Excitation Gap in the Normal State of Underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta

Angle-resolved photoemission experiments reveal evidence of an energy gap in the normal state excitation spectrum of the cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta. This gap exists only in underdoped samples and closes around the doping level at which the superconducting transition temperature Tc is a maximum. The momentum dependence and magnitude of the gap closely resemble those of the dx2-y2 gap observed in the superconducting state. This observation is consistent with results from several other experimental techniques, which also indicate the presence of a gap in the normal state. Some possible theoretical explanations for this effect are reviewed.     

Acanthocephalan infection and sparganosis in a green tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata)

Acanthocephalan and spargana parasites were identified within a body wall mass during exploratory surgery in a wild green tree snake. Acanthocephalan parasites have not previously been reported in this species. Surgical excision, the treatment of choice, could not be achieved because of the extensive infiltration of the coelomic cavity.     

Photoemission evidence for a remnant fermi surface and a d-wave-like dispersion in insulating Ca2CuO2Cl2

An angle-resolved photoemission study is reported on Ca2CuO2Cl2, a parent compound of high-Tc superconductors. Analysis of the electron occupation probability, n(k), from the spectra shows a steep drop in spectral intensity across a contour that is close to the Fermi surface predicted by the band calculation. This analysis reveals a Fermi surface remnant, even though Ca2CuO2Cl2 is a Mott insulator. The lowest energy peak exhibits a dispersion with approximately the &cjs3539;coskxa - coskya&cjs3539; form along this remnant Fermi surface. Together with the data from Dy-doped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta, these results suggest that this d-wave-like dispersion of the insulator is the underlying reason for the pseudo gap in the underdoped regime.     

Distribution of earthworms and influence of soil properties across a successional sand dune ecosystem in NW England

An investigation of earthworms across a sand dune system in NW England examined species distribution and abundance with respect to soil physico-chemical conditions and management. Replicated 0.1 m² quadrats were examined every 50 m along 700 m transects across areas of vegetation succession and samples were then taken every 10 m where earthworms were first encountered. A translocation of Aporrectodea longa assessed the ability of this species to live in soils with a high sand content and laboratory work examined growth, maturation and survival of this species in soils with increasing proportions of sand (0–100%). Nine earthworm species were found on the dunes, but none in yellow dunes where organic matter (OM) content was <1%. Dendrobaena octaedra and Lumbricus rubellus were located 300 m from the strand line in grey dunes with an OM content of 3.9%. Allolobophora chlorotica and Lumbricus castaneus occurred within a wet dune slack at 340 m (OM content 11%). In areas of human disturbance (dune car park), A. longa, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris were present, and in soil below pine trees L. castaneus and L. rubellus were present in litter. Laboratory growth of A. longa demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) increases in growth (2–2.75 g) with 25 and 50% sand compared with 0, 75 and 100% over 24 weeks and a greater rate of maturation. Initial results show earthworm colonisation to be influenced by dune successional stage. Laboratory findings suggested A. longa could exist in higher sand content areas but experimental design needs development. The translocation was unsuccessful. Future investigations could examine soil properties more closely and undertake monitoring on site throughout the year.     

The Current State of Solar Modeling

Data from the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) project and other helioseismic experiments provide a test for models of stellar interiors and for the thermodynamic and radiative properties, on which the models depend, of matter under the extreme conditions found in the sun. Current models are in agreement with the helioseismic inferences, which suggests, for example, that the disagreement between the predicted and observed fluxes of neutrinos from the sun is not caused by errors in the models. However, the GONG data reveal subtle errors in the models, such as an excess in sound speed just beneath the convection zone. These discrepancies indicate effects that have so far not been correctly accounted for; for example, it is plausible that the sound-speed differences reflect weak mixing in stellar interiors, of potential importance to the overall evolution of stars and ultimately to estimates of the age of the galaxy based on stellar evolution calculations.     

The Seismic Structure of the Sun

Global Oscillation Network Group data reveal that the internal structure of the sun can be well represented by a calibrated standard model. However, immediately beneath the convection zone and at the edge of the energy-generating core, the sound-speed variation is somewhat smoother in the sun than it is in the model. This could be a consequence of chemical inhomogeneity that is too severe in the model, perhaps owing to inaccurate modeling of gravitational settling or to neglected macroscopic motion that may be present in the sun. Accurate knowledge of the sun's structure enables inferences to be made about the physics that controls the sun; for example, through the opacity, the equation of state, or wave motion. Those inferences can then be used elsewhere in astrophysics.     

Effects of adult Lumbricus terrestris on cocoons and hatchlings in Evans’ boxes

The basic ecology of well-researched earthworm species, such as Lumbricus terrestris, remains relatively unknown. In order to contribute to the limited body of knowledge, the present work aimed to investigate if specific behaviours could be detected between an adult and the cocoons it produced by comparison with a non-parental adult and cocoons. Modified Evans’ boxes (0.8×0.2×0.008 m) with recently mated adults allowed observation of their habits under what was essentially a 2-D system. Experimental manipulation (at 81 days) involved four treatments: (1) L. terrestris removal (LtRm); (2) L. terrestris replacement (LtRp), where individuals were replaced by others; (3) control, with no manipulation and (4) L. terrestris removal control (CLtRm) where individuals were removed and then reintroduced in the same box, to account for any effects of the removal method. Burrowing patterns of adults and later, hatchlings, were recorded throughout the duration of the experiment (191 days). Cocoon production across treatments did not differ significantly (p>0.05) and averaged 26±6.4 cocoons worm⁻¹ over a 26 week period. In the LtRm treatment mean cocoon production was 12.6±2.7 cocoons worm⁻¹ over 11 weeks. Forty one percent of cocoons were deposited in the upper 0.05 m of the soil profile. Cocoons below that depth were found deposited in side burrows (1–4 cm in length) and were coated with earthworm casts. Hatchling number and survival rate did not differ significantly across treatments (p>0.05) with means±s.d. of 2±2.2 and 62±29%, respectively. Hatchling mass in the LtRm treatment (0.4±0.38 g), was found to be significantly greater (p<0.01) than that of all other treatments (0.12±0.12 g). In this experimental set up, the presence of parental earthworms and other con-specifics had no significant effect on cocoon viability and hatchling survival, however, results indicated a negative effect of adult presence on hatchling growth.