On the notions of facets, weak facets, and extreme functions of the Gomory-Johnson infinite group problem

We investigate three competing notions that generalize the notion of a facet of finite-dimensional polyhedra to the infinite-dimensional Gomory-Johnson model. These notions were known to coincide for continuous piecewise linear functions with rational breakpoints. We show that two of the notions, extreme functions and facets, coincide for the case of continuous piecewise linear functions, removing the hypothesis regarding rational breakpoints. We then separate the three notions using discontinuous examples.Comment: 18 pages, 2 figure

GRB011211: An alternative interpretation of the optical and X-ray spectra in terms of blueshifts

The redshifts of the gamma ray burst (GRB) GRB 011211 has been determined as 2.14 from several absorption lines seen in the spectrum of its optical afterglow. The spectrum of its X-ray afterglow exhibited several emission lines,and their identification led to a mean redshift 1.862. A supernova model has been proposed based on the redshift of the GRB as 2.141. It is shown here that the redshift interpretation cannot explain the observed spectra, as some serious inconsistencies exist in the process of redshift determinations in spectra of both optical and X-ray afterglows. In view of that, an alternative interpretation of the spectra is presented in terms of blueshifts. Ejection mechanism is proposed as a possible scenario to explain the blueshifted spectrum.Comment: 26 pages, one table; in Canadian Journal of Physics, June 200

On the extension of the Bethe-Weizsacker mass formula to light nuclei

Some general features of the Bethe-Weizsacker mass formula recently extended to light nuclei have been explored. Though this formula improves fits to the properties of light nuclei and it does seem to work well in delineating the positions of all old and new magic numbers found in that region, yet it is not well tuned for predicting finer details. The mass predictions have also been found to be less accurate compared to those by the macroscopic-microscopic calculations. It is concluded that such semi-empirical mass formulae can not be a substitute for more fundamental mass formulae having its origin based upon the basic nucleon-nucleon effective interaction.Comment: 3 page

Does solar structure vary with solar magnetic activity?

We present evidence that solar structure changes with changes in solar activity. We find that the adiabatic index, Gamma_1, changes near the second helium ionization, i.e., at a depth of about 0.98 R_sun. We believe that this change is a result of the change in the effective equation of state caused by magnetic fields. Inversions should be able to detect the changes in Gamma_1 if mode sets with reliable and precise high-degree modes are available.Comment: To appear in ApJ Letter

Magnus Force in High Temperature Superconductivity and Berry Phase

In the topological framework of high temperature superconductivity we have discussed the Magnus force acting on its vortices

A study of possible temporal and latitudinal variations in the properties of the solar tachocline

Temporal variations of the structure and the rotation rate of the solar tachocline region are studied using helioseismic data from the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) and the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) obtained during the period 1995--2000. We do not find any significant temporal variation in the depth of the convection zone, the position of the tachocline or the extent of overshoot below the convection zone. No systematic variation in any other properties of the tachocline, like width, etc., is found either. Possibility of periodic variations in these properties is also investigated. Time-averaged results show that the tachocline is prolate with a variation by about 0.02R_sun in its position. The depth of the convection zone or the extent of overshoot does not show any significant variation with latitude.Comment: To appear in MNRA

Temporal variations of the rotation rate in the solar interior

The temporal variations of the rotation rate in the solar interior are studied using frequency splittings from Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG) data obtained during the period 1995-99. We find alternating latitudinal bands of faster and slower rotation which appear to move towards the equator with time - similar to the torsional oscillations seen at the solar surface. This flow pattern appears to persist to a depth of about 0.1R_sun and in this region its magnitude is well correlated with solar activity indices. We do not find any periodic or systematic changes in the rotation rate near the base of the convection zone.Comment: To appear in Ap