charge-transfer insulator

We study the problem of dielectric response in the strong coupling regime of a charge transfer insulator. The frequency and wave number dependence of the dielectric function $\epsilon ({\bf q},\omega)$ and its inverse $\epsilon ^{-1}({\bf q},\omega)$ is the main object of consideration. We show that the problem, in general, cannot be reduced to a calculation within the Hubbard model, which takes into account only a restricted number of electronic states near the Fermi energy. The contribution of the rest of the system to the longitudinal response (i.e. to $\epsilon ^{-1}({\bf q},\omega)$) is essential for the whole frequency range. With the use of the spectral representation of the two-particle Green's function we show that the problem may be divided into two parts: into the contributions of the weakly correlated and the Hubbard subsystems. For the latter we propose an approach that starts from the correlated paramagnetic ground state with strong antiferromagnetic fluctuations. We obtain a set of coupled equations of motion for the two-particle Green's function that may be solved by means of the projection technique. The solution is expressed by a two particle basis that includes the excitonic states with electron and hole separated at various distances. We apply our method to the multiband Hubbard (Emery) model that describes layered cuprates. We show that strongly dispersive branches exist in the excitonic spectrum of the 'minimal' Emery model ($1/U_d=U_p=t_{pp}=0$) and consider the dependence of the spectrum on finite oxygen hopping $t_{pp}$ and on-site repulsion $U_p$. The relationship of our calculations to electron energy loss spectroscopy is discussed.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figure

Flux Phase as a Dynamic Jahn-Teller Phase: Berryonic Matter in the Cuprates?

There is considerable evidence for some form of charge ordering on the hole-doped stripes in the cuprates, mainly associated with the low-temperature tetragonal phase, but with some evidence for either charge density waves or a flux phase, which is a form of dynamic charge-density wave. These three states form a pseudospin triplet, demonstrating a close connection with the E X e dynamic Jahn-Teller effect, suggesting that the cuprates constitute a form of Berryonic matter. This in turn suggests a new model for the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect as a form of flux phase. A simple model of the Cu-O bond stretching phonons allows an estimate of electron-phonon coupling for these modes, explaining why the half breathing mode softens so much more than the full oxygen breathing mode. The anomalous properties of $O^{2-}$ provide a coupling (correlated hopping) which acts to stabilize density wave phases.Comment: Major Revisions: includes comparisons with specific cuprate phonon modes, 16 eps figures, revte

SEM Investigation of ZnO and CdO–ZnO Layers Grown by Sol-Gel Technology and a Multifractal Analysis of their Surface Depending on Synthesis Conditions

