Notes: A self-consistent three-dimensional numerical analysis using the newly developed BPHI-3D code was performed for the Debye/magnetic tokamak-type oblique incidence magnetic field sheath, with near-surface ionization and transport of thermally emitted surface material. The analysis uses Monte Carlo, kinetic treatment for deuterium–tritium and impurity ions/neutrals, Boltzmann/guiding-center electrons, and particle-in-cell time-independent Poisson solver. For typical predicted fusion edge plasma conditions for a liquid lithium divertor most evaporated lithium atoms—from a ∼1 cm2 overheated spot–are ionized in the ∼1 mm-wide magnetic sheath. These ions are strongly redeposited due to the sheath electric field. While this redeposition minimizes core plasma contamination, it increases the peak heat flux to the surface. A runaway situation is then possible due to superheating/evaporation positive feedback. Carbon may behave likewise as seen in code results obtained for a TORE SUPRA [Aymar et al., Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research (IAEA, Vienna, 1989)] carbon limiter. A semianalytic formula for sheath parameters as a function of emitted surface material flux is developed and verified with the code. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: We discuss new opportunities that present themselves with the advent of very high magnetic field resistive magnets with appreciable central bore access. A detailed description of the parameters of the magnetic force environment for the case of diamagnetic materials in a water-cooled Bitter-type resistive magnet is provided for the reader who may have an interest in low-gravity experiments. We discuss emerging research activities involving novel uses of magnetic forces in high field resistive magnets at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Particular attention is given to the area of diamagnetic materials that allow a low or "zero" gravity state, i.e., magnetic levitation. These include studies involving plant growth, protein crystallization, and dynamics of single particles and granular materials. In the latter case, unique aspects of the magnetic force environment allow low gravity experiments on particulates that cannot be performed on the Space Shuttle due to the lack of a weak confining potential in space. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: Stand density reductions have been proposed as a method by which old-growth ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of North America can be converted back to pre-1900 conditions, thereby reducing the danger of catastrophic forest fires and insect attacks while increasing the productivity of the remaining old-growth individuals. However, the duration of productivity response of individual trees and the physiological mechanisms underlying such a response remain speculative issues, particularly in old trees. Tree-ring measurements of carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) and basal area increment (BAI) were used to assess the response of intrinsic water-use efficiency (the ratio of photosynthesis, A to stomatal conductance, g) and growth of individual〉 250-year-old-ponderosa pine trees to stand density reductions. It was hypothesized that reductions in stand density would increase soil moisture availability, thus decreasing canopy A/g and increasing carbon isotope discrimination (Δ). Cellulose-δ13C of annual tree rings, soil water availability (estimated from pre-dawn leaf water potential), photosynthetic capacity, stem basal growth and xylem anatomy were measured in individual trees within three pairs of thinned and un-thinned stands. The thinned stands were treated 7 to 15 years prior to measurement. The values of δ13C and BAI were assessed for 20 consecutive years overlapping the date of thinning in a single intensively studied stand, and was measured for 3 years on either side of the date of thinning for the two other stands to assess the generality of the response.After thinning, Δ increased by 0.89‰ (± 0.15‰). The trees in the un-thinned stands showed no change in Δ (0.00‰ ± 0.04‰). In the intensively studied trees, significant differences were expressed in the first growing season after the thinning took place but it took 6 years before the full 0.89‰ difference was observed. BAI doubled or tripled after disturbance, depending on the stand, and the increased BAI lasted up to 15 years after thinning. In the intensively studied trees, the BAI response did not begin until 3 years after the Δ response, peaked 1 year after the Δ peak, and then BAI and Δ oscillated in unison. The lag between BAI and Δ was not due to slow changes in anatomical properties of the sapwood, because tracheid dimensions and sapwood-specific conductivity remained unchanged after disturbance. The Δ response of thinned trees indicated that A/g decreased after thinning. Photosynthetic capacity, as indexed by foliar nitrogen ([N]) and by the relationship between photosynthesis and internal CO2 (A–Ci curves), was unchanged by thinning, confirming our suspicion that the decline in A/g was due to a relatively greater increase in g in comparison with A. Model estimates agreed with this conclusion, predicting that g increased by nearly 25% after thinning relative to a 15% increase in A. Pre-dawn leaf water potential averaged 0.11 MPa (± 0.03 MPa) less negative for the thinned compared with the un-thinned trees in all stands, and was strongly correlated with Δ post-thinning (R2 = 0.91). There was a strong relationship between BAI and modelled A, suggesting that changes in water availability and g have a significant effect on carbon assimilation and growth of these old trees. These results confirm that stand density reductions result in increased growth of individual trees via increased stomatal conductance. Furthermore, they show that a physiological response to stand density reductions can last for up to 15 years in old ponderosa pines if stand leaf area is not fully re-established.

Notes: Abstract. The band structure of α-(Per)2M(mnt)2, leads to a description of these materials as nearly perfectly one dimensional conductors. The conduction is mainly along the stacking direction of the partially oxidized perylene molecules, (Per)1/2+, with virtually no interchain bandwidth. However, recent high magnetic field experiments suggest orbital coupling of the magnetic field to the electronic structure, indicating a finite interchain bandwidth. The details of the band structure and the possible variances, at low energies, from a perfect one dimensional system are examined. In particular, multiple quasi-one dimensional Fermi surface sheets, which would become important at low temperatures, may lead to an explanation for the experimental finding of a magnetic field induced high field charge density wave ground state. Experimental tests to observe the effects of the finite interchain bandwidth are proposed.