Ordinary States Research Articles

Dilemmas and Insights About Recognition of Plant Rights

Plant rights, which are relatively new compared to animal rights theories have both negative and positive aspects. Because all of the negative rights established for animals are difficult to apply to plants, it is necessary to focus on positive relational responsibilities. For this reason, instead of applying the basic principles set out by animal rights theorists to plants, we are opening up discussions on issues that would prevent arbitrary violence against plants and their total instrumentalisation. Thus, we aim to evaluate the arbitrariness applied in both ordinary states and states of exception in the context of ecocide, ecological mourning, and the relationship between law and violence.

Coherent distributions of the symmetry algebra of spinor regularization generator and hydrogen atom

A new approach is developed for solving spectral problems for operators with continuous spectrum, which consists in the integral transform of the problem by using coherent Schwartz distributions. The constructed family of coherent distributions is a complete analogue of the family of ordinary coherent states. More precisely, it satisfies all Gazeau–Klauder axioms satisfied by the usual coherent states. But in contrast to the coherent states belonging to the point spectrum of the annihilation operator (or operators), the coherent distributions belong to the continuous spectrum of some Hermitian operators. Therefore, the coherent distributions work better than the coherent states as the kernel of the integral representation of generalized eigenfunctions of operators with continuous spectrum. In this work, this approach is demonstrated with an example of solving a basic problem of quantum mechanics, i.e., the problem of the continuous part of the spectrum of the Hamiltonian of the hydrogen atom.

Avasthātraya: Deeper insights

The Upaniṣad or Vedānta is certainly the most brilliant expression of Indian wisdom. From time immemorial it has been the driving force behind all intellectual and spiritual pursuits of the seers. The crowning glory of the Upaniṣad lies in its spirit of inquiry into the nature of truth. It has not only impacted the knowledge systems of India but has gained a global recognition for its consistently significant contribution to the development of the science of consciousness, in addition to the value-based knowledge it imparts. It conceives of pure consciousness to be the eternal, all-pervasive and transcendental Reality which is termed Ātman or Brahman. The individual being is the worldly manifestation of the pure consciousness and it is ignorant of its real nature owing to its association with the limiting adjuncts. According to a few principal Upaniṣads, that real nature, as pure consciousness, can be intuited by an individual after transcending three intermediate states Jāgaritasthāna, Svapnasthāna and Suṣuptasthāna. These three consecutive states do not refer only to the ordinary states of sleep and wakefulness but may be regarded as the steps towards the realization of Supreme Reality. In-depth analysis reveals a close correspondence of these three states with the states of Samādhi as mentioned in the Pātañjala Yogasūtra. The paper offers a deeper insight into the nature of these three intermediate states through which the absolute Consciousness can be perfectly realized in its entirety.

System of metastable volume-localized electronic states in positively charged semiconductor single-wall carbon nanotubes

The volume-localized electronic states (SAMOs) with a maximum of their electron wave functions located in the cavity of nanomaterials have been experimentally and theoretically demonstrated in a fullerene. The existence of SAMOs in single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was also predicted theoretically. In the present paper, these volume states in semiconductor SWCNTs were theoretically investigated using numerical quantum modeling based on density functional theory (DFT). It is shown that the well appears in the center of the tube, whose depth increases with increasing positive charge, since the total potential of a positively charged structure can be represented as the sum of the Coulomb potential and the potential of the atoms of the tube wall. In this context, in addition to the well-studied surface-localized states, states localized in the volume of the cylinder also occur. Using the components of the electric transition dipole moment, the lifetime of the volume states was preliminarily estimated in comparison to the lifetime of the ordinary surface states.

Subjective Time in Ordinary and Non-ordinary States of Consciousness: How Interoceptive Feelings Inform Us About the Passage of Time.

In accordance with Bud (A.D.) Craig's theories, we maintain that ascending physiological signals in their temporal dynamics are a necessary prerequisite for human time judgments. Functional neuroimaging and psychophysiological evidence have increasingly demonstrated that the subjective judgment of time is based on the physical and emotional self. The psychological literature reveals how emotions and related body feelings shape subjective time. Empirical studies of altered states of consciousness, namely meditative states, are also of prime interest as the perception of the physical state is strongly modulated and thereby affects the subjective experience of time. Our conclusion is that the sense of time is strongly embodied.

