title: Efficient 2-designs from bases exist

abstract:
  We show that in a complex d-dimensional vector space, one can find O(d) bases
whose elements form a 2-design. Such vector sets generalize the notion of a
maximal collection of mutually unbiased bases (MUBs). MUBs have manifold
applications in quantum information theory (e.g. in state tomography, cloning,
or cryptography) -- however it is suspected that maximal sets exist only in
prime-power dimensions. Our construction offers an efficient alternative for
general dimensions. The findings are based on a framework recently established
in [A. Roy and A. Scott, J. Math. Phys. 48, 072110 (2007)], which reduces the
construction of such bases to the combinatorial problem of finding certain
highly nonlinear functions between abelian groups.


title:
Modeling the water line emission from the high-mass star-forming region
  AFGL2591

abstract:
  Context: observations of water lines are a sensitive probe of the geometry,
dynamics and chemical structure of dense molecular gas. The launch of Herschel
with on board HIFI and PACS allow to probe the behaviour of multiple water
lines with unprecedented sensitivity and resolution. Aims: we investigate the
diagnostic value of specific water transitions in high-mass star-forming
regions. As a test case, we apply our models to the AFGL2591 region. Results:
in general, for models with a constant water abundance, the ground state lines,
i.e., 1_(10)-1_(01), 1_(11)-0_(00), and 2_(12)-1_(01), are predicted in
absorption, all the others in emission. This behaviour changes for models with
a water abundance jump profile in that the line profiles for jumps by a factor
of ~10-100 are similar to the line shapes in the constant abundance models,
whereas larger jumps lead to emission profiles. Asymmetric line profiles are
found for models with a cavity outflow and depend on the inclination angle.
Models with an outflow cavity are favoured to reproduce the SWAS observations
of the 1_(10)-1_(01) ground-state transition. PACS spectra will tell us about
the geometry of these regions, both through the continuum and through the
lines. Conclusions: it is found that the low-lying transitions of water are
sensitive to outflow features, and represent the excitation conditions in the
outer regions. High-lying transitions are more sensitive to the adopted density
and temperature distribution which probe the inner excitation conditions. The
Herschel mission will thus be very helpful to constrain the physical and
chemical structure of high-mass star-forming regions such as AFGL2591.


title:
Searching for Mergers in Early-Type QSO Host Galaxies and a Control
  Sample of Inactive Ellipticals

abstract:
  We present very deep HST/ACS images of five QSO host galaxies, classified as
undisturbed ellipticals in earlier studies. For four of the five objects, our
images reveal strong signs of interaction such as tidal tails, shells, and
other fine structure, suggesting that a large fraction of QSO host galaxies may
have experienced a relatively recent merger event. Our preliminary results for
a control sample of inactive elliptical galaxies do not reveal comparable fine
structure.


title:
Unparticle physics effects in (Lambda_b -> Lambda + missing energy)
  processes

abstract:
  We study unparticle physics effects in (Lambda_b -> Lambda + missing energy)
decay with polarized $\Lambda_b$ and $\Lambda$ baryons. The sensitivity of the
branching ratio of this decay and polarizations of (Lambda_b) and (Lambda)
baryons on the scale dimension d_U and effective cut-off parameter (Lambda_U)
are discussed.


title:
Water vapor emission from IRC+10216 and other carbon-rich stars: model
  predictions and prospects for multitransition observations

abstract:
  We have modeled the emission of H2O rotational lines from the extreme C-rich
star IRC+10216. Our treatment of the excitation of H2O emissions takes into
account the excitation of H2O both through collisions, and through the pumping
of the nu2 and nu3 vibrational states by dust emission and subsequent decay to
the ground state. Regardless of the spatial distribution of the water
molecules, the H2O 1_{10}-1_{01} line at 557 GHz observed by the Submillimeter
Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) is found to be pumped primarily through the
absorption of dust-emitted photons at 6 $\mu$m in the nu2 band. As noted by
previous authors, the inclusion of radiative pumping lowers the ortho-H2O
abundance required to account for the 557 GHz emission, which is found to be
(0.5-1)x10^{-7} if the presence of H2O is a consequence of vaporization of
orbiting comets or Fischer-Tropsch catalysis. Predictions for other
submillimeter H2O lines that can be observed by the Herschel Space Observatory
(HSO) are reported. Multitransition HSO observations promise to reveal the
spatial distribution of the circumstellar water vapor, discriminating among the
several hypotheses that have been proposed for the origin of the H2O vapor in
the envelope of IRC+10216. We also show that, for observations with HSO, the
H2O 1_{10}-1_{01} 557 GHz line affords the greatest sensitivity in searching
for H2O in other C-rich AGB stars.


title:
Critical Behavior of CP^1 at theta = pi, Haldane's Conjecture and the
  Universality Class

abstract:
  Using an approach to analyze the theta dependence of systems with a
theta-term we recently proposed, the critical behavior of CP^1 at theta=pi is
studied. We find a region outside the strong coupling regime where Haldane's
conjecture is verified. The critical line however does not belong to the
universality class of the Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten model at topological
coupling k=1 since it shows continuously varying critical exponents.


title: Analysis of rare (B -> K_0*(1430) l^+ l^- decay) within QCD sum rules

abstract:
  Form factors of rare (B -> K_0*(1430) l^+ l^-$ decay) decay are calculated
within three-point QCD sum rules, with (K_0* (1430)) being the p-wave scalar
meson. The branching ratios are estimated when only short, as well as short and
long distance effects, are taken into account.It is obtained that the (B ->
K_0*(1430) l^+ l^- (l=e,mu)) decay is measurable at LHC. Measurement of these
branching ratios for the semileptonic rare (B -> K_0*(1430) l^+ l^-$ decay) can
give valuable information about the nature of scalar meson (K_0* (1430)).


title: Asymptotic Behavior of Inflated Lattice Polygons

abstract:
  We study the inflated phase of two dimensional lattice polygons with fixed
perimeter $N$ and variable area, associating a weight $\exp[pA - Jb ]$ to a
polygon with area $A$ and $b$ bends. For convex and column-convex polygons, we
show that $<A >/A_{max} = 1 - K(J)/\tilde{p}^2 +
\mathcal{O}(\rho^{-\tilde{p}})$, where $\tilde{p}=pN \gg 1$, and $\rho<1$. The
constant $K(J)$ is found to be the same for both types of polygons. We argue
that self-avoiding polygons should exhibit the same asymptotic behavior. For
self-avoiding polygons, our predictions are in good agreement with exact
enumeration data for J=0 and Monte Carlo simulations for $J \neq 0$. We also
study polygons where self-intersections are allowed, verifying numerically that
the asymptotic behavior described above continues to hold.


title: On the growth of linear perturbations

abstract:
  We consider the linear growth of matter perturbations in various dark energy
(DE) models. We show the existence of a constraint valid at $z=0$ between the
background and dark energy parameters and the matter perturbations growth
parameters. For $\Lambda$CDM $\gamma'_0\equiv \frac{d\gamma}{dz}_0$ lies in a
very narrow interval $-0.0195 \le \gamma'_0 \le -0.0157$ for $0.2 \le
\Omega_{m,0}\le 0.35$. Models with a constant equation of state inside General
Relativity (GR) are characterized by a quasi-constant $\gamma'_0$, for
$\Omega_{m,0}=0.3$ for example we have $\gamma'_0\approx -0.02$ while
$\gamma_0$ can have a nonnegligible variation. A smoothly varying equation of
state inside GR does not produce either $|\gamma'_0|>0.02$. A measurement of
$\gamma(z)$ on small redshifts could help discriminate between various DE
models even if their $\gamma_0$ is close, a possibility interesting for DE
models outside GR for which a significant $\gamma'_0$ can be obtained.


title: Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes

abstract:
  It is argued that the present log-normal distribution of language sizes is,
to a large extent, a consequence of demographic dynamics within the population
of speakers of each language. A two-parameter stochastic multiplicative process
is proposed as a model for the population dynamics of individual languages, and
applied over a period spanning the last ten centuries. The model disregards
language birth and death. A straightforward fitting of the two parameters,
which statistically characterize the population growth rate, predicts a
distribution of language sizes in excellent agreement with empirical data.
Numerical simulations, and the study of the size distribution within language
families, validate the assumptions at the basis of the model.


title: Prompt dipole radiation in fusion reactions

abstract:
  The prompt gamma ray emission was investigated in the 16A MeV energy region
by means of the 36,40Ar+96,92Zr fusion reactions leading to a compound nucleus
in the vicinity of 132Ce. We show that the prompt radiation, which appears to
be still effective at such a high beam energy, has an angular distribution
pattern consistent with a dipole oscillation along the symmetry axis of the
dinuclear system. The data are compared with calculations based on a collective
bremsstrahlung analysis of the reaction dynamics.


title: Passive Retrieval of Rayleigh Waves in Disordered Elastic Media

abstract:
  When averaged over sources or disorder, cross-correlation of diffuse fields
yield the Green's function between two passive sensors. This technique is
applied to elastic ultrasonic waves in an open scattering slab mimicking
seismic waves in the Earth's crust. It appears that the Rayleigh wave
reconstruction depends on the scattering properties of the elastic slab.
Special attention is paid to the specific role of bulk to Rayleigh wave
coupling, which may result in unexpected phenomena like a persistent
time-asymmetry in the diffuse regime.


