Spatio-temporal properties of motion detectors matched to low image velocities in hovering insects

AbstractOur recent study [O'Carroll et al. (1996). Nature 382, 63–66) described a correlation between the spatio-temporal properties of motion detecting neurons in the optic lobes of flying insects and behaviour. We consider here theoretical properties of insect motion detectors at very low image velocities and measure spatial and temporal sensitivity of neurons in the lobula complex of two specialised hovering insects, the bee-fly Bombylius and the hummingbird hawkmoth, Macroglossum. The spatio-temporal optima of direction-selective neurons in these insects lie at lower velocities than those of other insects which we have studied, including large syrphid flies, which are also excellent hoverers. We argue that spatio-temporal optima reflect a compromise between the demands of diverse behaviour, which can involve prolonged periods of stationary, hovering flight followed by spectacular high speed pursuits of conspecifics. Males of the syrphid Eristalis which engage in such behaviour, have higher temporal frequency optima than females. High contrast sensitivity in these flies nevertheless results in reliable responses at very low image velocities. Neurons of Bombylius have two distinct velocity optima, suggesting that they sum inputs from two classes of motion correlator with different time constants. This also provides sensitivity to a large range of velocities

Thermal Conductivity Tensor in YBa2_2Cu3_3O7−x_{7-x}: Effects of a Planar Magnetic Field

We have measured the thermal conductivity tensor of a twinned YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-x}$ single crystal as a function of angle $\theta$ between the magnetic field applied parallel to the CuO$_2$ planes and the heat current direction, at different magnetic fields and at T=13.8 K. Clear fourfold and twofold variations in the field-angle dependence of $\kappa_{xx}$ and $\kappa_{xy}$ were respectively recorded in accordance with the d-wave pairing symmetry of the order parameter. The oscillation amplitude of the transverse thermal conductivity $\kappa^0_{xy}$ was found to be larger than the longitudinal one $\kappa^0_{xx}$ in the range of magnetic field studied here ($0 T$$\le B \le 9$$T$). From our data we obtain quantities that are free from non-electronic contributions and they allow us a comparison of the experimental results with current models for the quasiparticle transport in the mixed state.Comment: 9 Figures, Phys. Rev. B(in press

Rotating spin-1 bosons in the lowest Landau level

We present results for the ground states of a system of spin-1 bosons in a rotating trap. We focus on the dilute, weakly interacting regime, and restrict the bosons to the quantum states in the lowest Landau level (LLL) in the plane (disc), sphere or torus geometries. We map out parts of the zero temperature phase diagram, using both exact quantum ground states and LLL mean field configurations. For the case of a spin-independent interaction we present exact quantum ground states at angular momentum $L\leq N$. For general values of the interaction parameters, we present mean field studies of general ground states at slow rotation and of lattices of vortices and skyrmions at higher rotation rates. Finally, we discuss quantum Hall liquid states at ultra-high rotation.Comment: 24 pages, 14 figures, RevTe

Universality of the Lyapunov regime for the Loschmidt echo

The Loschmidt echo (LE) is a magnitude that measures the sensitivity of quantum dynamics to perturbations in the Hamiltonian. For a certain regime of the parameters, the LE decays exponentially with a rate given by the Lyapunov exponent of the underlying classically chaotic system. We develop a semiclassical theory, supported by numerical results in a Lorentz gas model, which allows us to establish and characterize the universality of this Lyapunov regime. In particular, the universality is evidenced by the semiclassical limit of the Fermi wavelength going to zero, the behavior for times longer than Ehrenfest time, the insensitivity with respect to the form of the perturbation and the behavior of individual (non-averaged) initial conditions. Finally, by elaborating a semiclassical approximation to the Wigner function, we are able to distinguish between classical and quantum origin for the different terms of the LE. This approach renders an understanding for the persistence of the Lyapunov regime after the Ehrenfest time, as well as a reinterpretation of our results in terms of the quantum--classical transition.Comment: 33 pages, 17 figures, uses Revtex

Entanglement or separability: The choice of how to factorize the algebra of a density matrix

We discuss the concept of how entanglement changes with respect to different factorizations of the total algebra which describes the quantum states. Depending on the considered factorization a quantum state appears either entangled or separable. For pure states we always can switch unitarily between separability and entanglement, however, for mixed states a minimal amount of mixedness is needed. We discuss our general statements in detail for the familiar case of qubits, the GHZ states, Werner states and Gisin states, emphasizing their geometric features. As theorists we use and play with this free choice of factorization, which is naturally fixed for an experimentalist. For theorists it offers an extension of the interpretations and is adequate to generalizations, as we point out in the examples of quantum teleportation and entanglement swapping.Comment: 29 pages, 9 figures. Introduction, Conclusion and References have been extended in v

Hidden Order in the Cuprates

We propose that the enigmatic pseudogap phase of cuprate superconductors is characterized by a hidden broken symmetry of d(x^2-y^2)-type. The transition to this state is rounded by disorder, but in the limit that the disorder is made sufficiently small, the pseudogap crossover should reveal itself to be such a transition. The ordered state breaks time-reversal, translational, and rotational symmetries, but it is invariant under the combination of any two. We discuss these ideas in the context of ten specific experimental properties of the cuprates, and make several predictions, including the existence of an as-yet undetected metal-metal transition under the superconducting dome.Comment: 12 pages of RevTeX, 9 eps figure

A Review of Magnetic Phenomena in Probe-Brane Holographic Matter

Gauge/gravity duality is a useful and efficient tool for addressing and studying questions related to strongly interacting systems described by a gauge theory. In this manuscript we will review a number of interesting phenomena that occur in such systems when a background magnetic field is turned on. Specifically, we will discuss holographic models for systems that include matter fields in the fundamental representation of the gauge group, which are incorporated by adding probe branes into the gravitational background dual to the gauge theory. We include three models in this review: the D3-D7 and D4-D8 models, that describe four-dimensional systems, and the D3-D7' model, that describes three-dimensional fermions interacting with a four-dimensional gauge field.Comment: 35 pages, 27 figures, to appear in Lect. Notes Phys. "Strongly interacting matter in magnetic fields" (Springer), edited by D. Kharzeev, K. Landsteiner, A. Schmitt, H.-U. Yee; references adde

The Physics of Star Cluster Formation and Evolution

© 2020 Springer-Verlag. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00689-4.Star clusters form in dense, hierarchically collapsing gas clouds. Bulk kinetic energy is transformed to turbulence with stars forming from cores fed by filaments. In the most compact regions, stellar feedback is least effective in removing the gas and stars may form very efficiently. These are also the regions where, in high-mass clusters, ejecta from some kind of high-mass stars are effectively captured during the formation phase of some of the low mass stars and effectively channeled into the latter to form multiple populations. Star formation epochs in star clusters are generally set by gas flows that determine the abundance of gas in the cluster. We argue that there is likely only one star formation epoch after which clusters remain essentially clear of gas by cluster winds. Collisional dynamics is important in this phase leading to core collapse, expansion and eventual dispersion of every cluster. We review recent developments in the field with a focus on theoretical work.Peer reviewe

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits—the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants—determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits—almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives