Acceleration and transport of relativistic electrons in the jets of the microquasar SS 433

SS 433 is a microquasar, a stellar binary system that launches collimated relativistic jets. We observed SS 433 in gamma rays using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) and found an energy-dependent shift in the apparent position of the gamma-ray emission from the parsec-scale jets. These observations trace the energetic electron population and indicate that inverse Compton scattering is the emission mechanism of the gamma rays. Our modeling of the energy-dependent gamma-ray morphology constrains the location of particle acceleration and requires an abrupt deceleration of the jet flow. We infer the presence of shocks on either side of the binary system, at distances of 25 to 30 parsecs, and that self-collimation of the precessing jets forms the shocks, which then efficiently accelerate electrons.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Hydration of the Stratosphere

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H₂O, SO₂, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO₂ and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H₂O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17-year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H₂O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H₂O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H₂O.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Hydration of the Stratosphere

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H₂O, SO₂, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO₂ and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H₂O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17-year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H₂O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H₂O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H₂O.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Hydration of the Stratosphere

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H₂O, SO₂, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO₂ and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H₂O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17-year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H₂O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H₂O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H₂O.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Hydration of the Stratosphere

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H₂O, SO₂, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO₂ and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H₂O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17-year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H₂O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H₂O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H₂O.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Hydration of the Stratosphere

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H₂O, SO₂, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO₂ and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H₂O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17-year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H₂O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H₂O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H₂O.

Time-resolved hadronic particle acceleration in the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi

Recurrent novae are repeating thermonuclear explosions in the outer layers of white dwarfs, due to the accretion of fresh material from a binary companion. The shock generated when ejected material slams into the companion star's wind can accelerate particles. We report very-high-energy (VHE, [Formula: see text]) gamma rays from the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, up to a month after its 2021 outburst, observed using the High Energy Stereoscopic System. The VHE emission has a similar temporal profile to lower-energy GeV emission, indicating a common origin, with a two-day delay in peak flux. These observations constrain models of time-dependent particle energization, favoring a hadronic emission scenario over the leptonic alternative. Shocks in dense winds provide favorable environments for efficient acceleration of cosmic-rays to very high energies.

Revealing x-ray and gamma ray temporal and spectral similarities in the GRB 190829A afterglow

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are bright flashes of gamma rays from extragalactic sources followed by fading afterglow emission, are associated with stellar core collapse events. We report the detection of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays from the afterglow of GRB 190829A, between 4 and 56 hours after the trigger, using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.). The low luminosity and redshift of GRB 190829A reduce both internal and external absorption, allowing determination of its intrinsic energy spectrum. Between energies of 0.18 and 3.3 tera-electron volts, this spectrum is described by a power law with photon index of 2.07 ± 0.09, similar to the x-ray spectrum. The x-ray and VHE gamma-ray light curves also show similar decay profiles. These similar characteristics in the x-ray and gamma-ray bands challenge GRB afterglow emission scenarios.

Extreme Outliers in Lower Stratospheric Water Vapor Over North America Observed by MLS: Relation to Overshooting Convection Diagnosed From Colocated Aqua-MODIS Data

Convectively injected water vapor (H2O) in the North American (NA) summer lowermost stratosphere results in significant outliers in the 100-hPa H2O measurements from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). MLS statistics from 15 years confirm that the NA region contains over 60% of global 100-hPa H2O > 12 ppmv, despite having only ∼1.8% of all MLS observations. A profile sampled in August 2019 stands out, withH 2 O = 26 . 3  ppmv, far exceeding the prior record and the median ∼4.5-ppmv abundance in NA. This particular outlier is associated with a large overshooting convective event (OCE) that spanned multiple U.S. states and persisted for several hours. Colocation of the MLS data over NA with cloud observations from Aqua's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reveals the unique character of this case, as only 2.3% of MLS profiles are as close to an OCE and only 0.024% of OCEs cover as large an area within a 500-km perimeter of a profile.

Data compilation on the effect of grain size, temperature, and texture on the strength of a single-phase FCC MnFeNi medium-entropy alloy

This data article presents a compilation of microstructural and mechanical data regarding the ternary single-phase FCC MnFeNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA). For the analysis, interpretation, and comparison of the data to literature values, the reader can refer to the original related research article entitled "Effect of Temperature and Texture on Hall-Petch Strengthening by Grain and Annealing Twin Boundaries in the MnFeNi Medium-Entropy Alloy", see Schneider et al. (Metals 9, 2019, 84). The microstructural data reported here include: (i) raw backscatter electron (BSE) micrographs (tif-files) obtained using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for nine different grain sizes with four images for each grain size and (ii) pdf reports and tables shown below presenting the distributions of the grain- (d, accounting for grain boundaries only) and crystallite- (c, which accounts for both grain and annealing twin boundaries) sizes and of the annealing twin thicknesses (t). These datasets may be useful to develop new algorithms for the automated evaluation of microstructural parameters in recrystallized alloys, i.e. with these benchmark data, an algorithm for image analysis could be trained to assess the above mentioned microstructural parameters. This would help to speed up the analysis of microstructures and improve its reliability. Additional tables describing the recrystallized microstructures and texture include the average number of annealing twin boundaries per grain (n), and the average Taylor factors (M). Raeisinia et al. (Model. Simul. Mater. Sc. 16, 2008, 025001) recently used a viscoplastic model to show that differences in the distribution of microstructural parameters affect the Hall-Petch parameters, but no attempt has been carried out so far to experimentally investigate this possibility since grain size distributions are rarely reported. Here, our benchmark data (e.g. distribution in grain/crystallite sizes, annealing twins per grain, distribution of annealing twin thicknesses) could be used to address these issues. The data describing the mechanical properties reported here are excel-sheets of raw stress-strain curves for temperatures ranging from 77 K to 873 K and different grain sizes. The yield stress (σ 0.2% ) and the normalized Hall-Petch parameters (σ 0 /G and k y /Gb 2) are given for all temperatures. The normalized Hall-Petch parameters are reported here since they allow to better compare the strength and the magnitude of grain boundary strengthening of different alloys with the same crystallographic structure, see Cordero et al. (Int. Mater. Rev. 61, 2016, 495-512). Moreover, the Hall-Petch parameters as well as the mechanical data reported here could be used for data mining and implemented in programs used for alloy design.

Publisher Correction: Very-high-energy particle acceleration powered by the jets of the microquasar SS 433

In this Letter, owing to a production error, the penultimate version of the PDF was published. The HTML version was always correct. The PDF has been corrected online.

Resummation of Diagrammatic Series with Zero Convergence Radius for Strongly Correlated Fermions

We demonstrate that a summing up series of Feynman diagrams can yield unbiased accurate results for strongly correlated fermions even when the convergence radius vanishes. We consider the unitary Fermi gas, a model of nonrelativistic fermions in three-dimensional continuous space. Diagrams are built from partially dressed or fully dressed propagators of single particles and pairs. The series is resummed by a conformal-Borel transformation that incorporates the large-order behavior and the analytic structure in the Borel plane, which are found by the instanton approach. We report highly accurate numerical results for the equation of state in the normal unpolarized regime, and reconcile experimental data with the theoretically conjectured fourth virial coefficient.

Contact and Momentum Distribution of the Unitary Fermi Gas

A key quantity in strongly interacting resonant Fermi gases is the contact C, which characterizes numerous properties such as the momentum distribution at large momenta or the pair correlation function at short distances. The temperature dependence of C was measured at unitarity, where existing theoretical predictions differ substantially even at the qualitative level. We report accurate data for the contact and the momentum distribution of the unitary gas in the normal phase, obtained by bold diagrammatic Monte Carlo and Borel resummation. Our results agree with experimental data within error bars and provide crucial benchmarks for the development of advanced theoretical treatments and precision measurements.

A framework based on 2-D Taylor expansion for quantifying the impacts of sub-pixel reflectance variance and covariance on cloud optical thickness and effective radius retrievals based on the bi-spectral method

The bi-spectral method retrieves cloud optical thickness (τ) and cloud droplet effective radius (r _e ) simultaneously from a pair of cloud reflectance observations, one in a visible or near infrared (VIS/NIR) band and the other in a shortwave-infrared (SWIR) band. A cloudy pixel is usually assumed to be horizontally homogeneous in the retrieval. Ignoring sub-pixel variations of cloud reflectances can lead to a significant bias in the retrieved τ and r _e . In the literature, the retrievals of τ and r _e are often assumed to be independent and considered separately when investigating the impact of sub-pixel cloud reflectance variations on the bi-spectral method. As a result, the impact on τ is contributed only by the sub-pixel variation of VIS/NIR band reflectance and the impact on r _e only by the sub-pixel variation of SWIR band reflectance. In our new framework, we use the Taylor expansion of a two-variable function to understand and quantify the impacts of sub-pixel variances of VIS/NIR and SWIR cloud reflectances and their covariance on the τ and r _e retrievals. This framework takes into account the fact that the retrievals are determined by both VIS/NIR and SWIR band observations in a mutually dependent way. In comparison with previous studies, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of how sub-pixel cloud reflectance variations impact the τ and r _e retrievals based on the bi-spectral method. In particular, our framework provides a mathematical explanation of how the sub-pixel variation in VIS/NIR band influences the r _e retrieval and why it can sometimes outweigh the influence of variations in the SWIR band and dominate the error in r _e retrievals, leading to a potential contribution of positive bias to the r _e retrieval. We test our framework using synthetic cloud fields from a large-eddy simulation and real observations from MODIS. The predicted results based on our framework agree very well with the numerical simulations. Our framework can be used to estimate the retrieval uncertainty from sub-pixel reflectance variations in operational satellite cloud products and to help understand the differences in τ and r _e retrievals between two instruments.

Measurement of the Radiation Energy in the Radio Signal of Extensive Air Showers as a Universal Estimator of Cosmic-Ray Energy

We measure the energy emitted by extensive air showers in the form of radio emission in the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz. Exploiting the accurate energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory, we obtain a radiation energy of 15.8±0.7(stat)±6.7(syst)  MeV for cosmic rays with an energy of 1 EeV arriving perpendicularly to a geomagnetic field of 0.24 G, scaling quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy. A comparison with predictions from state-of-the-art first-principles calculations shows agreement with our measurement. The radiation energy provides direct access to the calorimetric energy in the electromagnetic cascade of extensive air showers. Comparison with our result thus allows the direct calibration of any cosmic-ray radio detector against the well-established energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Artifact free reconstruction with the system matrix approach by overscanning the field-free-point trajectory in magnetic particle imaging

Magnetic particle imaging is a tracer-based imaging method that utilizes the non-linear magnetization response of iron-oxide for determining their spatial distribution. The method is based on a sampling scheme where a sensitive spot is moved along a trajectory that captured a predefined field-of-view (FOV). However, particles outside the FOV also contribute to the measurement signal due to their rotation and the non-sharpness of the sensitive spot. In the present work we investigate artifacts that are induced by particles not covered by the FOV and show that the artifacts can be mitigated by using a system matrix that covers not only the region of interest but also a certain area around the FOV. The findings are especially relevant when using a multi-patch acquisition scheme where the boundaries of neighboring patches have to be handled.

Search for patterns by combining cosmic-ray energy and arrival directions at the Pierre Auger Observatory

Energy-dependent patterns in the arrival directions of cosmic rays are searched for using data of the Pierre Auger Observatory. We investigate local regions around the highest-energy cosmic rays with [Formula: see text] eV by analyzing cosmic rays with energies above [Formula: see text] eV arriving within an angular separation of approximately 15[Formula: see text]. We characterize the energy distributions inside these regions by two independent methods, one searching for angular dependence of energy-energy correlations and one searching for collimation of energy along the local system of principal axes of the energy distribution. No significant patterns are found with this analysis. The comparison of these measurements with astrophysical scenarios can therefore be used to obtain constraints on related model parameters such as strength of cosmic-ray deflection and density of point sources.

First Experimental Characterization of Microwave Emission from Cosmic Ray Air Showers

We report the first direct measurement of the overall characteristics of microwave radio emission from extensive air showers. Using a trigger provided by the KASCADE-Grande air shower array, the signals of the microwave antennas of the Cosmic-Ray Observation via Microwave Emission experiment have been read out and searched for signatures of radio emission by high-energy air showers in the GHz frequency range. Microwave signals have been detected for more than 30 showers with energies above 3×10^{16}  eV. The observations presented in this Letter are consistent with a mainly forward-directed and polarized emission process in the GHz frequency range. The measurements show that microwave radiation offers a new means of studying air showers at E≥10^{17}  eV.

Lifetime of the Bose gas with resonant interactions

We study the lifetime of a Bose gas at and around unitarity using a Feshbach resonance in lithium 7. At unitarity, we measure the temperature dependence of the three-body decay coefficient L(3). Our data follow a L(3)=λ(3)/T(2) law with λ(3)=2.5(3)(stat)(6)(syst)×10(-20) (μK)(2) cm(6) s(-1) and are in good agreement with our analytical result based on zero-range theory. Varying the scattering length a at fixed temperature, we investigate the crossover between the finite-temperature unitary region and the previously studied regime where |a| is smaller than the thermal wavelength. We find that L(3) is continuous across the resonance, and over the whole a<0 range our data quantitatively agree with our calculation.

Lifetime of the Bose gas with resonant interactions

We study the lifetime of a Bose gas at and around unitarity using a Feshbach resonance in lithium 7. At unitarity, we measure the temperature dependence of the three-body decay coefficient L(3). Our data follow a L(3)=λ(3)/T(2) law with λ(3)=2.5(3)(stat)(6)(syst)×10(-20) (μK)(2) cm(6) s(-1) and are in good agreement with our analytical result based on zero-range theory. Varying the scattering length a at fixed temperature, we investigate the crossover between the finite-temperature unitary region and the previously studied regime where |a| is smaller than the thermal wavelength. We find that L(3) is continuous across the resonance, and over the whole a<0 range our data quantitatively agree with our calculation.

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by a well differentiated ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ileum

Cushing's syndrome can be caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting solid tumors. We report a rare case of an ileal endocrine carcinoma that produced ACTH and induced hypercortisolism. A now 47-year-old man presented at age 41 with weight gain, tremor, perspiration, and general fatigue. Laboratory testing showed hypercortisolism and diabetes mellitus. Further examinations revealed ectopic Cushing's syndrome. The search for the primary tumor was difficult. The patient underwent subtotal thyroidectomy and surgical removal of a pituitary lesion. After resection of an ACTH-producing metastasis of the mesentery, temporary remission of Cushing's syndrome ensued. At the age 45 the primary tumor was detected in the ileum by Ga-68 DOTATOC-PET scan and explorative laparotomy. After surgical removal of this well differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma the patient significantly improved clinically. He experienced better blood pressure and remission of his diabetes mellitus in addition to increased muscular strength. Endocrine laboratory testing at follow-up examinations confirmed remission of hypercortisolism and diabetes mellitus. A Ga-68 DOTATOC PET scan and a 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test 5 months after surgery showed normal results. Ectopic ACTH secretion within the small bowel is very rare. This case underscores the difficulty in locating the source of ectopic ACTH secretion and suggests using small bowel barium study, tubus endoscopy or video endoscopy for preoperative localization if the small bowel is suspected as tumor source.

Second interims analysis of the ARA Plus study: Breast Cancer (BC) adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) with and without darbepoetin- alpha, analysis of serious adverse events

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Background: TAC is one of the most effective regimens. It‘s associated with higher frequency of anemia and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN). The erythropoiesis stimulating factor (ESF) support of chemotherapy, its complications and survival effect remain unclear. Erythropoetins do prevent chemotherapy-associated anemia (CAA) and subsequent fatigue syndrome but their potential influence on survival is still unclear. One aim of this analysis is to investigate the correlation between CT, growth factor support and toxicity (SAE‘s). Methods: This ARA Plus phase III trial compare chemotherapy ±ARA in breast cancer patients >18 years old, with positive lymph nodes and with M0 disease. Pts get six cycles of of 5-fluoro-uracile 500mg/m2, epirubicine 100mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500mg/m2, (FEC, Bonneterre), 3-weekly or six cycles of docetaxcel 75mg/m2, adriamycin 50mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500mg/m2, (TAC, BCIRG) and are randomized to ARA 500μg q3w if Hb<13 g/dl or standard support care. Here arte the results. of SAE‘S. Results: A total of 756 pts (373 + ARA/383 -ARA) from 53 sites were enrolled since January 2004, there are 1234 pts. planned up to January 2008. 185 serious adverse events (SAE) are reported. Of these 185 SAE’s 100 (54%) had an ARA-therapy. Most frequent SAE’s were: leucopenia, febrile neutropenia, thrombosis and infections. In 9 (31%) out of the 29 febrile neuropenia SAE’s, ARA was given. 30 thromboses were reported (23+ARA/7-ARA s.) but only 10 at the verty time ARA was given. In 31 severe infections 16 (51,6%; n.s.) were reported in patients receiving ARA Therapy. From 43 patients with intestinal SAE‘s like Diarrhea/Mucositis/Nausea to 30 pts. (69,8 %) ARA eas given. Conclusions: The combination of CT and ARA is safe concerning febrile neutropenia and furthermore appears to be protective factor of this SAE when combined with TAC. There seem to be more SAE‘s concerning thrombosis and intestinal difficulties.These results allow to hypothesize that ARA therapy is associated with higher toxicity concerning thrombosis which could make the use of heparin necessary but on the other side it shows significant reduced neutropenia.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Biological characteristics in triple negative high risk breast cancer and their clinical implications

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Background: Hormone receptor and Her2neu negative breast cancer (triple negative, TN) presents an aggressive biological subtype with decreased survival. Basal-like BC identified by gene expression arrays (Perou CM, et al. Nature 2000) may be associated with TN breast cancer. Several studies defined the origin of TN or BBC breast cancer in a progenitor epithelial cell that is undifferentiated. Other studies investigated the association of TN with EGFR expression or BRCA1 mutations. The aim of our study was to analyze the expression of stem cell or basal markers in TN high risk breast cancer. Methods: We examined 236 patients from central tumour bank from high risk breast cancer patients (>9 positive LN), who were randomized to the WSG AM-01 trial (phase III tandem HDC versus DD CT). The following markers were profiled by IHC in TMA for all patients: ER, PR, Her2neu, MIB-1, EGFR, p53, Ck 5/6, CK17, c-kit, p63, Vimentin, ABCA3, and BCRP. Their correlation with survival was studied. Results: 65 patients (30%) of 218 patients assessable for hormone receptor and Her2neu staining, were identified as TN, surprisingly not indicating any higher incidence of TN tumors in this selected high risk collective, when compared to other more heterogeneous populations. This phenotype was significantly more frequent in premenopausal women, and was significantly associated with G3, MIB1 and EGFR, CK5/6 and 17, c-kit, vimentin, p53 and BCRP expression. No association with p63 and ABCA3 was found. Poor grading, MIB1+, CK5/6 and 17, c-kit, vimentin and BCRP+ strongly correlated with relapse. Patients with TN tumors had significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.002) in comparison to the remaining group. Conclusions: The triple negative BC-type is frequent in patients with multiple positive lymph nodes and has a poor prognosis. Its association with age and basal and progenitor cell molecular markers suggests correlation with BRCA1 mutations as a potential marker for resistance to alkylating agents (Sorlie, PNAS 2003). Modern experimental (chemo)-therapy designs in this subgroup should take into account the higher incidence of EGFR and basal stem cell marker expression, p53 mutations, the poor differentiation, the expression of chemoresistance markers and the high proliferative activity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Interaction-induced adiabatic cooling and antiferromagnetism of cold fermions in optical lattices

We propose an interaction-induced cooling mechanism for two-component cold fermions in an optical lattice. It is based on an increase of the spin entropy upon localization, an analogue of the Pomeranchuk effect in liquid helium 3. We discuss its application to the experimental realization of the antiferromagnetic phase. We illustrate our arguments with dynamical mean-field theory calculations.