title: Intermediate rank and property RD

abstract:
  We introduce concepts of intermediate rank for countable groups that
"interpolate" between consecutive values of the classical (integer-valued)
rank. Various classes of groups are proved to have intermediate rank behaviors.
We are especially interested in interpolation between rank 1 and rank 2. For
instance, we construct groups "of rank 7/4". Our setting is essentially that of
non positively curved spaces, where concepts of intermediate rank include
polynomial rank, local rank, and mesoscopic rank. The resulting framework has
interesting connections to operator algebras. We prove property RD in many
cases where intermediate rank occurs. This gives a new family of groups
satisfying the Baum-Connes conjecture. We prove that the reduced $C^*$-algebras
of groups of rank 7/4 have stable rank 1.


title: Ferromagnetic-like closure domains in ferroelectric ultrathin films

abstract:
  We simulate from first-principles the energetic, structural, and electronic
properties of ferroelectric domains in ultrathin capacitors made of a few unit
cells of BaTiO$_3$ between two metallic SrRuO$_3$ electrodes in short circuit.
The domains are stabilized down to two unit cells, adopting the form of a
domain of closure, common in ferromagnets but only recently detected
experimentally in ferroelectric thin films. The domains are closed by the
in-plane relaxation of the atoms in the first SrO layer of the electrode, that
behaves more like SrO in highly polarizable SrTiO$_3$ than in metallic
SrRuO$_3$. Even if small, these lateral displacements are essential to
stabilize the domains, and might provide some hints to explain why some systems
break into domains while others remain in a monodomain configuration. An
analysis of the electrostatic potential reveals preferential points of pinning
for charged defects at the ferroelectric-electrode interface, possibly playing
a major role in films fatigue.


title: Superselection Rules

abstract:
  This note provides a summary of the meaning of the term `Superselection Rule'
in Quantum Mechanics and Quantum-Field Theory. It is a slightly extended
version of a contribution to the Compendium of Quantum Physics: Concepts,
Experiments, History and Philosophy, edited by Friedel Weinert, Klaus
Hentschel, Daniel Greenberger, and Brigitte Falkenburg.


title: Lattice QCD with two light Wilson quarks and maximally twisted mass

abstract:
  We summarise status and recent results of the European Twisted Mass
collaboration (ETMC). The collaboration has generated gauge configurations for
three different values of the lattice spacing smaller or equal 0.1 fm and
values of the charged pseudo scalar mass as low as 300 MeV with two flavours of
maximally twisted mass quarks. We provide evidence that O(a) improvement works
very well with maximally twisted mass fermions and that also higher order
lattice artifacts appear to be small. The currently only quantity in the light
meson and baryon sector where cut-off effects are visible is the neutral pseudo
scalar meson mass and we present an attempt to understand this from a
theoretical point of view.
  We describe finite size effects and quark mass dependence of the mass and
decay constant of the (charged) pseudo scalar meson with chiral perturbation
theory formulae and our current estimate for the low energy constants l_{3,4}
is l_3=3.44(8)(35) and l_4=4.61(4)(11). Results for the average up-down, the
strange and the charm quark mass and the chiral condensate are also presented.


title: Formation and evolution of bulges

abstract:
  After presenting three ways of defining a bulge component in disc galaxies,
we introduce the various types of bulges, namely the classical bulges, the
boxy/peanut bulges and the disc-like bulges. We then discuss three specific
topics linked to bulge formation and evolution, namely the coupled time
evolution of the bar, buckling and peanut strengths; the effect of velocity
anisotropy on peanut formation; and bulge formation via bar destruction.


title: Strong Approximations of BSDEs in a domain

abstract:
  We study the strong approximation of a Backward SDE with finite stopping time
horizon, namely the first exit time of a forward SDE from a cylindrical domain.
We use the Euler scheme approach of Bouchard and Touzi, Zhang 04}. When the
domain is piecewise smooth and under a non-characteristic boundary condition,
we show that the associated strong error is at most of order $h^{\frac14-\eps}$
where $h$ denotes the time step and $\eps$ is any positive parameter. This rate
corresponds to the strong exit time approximation. It is improved to
$h^{\frac12-\eps}$ when the exit time can be exactly simulated or for a weaker
form of the approximation error. Importantly, these results are obtained
without uniform ellipticity condition.


title: Multicolor urn models with reducible replacement matrices

abstract:
  Consider the multicolored urn model where, after every draw, balls of the
different colors are added to the urn in a proportion determined by a given
stochastic replacement matrix. We consider some special replacement matrices
which are not irreducible. For three- and four-color urns, we derive the
asymptotic behavior of linear combinations of the number of balls. In
particular, we show that certain linear combinations of the balls of different
colors have limiting distributions which are variance mixtures of normal
distributions. We also obtain almost sure limits in certain cases in contrast
to the corresponding irreducible cases, where only weak limits are known.


title: Algebraic quantum permutation groups

abstract:
  We discuss some algebraic aspects of quantum permutation groups, working over
arbitrary fields. If $K$ is any characteristic zero field, we show that there
exists a universal cosemisimple Hopf algebra coacting on the diagonal algebra
$K^n$: this is a refinement of Wang's universality theorem for the (compact)
quantum permutation group. We also prove a structural result for Hopf algebras
having a non-ergodic coaction on the diagonal algebra $K^n$, on which we
determine the possible group gradings when $K$ is algebraically closed and has
characteristic zero.


title: Distributed spatial multiplexing with 1-bit feedback

abstract:
  We analyze a slow-fading interference network with MN non-cooperating
single-antenna sources and M non-cooperating single-antenna destinations. In
particular, we assume that the sources are divided into M mutually exclusive
groups of N sources each, every group is dedicated to transmit a common message
to a unique destination, all transmissions occur concurrently and in the same
frequency band and a dedicated 1-bit broadcast feedback channel from each
destination to its corresponding group of sources exists. We provide a
feedback-based iterative distributed (multi-user) beamforming algorithm, which
"learns" the channels between each group of sources and its assigned
destination. This algorithm is a straightforward generalization, to the
multi-user case, of the feedback-based iterative distributed beamforming
algorithm proposed recently by Mudumbai et al., in IEEE Trans. Inf. Th.
(submitted) for networks with a single group of sources and a single
destination. Putting the algorithm into a Markov chain context, we provide a
simple convergence proof. We then show that, for M finite and N approaching
infinity, spatial multiplexing based on the beamforming weights produced by the
algorithm achieves full spatial multiplexing gain of M and full per-stream
array gain of N, provided the time spent "learning'' the channels scales
linearly in N. The network is furthermore shown to "crystallize''. Finally, we
characterize the corresponding crystallization rate.


title:
Extracting the CKM phase angle \gamma(\equiv \phi_3) from isospin
  analysis in B\to K \pi decays

abstract:
  We propose a new method to extract the CKM phase angle \gamma (\equiv \phi_3)
from the isospin analysis in B \to K \pi decays. Unlike previously proposed
methods, we do not employ flavor SU(3) symmetry, so that this method is free
from the hadronic uncertainty coming from the SU(3) breaking effect. Neither we
adopt any Dalitz-plot analysis, which may involve multiple strong phases and
large final state interactions. After including small CP violating terms in B^+
\to K^0 \pi^+ and color-suppressed electroweak penguin contribution in B^0 \to
K^+ \pi^-, whose values are estimated from the QCD factorization, we obtain
\gamma = ({70}^{+5 +1 +2}_{-14 -1 -3})^\circ \textrm{or} {106^\circ}< \gamma <
{180^\circ}. The first error is due to the experimental errors mainly caused by
mixing-induced CP asymmetry S_{{K_s} \pi^0}. The second and third errors come
from the theoretical uncertainty for two above-mentioned small contributions,
respectively. Since we utilize only the isospin relations in B \to K \pi
decays, this method will work well, regardless of possible new physics effects
unless the isospin relations do not hold.


title: Gauge invariant nonlocal mass operator in YM theories

abstract:
  We briefly describe the construction of a renormalizable gauge model based on
the nonlocal gauge invariant mass operator F1/D^2F. We also take a look at the
unitarity of the resulting model.


title: Efficient Optimally Lazy Algorithms for Minimal-Interval Semantics

abstract:
  Minimal-interval semantics associates with each query over a document a set
of intervals, called witnesses, that are incomparable with respect to inclusion
(i.e., they form an antichain): witnesses define the minimal regions of the
document satisfying the query. Minimal-interval semantics makes it easy to
define and compute several sophisticated proximity operators, provides snippets
for user presentation, and can be used to rank documents. In this paper we
provide algorithms for computing conjunction and disjunction that are linear in
the number of intervals and logarithmic in the number of operands; for
additional operators, such as ordered conjunction and Brouwerian difference, we
provide linear algorithms. In all cases, space is linear in the number of
operands. More importantly, we define a formal notion of optimal laziness, and
either prove it, or prove its impossibility, for each algorithm. We cast our
results in a general framework of antichains of intervals on total orders,
making our algorithms directly applicable to other domains.


title: Third Spectroscopy with a hint of superstrings

abstract:
  New regularities found in the pseudoscalar meson octet are reported. They
invite to reconsider models where elementary fermions and composite QCD open
strings can be grouped in common supermultiplets. It is proven that, with
fermions having the standard model charges, such grouping needs at least three
families.


title:
Vertex-algebraic structure of the principal subspaces of certain
  A_1^(1)-modules, II: higher level case

abstract:
  We give an a priori proof of the known presentations of (that is,
completeness of families of relations for) the principal subspaces of all the
standard A_1^(1)-modules. These presentations had been used by Capparelli,
Lepowsky and Milas for the purpose of obtaining the classical Rogers-Selberg
recursions for the graded dimensions of the principal subspaces. This paper
generalizes our previous paper.