Narrative immersion as an attentional phenomenon

ABSTRACT Some stories generate in us a peculiar experience of intense narrative engagement. This common experience, which we call narrative immersion, has been the object of a vast literature in psychology and other disciplines. Philosophers, however, have only recently engaged with this topic and the tendency has been to explain it by postulating specific kinds of mental states. We propose a different approach, explaining narrative immersion by means of a particular distribution of attention over the content of ordinary mental states. First, we provide a characterization of narrative immersion based on studies by psychologists and other theorists. Then, we discuss alternative views and develop our own proposal. We articulate how attention works as we engage with the narrative, and how the adequate distribution of attention over the mental states involved in understanding the storyworld can offer the resources to explain the characteristic features of narrative immersion. Unlike alternative proposals, ours avoids the need to postulate controversial mental states.

Entanglement and discernibility of identical particles.

This article follows an unorthodox approach to the individuation of quantum particles of the same type. According to this approach, individuation of the components of a composite system of identical particles is done not with the help of unphysical labels (indices) but physically meaningful projection operators. This unorthodox conception requires a modification of the standard notion of entanglement, in order to exclude states whose non-factorizability arises merely from the (anti)symmetrization of a product state. I will report several facts regarding the connections of the modified concept of entanglement with the issue of discernibility. I will also discuss recent experiments involving measurement-induced entanglement, and I will point out that they do not threaten the cogency of the new concept of entanglement. The statistical correlations observed in these experiments are explainable not by the entanglement of the initial state but by the creation of a new, genuinely entangled state by means of a pre-measurement selection. Finally, I will identify and discuss a genuine difference between non-entangled but non-factorizable states of identical particles and ordinary product states, which is that the former but not the latter admits an infinity of alternative and incompatible individuations by single-particle properties. This phenomenon can be accounted for using the concept of emergent particles proposed by Dennis Dieks. This article is part of the theme issue 'Identity, individuality and indistinguishability in physics and mathematics'.

Stiefel-Whitney topological charges in a three-dimensional acoustic nodal-line crystal

Band topology of materials describes the extent Bloch wavefunctions are twisted in momentum space. Such descriptions rely on a set of topological invariants, generally referred to as topological charges, which form a characteristic class in the mathematical structure of fiber bundles associated with the Bloch wavefunctions. For example, the celebrated Chern number and its variants belong to the Chern class, characterizing topological charges for complex Bloch wavefunctions. Nevertheless, under the space-time inversion symmetry, Bloch wavefunctions can be purely real in the entire momentum space; consequently, their topological classification does not fall into the Chern class, but requires another characteristic class known as the Stiefel-Whitney class. Here, in a three-dimensional acoustic crystal, we demonstrate a topological nodal-line semimetal that is characterized by a doublet of topological charges, the first and second Stiefel-Whitney numbers, simultaneously. Such a doubly charged nodal line gives rise to a doubled bulk-boundary correspondence—while the first Stiefel-Whitney number induces ordinary drumhead states of the nodal line, the second Stiefel-Whitney number supports hinge Fermi arc states at odd inversion-related pairs of hinges. These results experimentally validate the two Stiefel-Whitney topological charges and demonstrate their unique bulk-boundary correspondence in a physical system.

Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapy in 3-D: Acceptance, Connectedness, and Defensiveness

ABSTRACT As psychiatry weighs a move from a categorical to a dimensionally-based classification system, clinical research and treatment paradigms may shift towards identifying which dimensions of mental health can improve treatment outcomes across a broad range of diagnostic categories. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, which is currently in clinical trials for a wide range of conditions from PTSD to tobacco dependency, holds promise for just such a dimensional approach to treatment. Anecdotal reports and qualitative studies have hinted at its potential for decreasing defensiveness and increasing feelings of acceptance and connectedness. In this theoretical paper, I draw upon ideas and research with psychedelics, infant observation, social psychology, and psychoanalysis to explain why psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is especially well-suited for addressing these dimensions of mental health. Because studies already support the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in one dimensionally-based application – the treatment of existential anxiety in patients with cancer – I begin with a look at psychological models of defensiveness in relation to the fear of death. I then use the models of Winnicott, Stern, Carhart-Harris/Friston and others to discuss the experiences of awe, omnipotence, and creativity within ordinary and psychedelic states, and touch on a fourth dimension of mental health, authenticity. I suggest psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may be viewed as a transitional space ideally suited for working through experiences of disconnection through the process of illusion-disillusionment, allowing gradual acceptance. I conclude with a summary of how acceptance, connectedness, and defensiveness are related to each other and to one’s sense of self.

