Bloch oscillations of Bose-Einstein condensates: Breakdown and revival

We investigate the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) in a tilted one-dimensional periodic lattice within the mean-field (Gross-Pitaevskii) description. Unlike in the linear case the Bloch oscillations decay because of nonlinear dephasing. Pronounced revival phenomena are observed. These are analyzed in detail in terms of a simple integrable model constructed by an expansion in Wannier-Stark resonance states. We also briefly discuss the pulsed output of such systems for stronger static fields.Comment: RevTeX4, 9 pages, 14 figure

Segue Between Favorable and Unfavorable Solvation

Solvation of small and large clusters are studied by simulation, considering a range of solvent-solute attractive energy strengths. Over a wide range of conditions, both for solvation in the Lennard-Jones liquid and in the SPC model of water, it is shown that the mean solvent density varies linearly with changes in solvent-solute adhesion or attractive energy strength. This behavior is understood from the perspective of Weeks' theory of solvation [Ann. Rev. Phys. Chem. 2002, 53, 533] and supports theories based upon that perspective.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure

Downy mildew disease of pearl millet. Information Bulletin no. 37

Downy mildew disease of pearl millet is present in many countries of the world. It is particularly important in western Africa, and in India, where it has caused several severe and widespread epidemics and is a major threat to the cultivation of F1 hybrids. Considerable progress, has been made in understanding pathogen biology and disease epidemiology. This has led to the development of effective and reliable laboratory/greenhouse and field-screening techniques, identification of resistant sources, and use of resistance in breeding programs to develop resistant cultivars. Alternative control measures, particularly with fungicides, have been developed

Nucleation and growth of carbon nanotubes by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition

The nucleation and growth of aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition have been studied. The nanotubes nucleate and grow from catalytic cobalt islands on a silicon substrate surface, with both their diameter and length dependent on the size of the cobalt islands. Electron microscopy reveals that the nanotubes grow via a “base growth” mechanism. The nanotubes grow initially at a very rapid and constant rate (∼100 nm/s) that decreases sharply after the catalyst Co particles become fully encapsulated by the nanotubes. We propose a detailed model to explain these experimental observations on nucleation and growth of nanotubes

Metabolic and hormonal studies of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients after successful pancreas and kidney transplantation

Long-term normalization of glucose metabolism is necessary to prevent or ameliorate diabetic complications. Although pancreatic grafting is able to restore normal blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin, the degree of normalization of the deranged diabetic metabolism after pancreas transplantation is still questionable. Consequently glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide responses to oral glucose and i.v. arginine were measured in 36 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic recipients of pancreas and kidney allografts and compared to ten healthy control subjects. Despite normal HbA1 (7.2±0.2%; normal <8%) glucose disposal was normal only in 44% and impaired in 56% of the graft recipients. Normalization of glucose tolerance was achieved at the expense of hyperinsulinaemia in 52% of the subjects. C-peptide and glucagon were normal, while pancreatic polypeptide was significantly higher in the graft recipients. Intravenous glucose tolerance (n=21) was normal in 67% and borderline in 23%. Biphasic insulin release was seen in patients with normal glucose tolerance. Glucose tolerance did not deteriorate up to 7 years post-transplant. In addition, stress hormone release (cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, glucagon, catecholamines) to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia was examined in 20 graft recipients and compared to eight healthy subjects. Reduced blood glucose decline indicates insulin resistance, but glucose recovery was normal, despite markedly reduced catecholamine and glucagon release. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of pancreatic grafting in normalizing glucose metabolism, although hyperinsulinaemia and deranged counterregulatory hormone response are observed frequently