title:
The energy release--stellar angular momentum independence in rotating
  compact stars undergoing first-order phase transitions

abstract:
  We present the general relativistic calculation of the energy release
associated with a first order phase transition (PT) at the center of a rotating
neutron star (NS). The energy release, E_rel, is equal to the difference in
mass-energies between the initial (normal) phase configuration and the final
configuration containing a superdense matter core, assuming constant total
baryon number and the angular momentum. The calculations are performed with the
use of precise pseudo-spectral 2-D numerical code; the polytropic equations of
state (EOS) as well as realistic EOSs (Skyrme interactions, Mean Field Theory
kaon condensate) are used. The results are obtained for a broad range of
metastability of initial configuration and size of the new superdense phase
core in the final configuration. For a fixed ``overpressure'', dP, defined as
the relative excess of central pressure of a collapsing metastable star over
the pressure of the equilibrium first-order PT, the energy release up to
numerical accuracy does not depend on the stellar angular momentum and
coincides with that for nonrotating stars with the same dP. When the equatorial
radius of the superdense phase core is much smaller than the equatorial radius
of the star, analytical expressions for the E_rel can be obtained: E_rel is
proportional to dP^2.5 for small dP. At higher dP, the results of 1-D
calculations of E_rel(dP) for non-rotating stars reproduce with very high
precision exact 2-D results for fast-rotating stars. The energy release-angular
momentum independence for a given overpressure holds also for the so-called
``strong'' PTs (that destabilise the star against the axi-symmetric
perturbations), as well as for PTs with ``jumping'' over the energy barrier.


title: Optimum bias for fast-switching free energy calculations

abstract:
  We derive the bias function that minimizes the statistical error of free
energy differences calculated in work-biased fast-switching simulations. The
optimum bias function is compared to other bias functions using a particle
pulled through a viscous fluid as an illustrative example. Our analysis
indicates that the uncertainty in the free energy is smallest if both dominant
and typical work values are sampled with high frequency.


title: Canonical Forms for Unitary Congruence and *Congruence

abstract:
  We use methods of the general theory of congruence and *congruence for
complex matrices--regularization and cosquares-to determine a unitary
congruence canonical form (respectively, a unitary *congruence canonical form)
for complex matrices A such that \bar{A}A (respectively, A^2) is normal.
  As special cases of our canonical forms, we obtain-in a coherent and
systematic way-known canonical forms for conjugate normal, congruence normal,
coninvolutory, involutory, projection, and unitary matrices. But we also obtain
canonical forms for matrices whose squares are Hermitian or normal, and other
cases that do not seem to have been investigated previously.
  We show that the classification problems under (a) unitary *congruence when
A^3 is normal, and (b) unitary congruence when A\bar{A}A is normal, are both
unitarily wild, so there is no reasonable hope that a simple solution to them
can be found.


title: Far-Ultraviolet Cooling Features of the Antlia Supernova Remnant

abstract:
  We present far-ultraviolet observations of the Antlia supernova remnant
obtained with Far-ultraviolet IMaging Spectrograph (FIMS, also called SPEAR).
The strongest lines observed are C IV 1548,1551 and C III 977. The C IV
emission of this mixed-morphology supernova remnant shows a clumpy
distribution, and the line intensity is nearly constant with radius. The C III
977 line, though too weak to be mapped over the whole remnant, is shown to vary
radially. The line intensity peaks at about half the radius, and drops at the
edge of the remnant. Both the clumpy distribution of C IV and the rise in the C
IV to C III ratio towards the edge suggest that central emission is from
evaporating cloudlets rather than thermal conduction in a more uniform, dense
medium.


title:
A step towards the Analysis of the Influence of an electrical Field on
  the Propagation of Light

abstract:
  It is a matter of common knowledge that the field of gravitation influences
the propagation of light, but the question to which extent electromagnetic
fields do something similar is not completely answered. The birefringence
caused by electric and magnetic fields is subject of several articles in
Quantumelectrodynamics, but the absolute refractive index is discussed rather
rarely.
  Some hypothetical considerations about the feasibility of an experiment to
analyze the refractive index in electromagnetic fields were given in a former
article by the same author. A first experimental test is reported now. Perhaps
an evidence for an influence of an electric field on the refractive index was
found, but the result is not reliable enough to claim already, that the
influence was seen - but it should encourage to perform further measurements
with different methods of higher precision.


title: Determination of the running coupling in pure SU(4) Yang-Mills theory

abstract:
  The Schrodinger functional is used to define a renormalised coupling for pure
SU(4) Yang-Mills theory, with Wilson action and suitably selected boundary
conditions on the link field. The coupling, which runs with the size of the
lattice, is then determined by a finite-size scaling technique through a large
range of momenta, thereby allowing a connection to be made between the high
energy regime and the low energy non-perturbative regime, where contact is made
with the physical scale of the theory. Using data from previous SU(2) and SU(3)
simulations obtained with the same technique, the running of the 't Hooft
coupling defined through the Schrodinger functional is studied, and we check
whether the large-N expectation that g^2*N is a universal function of the
energy scale E holds down to energies of the order of the string tension.
Finally, we determine Lambda_SF in units of the string tension as a function of
N at leading order in 1/N^2.


title:
Moments of generalized parton distributions and quark angular momentum
  of the nucleon

abstract:
  The internal structure of hadrons is important for a variety of topics,
including the hadron form factors, proton spin and spin asymmetry in polarized
proton scattering.
  For a systematic study generalized parton distributions (GPDs) encode
important information on hadron structure in the entire impact parameter space.
We report on a computation of nucleon GPDs based on simulations with two
dynamical non-perturbatively improved Wilson quarks with pion masses down to
350MeV. We present results for the total angular momentum of quarks with chiral
extrapolation based on covariant baryon chiral perturbation theory.


title: Charmonium dynamics in heavy ion collisions

abstract:
  Applying the HSD transport approach to charmonium dynamics within the
'hadronic comover model' and the 'QGP melting scenario', we show that the
suppression pattern seen at RHIC cannot be explained by the interaction with
baryons, comoving mesons and/or by color screening mechanism. The interaction
with hadrons in the late stages of the collision (when the energy density falls
below the critical) gives a sizable contribution to the suppression. On the
other hand, it does not account for the observed additional charmonium
dissociation and its dependence on rapidity. Together with the failure of the
hadron-string models to reproduce high v2 of open charm mesons, this suggests
strong pre-hadronic interaction of c-cbar with the medium at high energy
densities.


title: First CNGS events detected by LVD

abstract:
  The CERN Neutrino to Gran Sasso (CNGS) project aims to produce a high energy,
wide band $\nu_{\mu}$ beam at CERN and send it toward the INFN Gran Sasso
National Laboratory (LNGS), 732 km away. Its main goal is the observation of
the $\nu_{\tau}$ appearance, through neutrino flavour oscillation. The beam
started its operation in August 2006 for about 12 days: a total amount of
$7.6~10^{17}$ protons were delivered to the target. The LVD detector, installed
in hall A of the LNGS and mainly dedicated to the study of supernova neutrinos,
was fully operating during the whole CNGS running time. A total number of 569
events were detected in coincidence with the beam spill time. This is in good
agreement with the expected number of events from Montecarlo simulations.


title:
Simultaneous H.E.S.S. and Chandra observations of Sgr A* during an X-ray
  flare

abstract:
  The rapidly varying non-thermal X-ray emission observed from Sgr A* points to
particle acceleration taking place close to the supermassive black hole. The
TeV gamma-ray source HESS J1745-290 is coincident with Sgr A* and may be
closely related to the X-ray emission. Simultaneous X-ray and TeV observations
are required to elucidate the relationship between these two objects. Here we
report on joint H.E.S.S./Chandra observations in July 2005, during which an
X-ray flare was detected. Despite a factor >10 increase in the X-ray flux of
Sgr A*, no evidence is found for an increase in the TeV gamma-ray flux. We find
that an increase of the gamma-ray flux of a factor 2 or greater can be excluded
at a confidence level of 99%. This finding disfavours scenarios in which the
bulk of the gamma-ray emission observed is produced close to Sgr A*.


title: Integrable boundary conditions and modified Lax equations

abstract:
  We consider integrable boundary conditions for both discrete and continuum
classical integrable models. Local integrals of motion generated by the
corresponding transfer matrices give rise to time evolution equations for the
initial Lax operator. We systematically identify the modified Lax pairs for
both discrete and continuum boundary integrable models, depending on the
classical r-matrix and the boundary matrix.


title:
Theoretical and experimental \alpha decay half-lives of the heaviest
  odd-Z elements and general predictions

abstract:
  Theoretical decay half-lives of the heaviest odd-Z nuclei are calculated
using the experimental Q value. The barriers in the quasimolecular shape path
are determined within a Generalized Liquid Drop Model (GLDM) and the WKB
approximation is used. The results are compared with calculations using the
Density-Dependent M3Y (DDM3Y) effective interaction and the
Viola-Seaborg-Sobiczewski (VSS) formulas. The calculations provide consistent
estimates for the half-lives of the decay chains of these superheavy elements.
The experimental data stand between the GLDM calculations and VSS ones in the
most time. Predictions are provided for the decay half-lives of other
superheavy nuclei within the GLDM and VSS approaches using the recent
extrapolated Q of Audi, Wapstra, and Thibault [Nucl. Phys. A729, 337 (2003)],
which may be used for future experimental assignment and identification.