Mid-infrared frequency combs and staggered spectral patterns in χ(2) microresonators.

The potential of frequency comb spectroscopy has aroused great interest in generating mid-infrared frequency combs in the integrated photonic setting. However, despite remarkable progress in microresonators and quantum cascade lasers, the availability of suitable mid-IR comb sources remains scarce. Here, we generate mid-IR microcombs relying on cascaded three-wave-mixing for the first time. By pumping a CdSiP2 microresonator at 1.55 µm wavelength with a low power continuous wave laser, we generate χ(2) frequency combs at 3.1 µm wavelength, with a span of about 30 nm. We observe ordinary combs states with a line spacing of the free spectral range of the resonator, and combs where the sideband numbers around the pump and half-harmonic alternate, forming staggered patterns of spectral lines. Our scheme for mid-IR microcomb generation is compatible with integrated telecom lasers. Therefore, it has the potential to be used as a simple and fully integrated mid-IR comb source, relying on only one single material.

Coherent Schwartz distributions of the Heisenberg algebra and inverted oscillator

An unusual family of generalized coherent states of the Heisenberg algebra is constructed. It consists of two families of functionals on the Schwartz space. Each of them has the key properties of ordinary coherent states: it intertwines the representations of a given algebra, has the completeness property, and minimizes the product of variances in the Heisenberg relation. However, unlike the usual coherent states that are eigenstates for the annihilation operator, the constructed distributions belong to the continuous spectrum of Hermitian generators of the Heisenberg algebra. The inner product of functionals from different families has the main properties of the overlap function of ordinary coherent states: it is continuous in parameters, satisfies the reproducing identity, and has the corresponding geometric meaning. The application of unusual coherent states of the continuous spectrum is demonstrated by an example of solving the spectral problem for an inverted oscillator.

Heads, Seekers, Psychonauts, and One-Timers: Patterns in Stories of Psychedelic Consumption

Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that alter ordinary states of consciousness. The U.S. criminalized ingestion of these drugs approximately 60 years ago and use remains punishable by law. Prior to this time, the substances were differentially declared spiritual sacraments, medicines, and/or party drugs. (Auto)Ethnographies and other research often indicate psychedelic-induced experiences as remarkably personal, necessitating subjective interpretation. Empirical studies exploring patterns across psychedelic encounters are rare, but among the few that exist, users tend to be identified as either pursuing psycho-spiritual enlightenment or self-indulgent amusement. The present paper utilizes narratives collected through 37 in-depth interviews with adults from diverse social backgrounds who report a history of psychedelic consumption in non-clinical settings. The data suggest a potential 4-part categorization based on five factors: named forms of psychedelic substances used, reported frequency of psychedelic ingestions, stated reasons for consumption and desistance, self-imposed rules surrounding use, and descriptions of drug effects and experiences.

Bi-coherent states as generalized eigenstates of the position and the momentum operators

In this paper, we show that the position and the derivative operators, {{hat{q}}} and {{hat{D}}}, can be treated as ladder operators connecting various vectors of two biorthonormal families, {{{mathcal {F}}}}_varphi and {{{mathcal {F}}}}_psi . In particular, the vectors in {{{mathcal {F}}}}_varphi are essentially monomials in x, x^k, while those in {{{mathcal {F}}}}_psi are weak derivatives of the Dirac delta distribution, delta ^{(m)}(x), times some normalization factor. We also show how bi-coherent states can be constructed for these {{hat{q}}} and {{hat{D}}}, both as convergent series of elements of {{{mathcal {F}}}}_varphi and {{{mathcal {F}}}}_psi , or using two different displacement-like operators acting on the two vacua of the framework. Our approach generalizes well- known results for ordinary coherent states.

Exceptional Bound States and Negative Entanglement Entropy.

This Letter introduces a new class of robust states known as exceptional bound (EB) states, which are distinct from the well-known topological and non-Hermitian skin boundary states. EB states occur in the presence of exceptional points, which are non-Hermitian critical points where eigenstates coalesce and fail to span the Hilbert space. This eigenspace defectiveness not only limits the accessibility of state information but also interplays with long-range order to give rise to singular propagators only possible in non-Hermitian settings. Their resultant EB eigenstates are characterized by robust anomalously large or negative occupation probabilities, unlike ordinary Fermi sea states whose probabilities lie between 0 and 1. EB states remain robust after a variety of quantum quenches and give rise to enigmatic negative entanglement entropy contributions. Through suitable perturbations, the coefficient of the logarithmic entanglement entropy scaling can be continuously tuned. EB states represent a new avenue for robustness arising from geometric defectiveness, independent of topological protection or nonreciprocal pumping.

In Situ Observation of Point‐Defect‐Induced Unit‐Cell‐Wise Energy Storage Pathway in Antiferroelectric PbZrO3

AbstractPhase transition is established to govern electrostatic energy storage for antiferroelectric (AFE)‐type dielectric capacitors. However, the source of inducing the phase transition and the pathway of storing the energy remains elusive so far given the ultrafast charging/discharging process under normal working conditions. Here, by slowing down the phase‐transition speed using electron‐beam irradiation as an external stimulus, the in situ dynamic energy‐storage process in AFE PbZrO3 is captured by using atomic‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Specifically, it is found that oxygen‐lead‐vacancy‐induced defect core acts as a seed to initiate the antiferrodistortive‐to‐ferrodistortive transition in antiparallel‐Pb‐based structural frames. Associated with polarity evolution of the compressively strained defect core, the ferroelectric (FE)–ferrodistortive state expands bilaterally along the b‐axis direction and then develops into charged domain configurations during the energy‐storage process, which is further evidenced by observations at the ordinary FE states. With filling the gap of perception, the findings here provide a straightforward approach of unveiling the unit‐cell‐wise energy storage pathway in chemical defect‐engineered dielectric ceramics.

In-silico protein-ligand docking studies against the estrogen protein of breast cancer using pharmacophore based virtual screening approaches.

Breast cancer in woman is the most common cancer and in 2018 there were around 2 million new cases recorded. The maximum rate of breast cancer is reported in Belgium followed by Luxembourg. It is the second most general cancer, Lung cancer being the first. If the cancer tumor is located only in the breast, the survival rate would be 99%. If the tumor has wide to lymph nodes around the survival rate would be 85% and if the tumor had extend to distant parts, the survival rate would come down to 27%. Mammary gland is an important organ in mammals which has potential function to secrete, synthesize and deliver milk to the infants for nourishment, improvement and protection. Generally, cancer is named after the body part in which it originated; thus, breast cancer refers to the erratic development and proliferation of cells that originate in the breast tissue (7). There are some kinds of tumors that may grow within various areas of the breast. Most tumors are the outcome of benign (non-cancerous) alters within the breast. The estrogen receptors (ER) in ordinary and diseased states are significant for the improvement of relevant therapeutic strategies. Two main forms of ER exist, ERα and ERβ, which are encoded by separate genes. Estrogens play a central role in breast cancer improvement with ERα status being the mainly significant predictor of breast cancer prognosis. The potent lead molecule binding mode, residue-interaction patterns and docking energy were examined by molecular docking and binding free energy studies. The lead compounds and 3ERT complex structural stability and dynamic behavior were monitored by molecular dynamics analysis. The drug-likeness properties of lead compounds were predicted ADME analysis.

Evolution and reversal of topological edge states at optical frequencies from a two-dimensional photonic crystal

The nonreciprocal, defect-immune and backscatter suppression of topological waveguides will play an important role in future optical communication systems. For a long time, researchers have studied such waveguides through magneto-optical media. On one hand, for gyromagnetic media, they have a large magneto-optical effect, but also have large losses at high frequencies; on the other hand, for gyroelectric media, they have small losses at optical frequencies, but their magneto-optical effect is too small. In this paper, we study a magneto-optical photonic crystal (PC) based on a metamaterial design with gyroelectric media, ordinary media and metal. The PC not only can work at optical frequencies, but it also has a large magneto-optical effect. From the PC, we have found some unique properties of non-trivial topological edge states. Different from the ordinary topological edge states that result from the broken band gap from the band degeneration, the topological edge states in the current structure can directly occur in the lowest band gap. For a small magneto-optical effect, the topological edge state and ordinary edge state can coexist in the lowest gap. Through adjusting the external magnetic field, the first trivial band leaves off the zero-frequency point at the center of the first Brillouin zone and becomes non-trivial. With the increase of the external magnetic field, the first and second bands undergo a process of separation–intersection–separation. Following the process, the reversal of modes and Chern number from the two bands occurs. The direction of the topological edge states have also been reversed by the band reversal. The design in this paper has not only realized a topological waveguide working at optical frequencies, but it has also achieved dynamical control of topological edge states.

Atomic-scale observations of electrical and mechanical manipulation of topological polar flux closure

The ability to controllably manipulate complex topological polar configurations such as polar flux-closures via external stimuli may allow the construction of new electromechanical and nanoelectronic devices. Here, using atomically resolved in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy, we find that the polar flux-closures in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattice films are mobile and can be reversibly switched to ordinary single ferroelectric c or a domains under an applied electric field or stress. Specifically, the electric field initially drives movement of a flux-closure via domain wall motion and then breaks it to form intermediate a/c striped domains, whereas mechanical stress first squeezes the core of a flux-closure toward the interface and then form a/c domains with disappearance of the core. After removal of the external stimulus, the flux-closure structure spontaneously recovers. These observations can be precisely reproduced by phase field simulations, which also reveal the evolutions of the competing energies during phase transitions. Such reversible switching between flux-closures and ordinary ferroelectric states provides a foundation for potential electromechanical and nanoelectronic applications.

Mystical Love: The Universal Solvent

AbstractThe authors, both anthropologists who study alternative states of consciousness (ASC), explore the psychodynamics of mystical experience (ME). An affect that is a key factor for and integral to the phenomenology of ME is what they term “mystical love.” In many respects, ME refers to ASC that is diametrically opposite to everyday ego‐centered, materialist consciousness. In this article we examine several questions, including: (1) Why do humans experience ME, (2) why does there seems to be a need to alter consciousness away from ordinary waking states, (3) what is the relationship between mystical love and other affective states such as anger, greed, and anxiety, and (3) what are the necessary conditions for ME‐type, transpersonal experiences? We demonstrate that ritual practices are recurrently used across cultures to incubate and evoke intense feelings of non‐romantic love, empathy, and compassion. Some of these practices include ritual drivers such as ingesting psychotropic substances (entheogens and empathogens), daily activities that devalue ego centeredness and promote love, empathy and selfless service, meditation upon loving kindness, and compassion. All of these practices are preparations for entering ME, the results of which are interpreted within people's cycle of meaning.

Quantum collapse-revival effect in a supersymmetric Jaynes–Cummings model and its possible application in supersymmetric qubits

In the photon-atom interaction, one of the most interesting phenomena can be collapse-revival effect in population inversion of atomic levels. Since a single-photon-transition Jaynes–Cummings model can be generalized to a multiphoton-transition Jaynes–Cummings model, of which the Hamiltonian can exhibit a supersymmetric Lie algebra structure, in this paper, quantum collapse and revival in atomic population inversion, which is a collaborative effect of a variety of quantum Rabi oscillations with various quantum Rabi frequencies, is studied for the supersymmetric multiphoton-transition Jaynes–Cummings model. In the literature, it has been pointed out that quantum collapse and revival might find an application in qubit design. We expect that a supersymmetric two-level system might serve as such a kind of qubits. Compared with ordinary two-level qubits, more information could be stored in the basis vectors of supersymmetric qubits, and this could increase the degrees of freedom of tensor product (multi-component extension) of basis vectors of this multiphoton-atom interacting system. For this reason, some characteristics of the collapse-revival effect driven by ordinary coherent states and Yurke–Stoler coherent states will be addressed in this paper. The influence of various characteristic parameters of this supersymmetric Jaynes–Cummings model and the quantized optical fields on the quantum collapse and revival in the population inversion will be indicated in some numerical illustrative examples.