Introduction. Super-thin films of zinc oxide regarded as transparent electrodes can be integrated in effective semiconductor heterostructures for use in modern infrared photo electronics and solar power installations. The most important parameter of zinc oxide thin layers is their surface nanorelief, which can be effectively studied using SEM spectroscopy. SEM images allow for a quantitative description of the surface depending on the synthesis conditions using the method of multifractal analysis. Such an approach reveals quantitative relationships between the fractal parameters of the surface topography of the layers in these systems and the temperature regimes used for their final annealing in conventional sol-gel technology.Aim. To reveal quantitative relationships between the fractal parameters of the surface topography of layers in the Zn–O & Zn–Cd–O systems and the temperature conditions of their final annealing. The MFA method was used for a quantitative description of the surface state depending on the synthesis conditions.Materials and methods. Super-thin films in the ZnO and ZnO–CdO systems were synthesized using a modified sol-gel technology. The temperature-concentration ranges of the parameters of the modified technological process, which allows high-quality layers of the material to be reproducibly obtained on a glass substrate, were determined. The surface morphology was investigated by SEM spectroscopy depending on the temperature of the final annealing of the layers. SEM images of the surface served as a basis for multifractal analysis (MFA) of the surface area and volume of nanoforms, which are formed on the surface of the obtained layers thus determining their surface relief.Results. Renyi’s numbers and the parameters of fractal ordering in MFA were chosen as fractal parameters for describing the nano-geometry of the layer surface. MFA was applied to the description of both the surface areas and volumes of nanoforms. Quantitative correlations between Renyi’s numbers, as well as the parameters of fractal ordering for the areas and volumes of surface nanoforms, and the temperature of the final annealing were found.Conclusion. The numerical values of Renyi’s numbers for the surface and volume characteristics of the surface of layers were used to assess the effect of the fractality of the surface on the molar surface energy of the film. Consideration of the fractal geometry of nanoforms with their characteristic sizes smaller than 5·103μm shows the possibility of both an increase in the surface energy of the resulting film and its decrease when changing the characteristic sizes of nanoforms. The latter effect is due to the formation of a highly porous surface at the nano levelIntroduction. Super-thin films of zinc oxide regarded as transparent electrodes can be integrated in effective semiconductor heterostructures for use in modern infrared photo electronics and solar power installations. The most important parameter of zinc oxide thin layers is their surface nanorelief, which can be effectively studied using SEM spectroscopy. SEM images allow for a quantitative description of the surface depending on the synthesis conditions using the method of multifractal analysis. Such an approach reveals quantitative relationships between the fractal parameters of the surface topography of the layers in these systems and the temperature regimes used for their final annealing in conventional sol-gel technology.Aim. To reveal quantitative relationships between the fractal parameters of the surface topography of layers in the Zn–O & Zn–Cd–O systems and the temperature conditions of their final annealing. The MFA method was used for a quantitative description of the surface state depending on the synthesis conditions.Materials and methods. Super-thin films in the ZnO and ZnO–CdO systems were synthesized using a modified sol-gel technology. The temperature-concentration ranges of the parameters of the modified technological process, which allows high-quality layers of the material to be reproducibly obtained on a glass substrate, were determined. The surface morphology was investigated by SEM spectroscopy depending on the temperature of the final annealing of the layers. SEM images of the surface served as a basis for multifractal analysis (MFA) of the surface area and volume of nanoforms, which are formed on the surface of the obtained layers thus determining their surface relief.Results. Renyi’s numbers and the parameters of fractal ordering in MFA were chosen as fractal parameters for describing the nano-geometry of the layer surface. MFA was applied to the description of both the surface areas and volumes of nanoforms. Quantitative correlations between Renyi’s numbers, as well as the parameters of fractal ordering for the areas and volumes of surface nanoforms, and the temperature of the final annealing were found.Conclusion. The numerical values of Renyi’s numbers for the surface and volume characteristics of the surface of layers were used to assess the effect of the fractality of the surface on the molar surface energy of the film. Consideration of the fractal geometry of nanoforms with their characteristic sizes smaller than 5·103μm shows the possibility of both an increase in the surface energy of the resulting film and its decrease when changing the characteristic sizes of nanoforms. The latter effect is due to the formation of a highly porous surface at the nano leve

How to detect fluctuating order in the high-temperature superconductors

We discuss fluctuating order in a quantum disordered phase proximate to a quantum critical point, with particular emphasis on fluctuating stripe order. Optimal strategies for extracting information concerning such local order from experiments are derived with emphasis on neutron scattering and scanning tunneling microscopy. These ideas are tested by application to two model systems - the exactly solvable one dimensional electron gas with an impurity, and a weakly-interacting 2D electron gas. We extensively review experiments on the cuprate high-temperature superconductors which can be analyzed using these strategies. We adduce evidence that stripe correlations are widespread in the cuprates. Finally, we compare and contrast the advantages of two limiting perspectives on the high-temperature superconductor: weak coupling, in which correlation effects are treated as a perturbation on an underlying metallic (although renormalized) Fermi liquid state, and strong coupling, in which the magnetism is associated with well defined localized spins, and stripes are viewed as a form of micro-phase separation. We present quantitative indicators that the latter view better accounts for the observed stripe phenomena in the cuprates.Comment: 43 pages, 11 figures, submitted to RMP; extensively revised and greatly improved text; one new figure, one new section, two new appendices and more reference