title:
Jet quenching parameter \hat q in the stochastic QCD vacuum with Landau
  damping

abstract:
  We argue that the radiative energy loss of a parton traversing the
quark-gluon plasma is determined by Landau damping of soft modes in the plasma.
Using this idea, we calculate the jet quenching parameter of a gluon. The
calculation is done in SU(3) quenched QCD within the stochastic vacuum model.
At the LHC-relevant temperatures, the result depends on the gluon condensate,
the vacuum correlation length, and the gluon Debye mass. Numerically, when the
temperature varies from T=T_c to T=900 MeV, the jet quenching parameter rises
from \hat q=0 to approximately 1.8 GeV^2/fm. We compare our results with the
predictions of perturbative QCD and other calculations.


title: Constraints on Brane Inflation and Cosmic Strings

abstract:
  By considering simple, but representative, models of brane inflation from a
single brane-antibrane pair in the slow roll regime, we provide constraints on
the parameters of the theory imposed by measurements of the CMB anisotropies by
WMAP including a cosmic string component. We find that inclusion of the string
component is critical in constraining parameters. In the most general model
studied, which includes an inflaton mass term, as well as the brane-antibrane
attraction, values n_s < 1.02 are compatible with the data at 95 % confidence
level. We are also able to constrain the volume of internal manifold (modulo
factors dependent on the warp factor) and the value of the inflaton field to be
less than 0.66M_P at horizon exit. We also investigate models with a mass term.
These observational considerations suggest that such models have r < 2*10^-5,
which can only be circumvented in the fast roll regime, or by increasing the
number of antibranes. Such a value of r would not be detectable in CMB
polarization experiment likely in the near future, but the B-mode signal from
the cosmic strings could be detectable. We present forecasts of what a similar
analysis using PLANCK data would yield and find that it should be possible to
rule out G\mu > 6.5*10^-8 using just the TT, TE and EE power spectra.


title:
The initial-final mass relationship from white dwarfs in common proper
  motion pairs

abstract:
  The initial-final mass relationship of white dwarfs, which is poorly
constrained, is of paramount importance for different aspects in modern
astrophysics. From an observational perspective, most of the studies up to now
have been done using white dwarfs in open clusters. In order to improve the
initial-final mass relationship we explore the possibility of deriving a
semi-empirical relation studying white dwarfs in common proper motion pairs. We
have acquired long-slit spectra of the white dwarf members of the selected
common proper motion pairs, as well as high resolution spectra of their
companions. From these observations, a full analysis of the two members of each
common proper motion pair has lead to the initial and final masses of the white
dwarfs. These observations have allowed us to provide updated information for
the white dwarfs, since some of them were misclassified. This work is the first
one in using common proper motion pairs to improve the initial-final mass
relationship, and has also allowed to cover the poorly explored low-mass
domain. As in the case of studies based on white dwarfs in open clusters, the
distribution of the semi-empirical data presents a large scatter, which is
higher than the expected uncertainties in the derived values. This suggests
that the initial-final mass relationship may not be a single-valued function.


title: Symmetric bundles and representations of Lie triple systems

abstract:
  We define symmetric bundles as vector bundles in the category of symmetric
spaces; it is shown that this notion is the geometric analog of the one of a
representation of a Lie triple system. We show that such a bundle has an
underlying reflection space, and we investigate the corresponding forgetful
functor both from the point of view of differential geometry and from the point
of view of representation theory. This functor is not injective, as is seen by
constructing "unusual" symmetric bundle structures on the tangent bundles of
certain symmetric spaces.


title:
On the projective geometry of the supercircle: a unified construction of
  the super cross-ratio and Schwarzian derivative

abstract:
  We consider the standard contact structure on the supercircle, S^{1|1}, and
the supergroups E(1|1), Aff(1|1) and SpO(2|1) of contactomorphisms, defining
the Euclidean, affine and projective geometry respectively. Using the new
notion of (p|q)-transitivity, we construct in synthetic fashion even and odd
invariants characterizing each geometry, and obtain an even and an odd super
cross-ratios. Starting from the even invariants, we derive, using a superized
Cartan formula, one-cocycles of the group of contactomorphisms, K(1), with
values in tensor densities F_\lambda(S^{1|1}). The even cross-ratio yields a
K(1) one-cocycle with values in quadratic differentials, Q(S^{1|1}), whose
projection on F_{3/2}(S^{1|1}) corresponds to the super Schwarzian derivative
arising in superconformal field theory. This leads to the classification of the
cohomology spaces H^1(K(1),F_\lambda(S^{1|1})). The construction is extended to
the case of S^{1|N}. All previous invariants admit a prolongation for N>1, as
well as the associated Euclidean and affine cocycles. The super Schwarzian
derivative is obtained from the even cross-ratio, for N=2, as a projection to
F_1(S^{1|2}) of a K(2) one-cocycle with values in Q(S^{1|2}). The obstruction
to obtain, for N\geq 3, a projective cocycle is pointed out.


title:
Radiative and isospin-violating decays of Ds mesons in the hadrogenesis
  conjecture

abstract:
  The masses and decays of the scalar D_{s0}^*(2317) and axial-vector
D_{s1}^*(2460) charmed strange mesons are calculated consistently in the
hadrogenesis conjecture. These mesons decay either strongly into the
isospin-violating pi^0 D_s and pi^0 D_s^* channels or electromagnetically. They
are generated by coupled-channel dynamics based on the leading order chiral
Lagrangian. The effect of chiral corrections to chiral order Q_\chi^2 is
investigated. We show that taking into account large-N_c relations to determine
the strength of these correction terms implies a measurable signal for an
exotic axial-vector state in the eta D* invariant mass distribution. The
one-loop contribution to the electromagnetic decay amplitudes of scalar and
axial-vector states is calculated. The Lagrangian describing electromagnetic
interactions is obtained by gauging the chiral Lagrangian for hadronic
interactions and adding gauge-invariant correction terms to chiral order
Q_chi^2. In addition the role of light vector meson degrees of freedom is
explored. We confront our results with measured branching ratios. Once the
light vector mesons are included, a natural explanation of all radiative decay
parameters is achieved.


title:
Hydrostatic pressure effects on the electrical transport properties of
  Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3

abstract:
  We studied single-crystalline Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 by means of measurements of
magnetic susceptibility and specific heat at ambient pressure (P), and
electrical resistivity (r) in hydrostatic pressures up to 2 GPa. This material
displays ferromagnetic (FM) order, with Curie temperature TC ~ 255 K. A
crystallographic transformation from I4/mcm to Fmmm is accompanied by the onset
of antiferromagnetism (AFM), with Neel temperature TN ~ 161 K. The effect of
pressure is to lower TC, and raise TN at the approximate rates of -3.2 K/GPa,
and 14.2 K/GPa, respectively. Although the value of TN increases with P, due to
the enhancement of the superexchange interactions, the AFM-Fmmm state is
progressively suppressed, as pressure stabilizes the FM-I4/mcm phase to lower
temperatures. The r vs T data suggest that the AFM phase should be completely
suppressed near 2.4 GPa.


title: Space cowboys odyssey: beyond the Gould Belt

abstract:
  We present our new advanced model for population synthesis of close-by
cooling NSs. Detailed treatment of the initial spatial distribution of NS
progenitors and a detailed ISM structure up to 3 kpc give us an opportunity to
discuss the strategy to look for new isolated cooling NSs. Our main results in
this respect are the following: new candidates are expected to be identified
behind the Gould Belt, in directions to rich OB associations, in particular in
the Cygnus-Cepheus region; new candidates, on average, are expected to be
hotter than the known population of cooling NS. Besides the usual approach
(looking for soft X-ray sources), the search in 'empty' $\gamma$-ray error
boxes or among run-away OB stars may yield new X-ray thermally emitting NS
candidates.


title: Propagation and interaction of chiral states in quantum gravity

abstract:
  We study the stability, propagation and interactions of braid states in
models of quantum gravity in which the states are four-valent spin networks
embedded in a topological three manifold and the evolution moves are given by
the dual Pachner moves. There are results for both the framed and unframed
case. We study simple braids made up of two nodes which share three edges,
which are possibly braided and twisted. We find three classes of such braids,
those which both interact and propagate, those that only propagate, and the
majority that do neither.


title: Phase separation in a polarized Fermi gas at zero temperature

abstract:
  We investigate the phase diagram of asymmetric two-component Fermi gases at
zero temperature as a function of polarization and interaction strength. The
equations of state of the uniform superfluid and normal phase are determined
using quantum Monte Carlo simulations. We find three different mixed states,
where the superfluid and the normal phase coexist in equilibrium, corresponding
to phase separation between: (a) the polarized superfluid and the fully
polarized normal gas, (b) the polarized superfluid and the partially polarized
normal gas and (c) the unpolarized superfluid and the partially polarized
normal gas.


title:
VLT Spectroscopy of Globular Clusters in Low Surface Brightness Dwarf
  Galaxies

abstract:
  We present VLT/FORS2 spectroscopic observations of globular clusters (GCs) in
five low surface brightness (LSB) dwarf galaxies: KK211 and KK221, which are
both dwarf spheroidal satellites (dSph) of NGC 5128, dSph KK84 located close to
the isolated S0 galaxy NGC 3115, and two isolated dwarf irregular (dIrr)
galaxies UGC 3755 and ESO 490-17. Our sample is selected from the Sharina et
al. (2005) database of Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 photometry of GC candidates
in dwarf galaxies. For objects with accurate radial velocity measurements we
confirm 26 as genuine GCs out of the 27 selected candidates from our WFPC2
survey. Lick absorption line indices in the spectra of confirmed GCs and the
subsequent comparison with SSP model predictions show that all confirmed GCs in
dSphs are old, except GC KK211-3-149 (6 +/- 2 Gyr), which we consider to be the
nucleus of KK211. GCs in UGC 3755 and ESO 490-17 show a large spread in ages
ranging from old objects (t > 10 Gyr) to clusters with ages around 1 Gyr. Most
of our sample GCs have low metallicities [Z/H] <= -1. Two relatively metal-rich
clusters with [Z/H] ~ -0.3 are likely to be associated with NGC 3115. Our
sample GCs show in general a complex distribution of alpha-element enhancement
with a mean [alpha/Fe]=0.19 +/-0.04 derived with the chi2 minimization
technique and 0.18+/-0.12 dex computed with the iterative approach. These
values are slightly lower than the mean [alpha/Fe]=0.29+/-0.01 for typical
Milky Way GCs. We compare other abundance ratios with those of Local Group GCs
and find indications for systematic differences in N and Ca abundance. The
specific frequencies, S_N, of our sample galaxies are in line with the
predictions of a simple mass-loss model for dwarf galaxies and compare well
with S_N values found for dwarf galaxies in nearby galaxy clusters.


title: The Inductive Kernels of Graphs

abstract:
  It is well known that kernels in graphs are powerful and useful structures,
for instance in the theory of games. However, a kernel does not always exist
and Chv\'atal proved in 1973 that it is an NP-Complete problem to decide its
existence. We present here an alternative definition of kernels that uses an
inductive machinery : the inductive kernels. We prove that inductive kernels
always exist and a particular one can be constructed in quadratic time.
However, it is an NP-Complete problem to decide the existence of an inductive
kernel including (resp. excluding) some fixed vertex.


title: SAX J1808.4-3657 in Quiescence: A Keystone for Neutron Star Science

abstract:
  The accreting millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658 may be a transition object
between accreting X-ray binaries and millisecond radio pulsars. We have
constrained the thermal radiation from its surface through XMM-Newton X-ray
observations, providing strong evidence for neutrino cooling processes from the
neutron star core. We have also undertaken simultaneous X-ray and optical
(Gemini) observations, shedding light on whether the strong heating of the
companion star in quiescence may be due to X-ray irradiation, or to a radio
pulsar turning on when accretion stops.


title: Heavy-light decay constant at the 1/m order of HQET

abstract:
  Following the strategy developed by the ALPHA collaboration, we present a
method to compute non-perturbatively the decay constant of a heavy-light meson
in HQET including the 1/m corrections. We start by a matching between HQET and
QCD in a small volume to determine the parameters of the effective theory
non-perturbatively. Observables in the effective theory are then evolved to
larger volumes. In two steps a large enough volume is reached to determine the
physical decay constant. Some preliminary results in the quenched approximation
are shown.


title:
Weak magnetic fields in Ap/Bp stars: Evidence for a dipole field lower
  limit and a tentative interpretation of the magnetic dichotomy

abstract:
  We have investigated a sample of 28 well-known spectroscopically-identified
magnetic Ap/Bp stars, with weak, poorly-determined or previously undetected
magnetic fields, with the aim of exploring the weak part of the magnetic field
distribution of Ap/Bp stars. Using the MuSiCoS and NARVAL spectropolarimeters
we have obtained 282 LSD Stokes V signatures of our 28 sample stars. All stars
were detected, showing clearly that when observed with sufficient precision,
all firmly classified Ap/Bp stars show detectable surface magnetic fields. To
better characterise the surface magnetic field intensities and geometries of
the sample, we have inferred the dipolar field intensity and the magnetic
obliquity. The distribution of derived dipole strengths for these stars
exhibits a plateau at about 1 kG, falling off to larger and smaller field
strengths. Remarkably, in this sample of stars selected for their presumably
weak magnetic fields, we find only 2 stars for which the derived dipole
strength is weaker than 300 G. We interpret this "magnetic threshold" as a
critical value necessary for the stability of large-scale magnetic fields, and
develop a simple quantitative model that is able to approximately reproduce the
observed threshold characteristics. This scenario leads to a natural
explanation of the small fraction of intermediate-mass magnetic stars. It may
also explain the near-absence of magnetic fields in more massive B and O-type
stars.


title:
Alpenglow - A Signature for Chameleons in Axion-Like Particle Search
  Experiments

abstract:
  We point out that chameleon field theories might reveal themselves as an
'afterglow' effect in axion-like particle search experiments due to
chameleon-photon conversion in a magnetic field. We estimate the parameter
space which is accessible by currently available technology and find that
afterglow experiments could constrain this parameter space in a way
complementary to gravitational and Casimir force experiments.In addition, one
could reach photon-chameleon couplings which are beyond the sensitivity of
common laser polarization experiments. We also sketch the idea of a Fabry-Perot
cavity with chameleons which could increase the experimental sensitivity
significantly.


title:
Hidden in the Light: Magnetically Induced Afterglow from Trapped
  Chameleon Fields

abstract:
  We propose an afterglow phenomenon as a unique trace of chameleon fields in
optical experiments. The vacuum interaction of a laser pulse with a magnetic
field can lead to a production and subsequent trapping of chameleons in the
vacuum chamber, owing to their mass dependence on the ambient matter density.
Magnetically induced re-conversion of the trapped chameleons into photons
creates an afterglow over macroscopic timescales that can conveniently be
searched for by current optical experiments. We show that the chameleon
parameter range accessible to available laboratory technology is comparable to
scales familiar from astrophysical stellar energy loss arguments. We analyze
quantitatively the afterglow properties for various experimental scenarios and
discuss the role of potential background and systematic effects. We conclude
that afterglow searches represent an ideal tool to aim at the production and
detection of cosmologically relevant scalar fields in the laboratory.


title: High-energy neutrinos in the context of multimessenger physics

abstract:
  The field of astroparticle physics is currently developing rapidly, since new
experiments challenge our understanding of the investigated processes. Three
messengers can be used to extract information on the properties of
astrophysical sources: photons, charged Cosmic Rays and neutrinos. This review
focuses on high-energy neutrinos (E>100 GeV) with the main topics as follows.
  The production mechanism of high-energy neutrinos in astrophysical shocks.
The connection between the observed photon spectra and charged Cosmic Rays is
described and the source properties as they are known from photon observations
and from charged Cosmic Rays are presented.
  High-energy neutrino detection. Current detection methods are described and
the status of the next generation neutrino telescopes are reviewed. In
particular, water and ice Cherenkov detectors as well as radio measurements in
ice and with balloon experiments are presented. In addition, future
perspectives for optical, radio and acoustic detection of neutrinos are
reviewed.
  Sources of neutrino emission. The main source classes are reviewed, i.e.
galactic sources, Active Galactic Nuclei, starburst galaxies and Gamma Ray
  Bursts. The interaction of high energy protons with the cosmic microwave
background implies the production of neutrinos, referred to as GZK neutrinos.
  Implications of neutrino flux limits. Recent limits given by the AMANDA
experiment and their implications regarding the physics of the sources are
presented.


title:
Sedimentation of pairs of hydrodynamically interacting semiflexible
  filaments

abstract:
  We describe the effect of hydrodynamic interactions in the sedimentation of a
pair of inextensible semiflexible filaments under a uniform constant force at
low Reynolds numbers. We have analyzed the different regimes and the morphology
of such polymers in simple geometries, which allow us to highlight the
peculiarities of the interplay between elastic and hydrodynamic stresses.
Cooperative and symmetry breaking effects associated to the geometry of the
fibers gives rise to characteristic motion which give them distinct properties
from rigid and elastic filaments.


title:
Classical and quantum behavior of dynamical systems defined by functions
  of solvable Hamiltonians

abstract:
  We discuss the classical and quantum mechanical evolution of systems
described by a Hamiltonian that is a function of a solvable one, both
classically and quantum mechanically. The case in which the solvable
Hamiltonian corresponds to the harmonic oscillator is emphasized. We show that,
in spite of the similarities at the classical level, the quantum evolution is
very different. In particular, this difference is important in constructing
coherent states, which is impossible in most cases. The class of Hamiltonians
we consider is interesting due to its pedagogical value and its applicability
to some open research problems in quantum optics and quantum gravity.


title: Manin's conjecture for a quartic del Pezzo surface with A_4 singularity

abstract:
  The Manin conjecture is established for a split singular del Pezzo surface of
degree four, with singularity type A_4.


title:
Dark Matter in Gauge Mediated Supersymmetry Breaking using Metastable
  Vacua

abstract:
  We point out that, in a class of gauge mediation models using metastable
supersymmetry breaking vacua, the minimum of the supersymmetry breaking field
in the early universe is dynamically deviated from the one in the low energy.
The deviation induces coherent oscillations of the supersymmetry breaking
field, which decays into the gravitinos. For certain parameters, it can produce
a right amount of the gravitinos to account for the observed dark matter.


title: Dark energy and 3-manifold topology

abstract:
  We show that the differential-geometric description of matter by differential
structures of spacetime leads to a unifying model of the three types of energy
in the cosmos: matter, dark matter and dark energy. Using this model we are
able to calculate the ratio of dark energy to the total energy of the cosmos.


title:
Influence of the isospin and hypercharge chemical potentials on the
  location of the CEP in the mu_B-T phase diagram of the SU(3)_L x SU(3)_R
  chiral quark model

abstract:
  We investigate the influence of the asymmetric quark matter (rho_u\ne
rho_d\ne rho_s) on the mass of the quasiparticles and the phase diagram of the
chiral quark model parametrized at one-loop level of the renormalized theory,
using the optimized perturbation theory for the resummation of the perturbative
series. The effect of various chemical potentials introduced in the grand
canonical ensemble is investigated with the method of relativistic many-body
theory. The temperature dependence of the topological susceptibility is
estimated with the help of the Witten-Veneziano mass formula.


title:
A synchrotron self-Compton model with low energy electron cut-off for
  the blazar S5 0716+714

abstract:
  Rapid inverse Compton cooling sets in when the brightness temperature (T_B)
of a self-absorbed synchrotron source with power-law electrons reaches ~10^{12}
K. However, T_B inferred from observations of intra-day variable sources (IDV)
are well above the "Compton catastrophe" limit. This can be understood if the
underlying electron distribution cuts off at low energy. We approximate a
low-energy cut-off with monoenergetic electrons. We compute the synchrotron
self-Compton (SSC) spectrum of such distribution, and using the IDV source
S5~0716+714 as an example, we compare it to the observed SED of S5~0716+714.
The hard radio spectrum is well-fitted by this model, and the optical data can
be accommodated by a power-law extension to the electron spectrum. We therefore
examine the scenario of an injection of electrons that is a double power law in
energy with a hard low-energy component that does not contribute to the
synchrotron opacity. We show that the double power-law injection model is in
good agreement with the observed SED of S5~0716+714. For intrinsic variability,
we find that a Doppler factor of D\geq30 can explain the observed SED provided
that low-frequency (<32 GHz) emission originates from a larger region than the
higher-frequency emission. To fit the entire spectrum, D\geq65 is needed. We
find the constraint imposed by induced Compton scattering at high T_B is
insignificant in our model. We confirm that electron distribution with a
low-energy cut-off can explain the high T_B in compact radio sources. We show
that synchrotron spectrum from such distributions naturally accounts for the
observed hard radio continuum with a softer optical component, without the need
for an inhomogeneous source.


title: Ballistic Transport at Uniform Temperature

abstract:
  A paradigm for isothermal, mechanical rectification of stochastic
fluctuations is introduced in this paper. The central idea is to transform
energy injected by random perturbations into rigid-body rotational kinetic
energy. The prototype considered in this paper is a mechanical system
consisting of a set of rigid bodies in interaction through magnetic fields. The
system is stochastically forced by white noise and dissipative through
mechanical friction. The Gibbs-Boltzmann distribution at a specific temperature
defines the unique invariant measure under the flow of this stochastic process
and allows us to define ``the temperature'' of the system. This measure is also
ergodic and weakly mixing. Although the system does not exhibit global directed
motion, it is shown that global ballistic motion is possible (the mean-squared
displacement grows like t squared). More precisely, although work cannot be
extracted from thermal energy by the second law of thermodynamics, it is shown
that ballistic transport from thermal energy is possible. In particular, the
dynamics is characterized by a meta-stable state in which the system exhibits
directed motion over random time scales. This phenomenon is caused by
interaction of three attributes of the system: a non flat (yet bounded)
potential energy landscape, a rigid body effect (coupling translational
momentum and angular momentum through friction) and the degeneracy of the
noise/friction tensor on the momentums (the fact that noise is not applied to
all degrees of freedom).


title:
High-frequency X-ray variability as a mass estimator of stellar and
  supermassive black holes

abstract:
  There is increasing evidence that supermassive black holes in active galactic
nuclei (AGN) are scaled-up versions of Galactic black holes. We show that the
amplitude of high-frequency X-ray variability in the hard spectral state is
inversely proportional to the black hole mass over eight orders of magnitude.
We have analyzed all available hard-state data from RXTE of seven Galactic
black holes. Their power density spectra change dramatically from observation
to observation, except for the high-frequency (>10 Hz) tail, which seems to
have a universal shape, roughly represented by a power law of index -2. The
amplitude of the tail, C_M (extrapolated to 1 Hz), remains approximately
constant for a given source, regardless of the luminosity, unlike the break or
QPO frequencies, which are usually strongly correlated with luminosity.
Comparison with a moderate-luminosity sample of AGN shows that the amplitude of
the tail is a simple function of black hole mass, C_M = C/M, where C = 1.25
M_Sol / Hz. This makes C_M a robust estimator of the black hole mass which is
easy to apply to low- to moderate-luminosity supermassive black holes. The
high-frequency tail with its universal shape is an invariant feature of a black
hole and, possibly, an imprint of the last stable orbit.


title:
Implication of the overlap representation for modelling generalized
  parton distributions

abstract:
  Based on a field theoretically inspired model of light-cone wave functions,
we derive valence-like generalized parton distributions and their double
distributions from the wave function overlap in the parton number conserved
s-channel. The parton number changing contributions in the t-channel are
restored from duality. In our construction constraints of positivity and
polynomiality are simultaneously satisfied and it also implies a model
dependent relation between generalized parton distributions and transverse
momentum dependent parton distribution functions. The model predicts that the
t-behavior of resulting hadronic amplitudes depends on the Bjorken variable
x_Bj. We also propose an improved ansatz for double distributions that embeds
this property.


title: On String S-matrix, Bound States and TBA

abstract:
  The study of finite J effects for the light-cone AdS superstring by means of
the Thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz requires an understanding of a companion 2d
theory which we call the mirror model. It is obtained from the original string
model by the double Wick rotation. The S-matrices describing the scattering of
physical excitations in the string and mirror models are related to each other
by an analytic continuation. We show that the unitarity requirement for the
mirror S-matrix fixes the S-matrices of both theories essentially uniquely. The
resulting string S-matrix S(z_1,z_2) satisfies the generalized unitarity
condition and, up to a scalar factor, is a meromorphic function on the elliptic
curve associated to each variable z. The double Wick rotation is then
accomplished by shifting the variables z by quarter of the imaginary period of
the torus. We discuss the apparent bound states of the string and mirror
models, and show that depending on a choice of the physical region there are
one, two or 2^{M-1} solutions of the M-particle bound state equations sharing
the same conserved charges. For very large but finite values of J, most of
these solutions, however, exhibit various signs of pathological behavior. In
particular, they might receive a finite J correction to their energy which is
complex, or the energy correction might exceed corrections arising due to
finite J modifications of the Bethe equations thus making the asymptotic Bethe
ansatz inapplicable.


title:
Intrinsic parton motion soft mechanisms and the longitudinal spin
  asymmetry A_LL in high energy pp -> pi X

abstract:
  The longitudinal double spin asymmetry A_LL in the reaction pp --> pi X has
been measured at RHIC with extremely interesting consequences. If the gluon
polarization in a proton were as big as needed to resolve the famous "spin
crisis" then A_LL would be large and positive. Latest RHIC results indicate
that A_LL is small and disfavour large positive values of the gluon
polarization. We examine whether the soft mechanisms (Collins, Sivers,
Boer-Mulders), essential for generating transverse single spin asymmetries,
have any significant influence on A_LL, and whether they could alter the
conclusion that the gluon polarization is necessarily small. It turns out that
the contribution from these effects is essentially negligible.


title:
DrosOCB: a high resolution map of conserved non coding sequences in
  Drosophila

abstract:
  Comparative genomics methods are widely used to aid the functional annotation
of non coding DNA regions. However, aligning non coding sequences requires new
algorithms and strategies, in order to take into account extensive
rearrangements and turnover during evolution. Here we present a novel large
scale alignment strategy which aims at drawing a precise map of conserved non
coding regions between genomes, even when these regions have undergone small
scale rearrangments events and a certain degree of sequence variability. We
applied our alignment approach to obtain a genome-wide catalogue of conserved
non coding blocks (CNBs) between Drosophila melanogaster and 11 other
Drosophila species. Interestingly, we observe numerous small scale
rearrangement events, such as local inversions, duplications and
translocations, which are not observable in the whole genome alignments
currently available. The high rate of observed low scale reshuffling show that
this database of CNBs can constitute the starting point for several
investigations, related to the evolution of regulatory DNA in Drosophila and
the in silico identification of unannotated functional elements.


title:
Geometry of sets of quantum maps: a generic positive map acting on a
  high-dimensional system is not completely positive

abstract:
  We investigate the set a) of positive, trace preserving maps acting on
density matrices of size N, and a sequence of its nested subsets: the sets of
maps which are b) decomposable, c) completely positive, d) extended by identity
impose positive partial transpose and e) are superpositive. Working with the
Hilbert-Schmidt (Euclidean) measure we derive tight explicit two-sided bounds
for the volumes of all five sets. A sample consequence is the fact that, as N
increases, a generic positive map becomes not decomposable and, a fortiori, not
completely positive.
  Due to the Jamiolkowski isomorphism, the results obtained for quantum maps
are closely connected to similar relations between the volume of the set of
quantum states and the volumes of its subsets (such as states with positive
partial transpose or separable states) or supersets. Our approach depends on
systematic use of duality to derive quantitative estimates, and on various
tools of classical convexity, high-dimensional probability and geometry of
Banach spaces, some of which are not standard.


title: Vector Boson Pair Production via Vector Boson Fusion at NLO QCD

abstract:
  NLO QCD corrections to Vector Boson Pair Production via Vector Boson Fusion
have recently been calculated and implemented in a parton-level Monte-Carlo
program with full experimental cuts. We briefly sketch the elements of the
calculation and show numerical results for the Large Hadron Collider.


title: Threshold Effects in Slepton-Pair Production at the LHC

abstract:
  We present a study of threshold resummation effects for slepton pair
production at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). After confirming the known NLO
QCD corrections and generalizing the NLO SUSY-QCD corrections to the case of
mixing squarks in the virtual loop contributions, we employ the Mellin N-space
resummation formalism to compute logarithmically enhanced soft-gluon terms to
all perturbative orders.


title: The X-ray view of the ionization cone in NGC5252

abstract:
  We present the results of a Chandra soft X-ray observation of the spectacular
ionization cone in the nearby Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 5252. As almost invariably
observed in obscured AGN, the soft X-ray emission exhibits a remarkable
morphological concidence with the cone ionized gas as traced by HST O[III]
images. Energy-resolved images and high-resolution spectroscopy suggest that
the X-ray emitting gas is photoionized by the AGN, at least on scales as large
as the innermost gas and stellar ring (<3 kpc). Assuming that the whole cone is
photoionized by the AGN, we reconstruct the history of the active nucles in the
last 100000 years.


title: Probing quantum and thermal noise in an interacting many-body system

abstract:
  The probabilistic character of the measurement process is one of the most
puzzling and fascinating aspects of quantum mechanics. In many-body systems
quantum mechanical noise reveals non-local correlations of the underlying
many-body states. Here, we provide a complete experimental analysis of the
shot-to-shot variations of interference fringe contrast for pairs of
independently created one-dimensional Bose condensates. Analyzing different
system sizes we observe the crossover from thermal to quantum noise, reflected
in a characteristic change in the distribution functions from Poissonian to
Gumbel-type, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions based on the
Luttinger liquid formalism. We present the first experimental observation of
quasi long-range order in one-dimensional atomic condensates, which is a
hallmark of quantum fluctuations in one-dimensional systems. Furthermore, our
experiments constitute the first analysis of the full distribution of quantum
noise in an interacting many-body system.


title: Drift of slow variables in slow-fast Hamiltonian systems

abstract:
  We study the drift of slow variables in a slow-fast Hamiltonian system with
several fast and slow degrees of freedom. For any periodic trajectory of the
fast subsystem with the frozen slow variables we define an action. For a family
of periodic orbits, the action is a scalar function of the slow variables and
can be considered as a Hamiltonian function which generates some slow dynamics.
These dynamics depend on the family of periodic orbits.
  Assuming the fast system with the frozen slow variables has a pair of
hyperbolic periodic orbits connected by two transversal heteroclinic
trajectories, we prove that for any path composed of a finite sequence of slow
trajectories generated by action Hamiltonians, there is a trajectory of the
full system whose slow component shadows the path.


title: NLO QCD corrections to WW+jet production at hadron colliders

abstract:
  We report on the calculation of the next-to-leading order QCD corrections to
the production of W-boson pairs in association with a hard jet at the Tevatron
and the LHC, which is an important source of background for Higgs and
new-physics searches. The corrections stabilize the leading-order prediction
for the cross section considerably, in particular if a veto against the
emission of a second hard jet is applied.


title:
Dynamical dimer method for the determination of transition states with
  ab initio molecular dynamics

abstract:
  A dynamical formulation of the dimer method for the determination of
transition states is presented. The method is suited for ab-initio molecular
dynamics using the fictitious Lagrangian formulation. The method has been
applied to the con-rotatory ring opening of chloro-cyclo-butadiene, an example,
where the application of the drag method is problematic.


title:
Antiferro-quadrupole state of orbital-degenerate Kondo lattice model
  with f^2 configuration

abstract:
  To clarify a key role of $f$ orbitals in the emergence of
antiferro-quadrupole structure in PrPb$_{3}$, we investigate the ground-state
property of an orbital-degenerate Kondo lattice model by numerical
diagonalization techniques. In PrPb$_{3}$, Pr$^{3+}$ has a $4f^{2}$
configuration and the crystalline-electric-field ground state is a non-Kramers
doublet $\Gamma_{3}$. In a $j$-$j$ coupling scheme, the $\Gamma_{3}$ state is
described by two local singlets, each of which consists of two $f$ electrons
with one in $\Gamma_{7}$ and another in $\Gamma_{8}$ orbitals. Since in a cubic
structure, $\Gamma_{7}$ has localized nature, while $\Gamma_{8}$ orbitals are
rather itinerant, we propose the orbital-degenerate Kondo lattice model for an
effective Hamiltonian of PrPb$_{3}$. We show that an antiferro-orbital state is
favored by the so-called double-exchange mechanism which is characteristic of
multi-orbital systems.


title:
Moments of meson distribution functions with dynamical twisted mass
  fermions

abstract:
  We present our preliminary results on the lowest moment <x> of quark
distribution functions of the pion using two flavor dynamical simulations with
Wilson twisted mass fermions at maximal twist. The calculation is done in a
range of pion masses from 300 to 500 MeV. A stochastic source method is used to
reduce inversions in calculating propagators. Finite volume effects at the
lowest quark mass are examined by using two different lattice volumes. Our
results show that we achieve statistical errors of only a few percent. We plan
to compute renormalization constants non-perturbatively and extend the
calculation to two more lattice spacings and to the nucleons.


title: On geometry of gonometric family of cycles

abstract:
  An examples of solutions of the equation for curvature of congruence of
cycles are constructed. Their properties are discussed.


title: Results from overlap valence quarks on a twisted mass sea

abstract:
  We present results of lattice computations using overlap fermions on a
twisted mass background. $N_f=2$ full QCD gauge configurations have been
produced by the ETM Collaboration with very light pions (down to less than 300
MeV), with small lattice spacing ($a \approx 0.09$ fm) and large volumes
($V/a^4=24^3\times 48$). By profiting of the good chiral properties of the
overlap operator for the valence quarks, it is also possible to have a precise
(and unquenched) determination of those physical quantities where the chiral
properties are crucial. In order to have unquenched results, we match the
valence quark mass with the sea quark mass. We also perform computations with
different quark masses in order to simulate (partially quenched) Strange and
Charm quarks. A typical application is the computation of $B_K$, for which we
present first results.


title: Manin's conjecture for a quintic del Pezzo surface with A_2 singularity

abstract:
  Manin's conjecture is proved for a split del Pezzo surface of degree 5 with a
singularity of type A_2.


title: The GeV-TeV Connection in Galactic gamma-ray sources

abstract:
  Recent observations with atmospheric Cherenkov telescope systems such as
H.E.S.S. and MAGIC have revealed a large number of new sources of
very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-rays from 100 GeV - 100 TeV, mostly concentrated
along the Galactic plane. At lower energies (100 MeV - 10 GeV) the
satellite-based instrument EGRET revealed a population of sources clustering
along the Galactic Plane. Given their adjacent energy bands a systematic
correlation study between the two source catalogues seems appropriate. Here,
the populations of Galactic sources in both energy domains are characterised on
observational as well as on phenomenological grounds. Surprisingly few common
sources are found in terms of positional coincidence and spectral consistency.
These common sources and their potential counterparts and emission mechanisms
will be discussed in detail. In cases of detection only in one energy band, for
the first time consistent upper limits in the other energy band have been
derived. The EGRET upper limits are rather unconstraining due to the
sensitivity mismatch to current VHE instruments. The VHE upper limits put
strong constraints on simple power-law extrapolation of several of the EGRET
spectra and thus strongly suggest cutoffs in the unexplored energy range from
10 GeV - 100 GeV. Physical reasons for the existence of cutoffs and for
differences in the source population at GeV and TeV energies will be discussed.
Finally, predictions will be derived for common GeV - TeV sources for the
upcoming GLAST mission bridging for the first time the energy gap between
current GeV and TeV instruments.


title:
Embedding the Zee-Wolfenstein neutrino mass matrix in an SO(10) x A4 GUT
  scenario

abstract:
  We consider renormalizable SO(10) Yukawa interactions and put the three
fermionic 16-plets into the 3-dimensional irreducible A_4 representation.
Scanning the possible A_4 representation assignments to the scalars, we find a
unique case which allows to accommodate the down-quark and charged-lepton
masses. Assuming type II seesaw dominance, we obtain a viable scenario with the
Zee-Wolfenstein neutrino mass matrix, i.e., the Majorana mass matrix with a
vanishing diagonal. Contributions from the charged-lepton mass matrix resolve
the well-known problems with lepton mixing arising from the vanishing diagonal.
In our scenario, fermion masses and mixings are well reproduced for both normal
and inverted neutrino mass spectra, and b-tau Yukawa unification and definite
predictions for the effective mass in neutrinoless double-beta decay are
obtained.


title: Large Groups of Deficiency One

abstract:
  We prove that if a group possesses a deficiency 1 presentation where one of
the relators is a commutator then it is the integers times the integers, is
large, or is as far as possible from being residually finite. Then we use this
to show that a mapping torus of an endomorphism of a finitely generated free
group is large if it contains the integers times the integers as a subgroup of
infinite index, as well as showing that such a group is large if it contains a
Baumslag-Solitar group of infinite index and has a finite index subgroup with
first Betti number at least 2. We give applications to free by cyclic groups, 1
relator groups and residually finite groups.


