  We study theoretically the propagation of relatively long pulses with
ionizing intensities in a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber filled with a
Raman-inactive gas. Due to photoionization, previously unknown types of
asymmetric self-phase modulation and `universal' modulational instabilities
existing in both normal and anomalous dispersion regions appear. We also show
that it is possible to spontaneously generate a plasma-induced continuum of
blueshifting solitons, opening up new possibilities for pushing supercontinuum
generation towards shorter and shorter wavelengths.