title: SUSY Lattice Vertex Algebras

abstract:
  We construct and study SUSY lattice vertex algebras. As a simple example, we
obtain the simple vertex algebra associated to the vertex algebra $V_c(N3)$ of
central charge $c=3/2$, as the SUSY lattice vertex algebra associated to
$\mathbb{Z}$ with bilinear form $(a,b) = 2ab$.


title:
On the minimal free resolution for fat point schemes of multiplicity at
  most 3 in P^2

abstract:
  Let Z be a fat point scheme in P^2 supported on general points. Here we prove
that if the multiplicities are at most 3 and the length of Z is sufficiently
high then the number of generators of the homogeneous ideal I_Z in each degree
is as small as numerically possible. Since it is known that Z has maximal
Hilbert function, this implies that Z has the expected minimal free resolution.


title:
Fast Reliability-based Algorithm of Finding Minimum-weight Codewords for
  LDPC Codes

abstract:
  Despite the NP hardness of acquiring minimum distance $d_m$ for linear codes
theoretically, in this paper we propose one experimental method of finding
minimum-weight codewords, the weight of which is equal to $d_m$ for LDPC codes.
One existing syndrome decoding method, called serial belief propagation (BP)
with ordered statistic decoding (OSD), is adapted to serve our purpose. We hold
the conjecture that among many candidate error patterns in OSD reprocessing,
modulo 2 addition of the lightest error pattern with one of the left error
patterns may generate a light codeword. When the decoding syndrome changes to
all-zero state, the lightest error pattern reduces to all-zero, the lightest
non-zero error pattern is a valid codeword to update lightest codeword list.
  Given sufficient codewords sending, the survived lightest codewords are
likely to be the target. Compared with existing techniques, our method
demonstrates its efficiency in the simulation of several interested LDPC codes.


title: Bohr's Theorem for Monogenic Power Series

abstract:
  The main goal of this paper is to generalize Bohr's phenomenon from complex
one-dimensional analysis to higher dimensions in the framework of Quaternionic
Analysis.


title:
Dynamical chiral symmetry breaking in SU(N_{c}) gauge theories with
  large number of fermion flavors

abstract:
  In this paper we examine a phase transition in $SU(N_{c})$ gauge theories
governed by the existence of an infrared fixed point of the renormalization
group $\beta$ function. The nonlinear integral Schwinger-Dyson equation for a
mass function of massless fermions is solved numerically using the exact
expression of the running coupling in two-loop approximation for an SU(3) gauge
theory. Based on the obtained solution of the Schwinger-Dyson equation, the
value of the chiral condensate, $<\bar{q}q>$, and the decay constant,
$f_{\pi}$, of bound states (mesons) are calculated for several values of
fermion flavors $N_{f}$. We show that this kind of phase transition is a
transition of finite order.


title: Scale-free Segregation in Transport Networks

abstract:
  Every route of a transport network approaching equilibrium can be represented
by a vector of Euclidean space which length quantifies its segregation from the
rest of the graph. We have empirically observed that the distribution of
lengths over the edge connectivity in many transport networks exhibits scaling
invariance phenomenon. We give an example of the canal network of Veneice to
demonstrate our result. The method is applicable to any transport network.


title: Comment on: Inconsistency of the nonstandard definition of work

abstract:
  The objections raised by Vilar and Rubi [cond-mat arXiv:0707.3802v1] against
the definition of the thermodynamical work appearing in Jarzynski's equality
are shown to be misleading and inconsistent.


title: Time Dilation and the Equivalence of Inertial Frames

abstract:
  It is well known that simultaneity within an inertial frame is defined in
relativity theory by a convention or definition. This definition leads to
different simultaneities across inertial frames and the well known principle of
relativity of simultaneity. The lack of a universal present implies the
existence of past, present and future as a collection of events on a four
dimensional manifold or continuum wherein three dimensions are space like and
one dimension is time like. However, such a continuum precludes the possibility
of evolution of future from the present as all events exist forever so to speak
on the continuum with the tenses past, present and future merely being
perceptions of different inertial frames. Such a far-reaching ontological
concept, created by a mere convention, is yet to gain full acceptance. In this
paper, we present arguments in favour of an absolute present, which means
simultaneous events are simultaneous in all inertial frames, and subscribe to
evolution of future from the present.


title:
Analysis of Fixed Outage Transmission Schemes: A Finer Look at the Full
  Multiplexing Point

abstract:
  This paper studies the performance of transmission schemes that have rate
that increases with average SNR while maintaining a fixed outage probability.
This is in contrast to the classical Zheng-Tse diversity-multiplexing tradeoff
(DMT) that focuses on increasing rate and decreasing outage probability. Three
different systems are explored: antenna diversity systems, time/frequency
diversity systems, and automatic repeat request (ARQ) systems. In order to
accurately study performance in the fixed outage setting, it is necesary to go
beyond the coarse, asymptotic multiplexing gain metric. In the case of antenna
diversity and time/frequency diversity, an affine approximation to high SNR
outage capacity (i.e., multiplexing gain plus a power/rate offset) accurately
describes performance and shows the very significant benefits of diversity. ARQ
is also seen to provide a significant performance advantage, but even an affine
approximation to outage capacity is unable to capture this advantage and outage
capacity must be directly studied in the non-asymptotic regime.


title:
Transformations of Markov Processes and Classification Scheme for
  Solvable Driftless Diffusions

abstract:
  We propose a new classification scheme for diffusion processes for which the
backward Kolmogorov equation is solvable in analytically closed form by
reduction to hypergeometric equations of the Gaussian or confluent type. The
construction makes use of transformations of diffusion processes to eliminate
the drift which combine a measure change given by Doob's h-transform and a
diffeomorphism. Such transformations have the important property of preserving
analytic solvability of the process: the transition probability density for the
driftless process can be expressed through the transition probability density
of original process. We also make use of tools from the theory of ordinary
differential equations such as Liouville transformations, canonical forms and
Bose invariants. Beside recognizing all analytically solvable diffusion process
known in the previous literature fall into this scheme and we also discover
rich new families of analytically solvable processes.


title: Borel-Carath\'{e}odory Type Theorem for monogenic functions

abstract:
  In this paper we give a generalization of the classical
Borel-Carath\'{e}odory Theorem in complex analysis to higher dimensions in the
framework of Quaternionic Analysis.


title: Classification of the Weyl Tensor in Higher Dimensions and Applications

abstract:
  We review the theory of alignment in Lorentzian geometry and apply it to the
algebraic classification of the Weyl tensor in higher dimensions. This
classification reduces to the the well-known Petrov classification of the Weyl
tensor in four dimensions. We discuss the algebraic classification of a number
of known higher dimensional spacetimes. There are many applications of the Weyl
classification scheme, especially in conjunction with the higher dimensional
frame formalism that has been developed in order to generalize the four
dimensional Newman--Penrose formalism. For example, we discuss higher
dimensional generalizations of the Goldberg-Sachs theorem and the Peeling
theorem. We also discuss the higher dimensional Lorentzian spacetimes with
vanishing scalar curvature invariants and constant scalar curvature invariants,
which are of interest since they are solutions of supergravity theory.


title: Laplace Transforms for Integrals of Markov Processes

abstract:
  Laplace transforms for integrals of stochastic processes have been known in
analytically closed form for just a handful of Markov processes: namely, the
Ornstein-Uhlenbeck, the Cox-Ingerssol-Ross (CIR) process and the exponential of
Brownian motion. In virtue of their analytical tractability, these processes
are extensively used in modelling applications. In this paper, we construct
broad extensions of these process classes. We show how the known models fit
into a classification scheme for diffusion processes for which Laplace
transforms for integrals of the diffusion processes and transitional
probability densities can be evaluated as integrals of hypergeometric functions
against the spectral measure for certain self-adjoint operators. We also extend
this scheme to a class of finite-state Markov processes related to
hypergeometric polynomials in the discrete series of the Askey classification
tree.


title: Neutronization During Type Ia Supernova Simmering

abstract:
  Prior to the incineration of a white dwarf (WD) that makes a Type Ia
supernova (SN Ia), the star "simmers" for ~1000 years in a convecting, carbon
burning region. We have found that weak interactions during this time increase
the neutron excess by an amount that depends on the total quantity of carbon
burned prior to the explosion. This contribution is in addition to the
metallicity (Z) dependent neutronization through the 22Ne abundance (as studied
by Timmes, Brown, & Truran). The main consequence is that we expect a floor to
the level of neutronization that dominates over the metallicity contribution
when Z/Z_\odot<2/3, and it can be important for even larger metallicities if
substantial energy is lost to neutrinos via the convective Urca process. This
would mask any correlations between SN Ia properties and galactic environments
at low metallicities. In addition, we show that recent observations of the
dependences of SNe Ia on galactic environments make it clear that metallicity
alone cannot provide for the full observed diversity of events.


title:
The Horsehead mane: Towards an observational benchmark for chemical
  models

abstract:
  After a discussion about the need for observational benchmark for chemical
models, we explain 1) why the Horsehead western edge is well suited to serve as
reference for models and 2) the steps we are taking toward this goal. We
summarize abundances obtained to date and we show recent results.


title:
On Multiple Scattering of Radiation by an Infinite Grating of Dielectric
  Circular Cylinders at Oblique Incidence

abstract:
  A rigorous analytical representation for the multiple scattering coefficients
of the fields radiated by an infinite grating of dielectric circular cylinders
excited by an obliquely incident plane electromagnetic wave is derived in terms
of the "well-known scattering coefficients of an isolated dielectric cylinder
at oblique incidence" and "Schl\"omilch series". In addition, a generalized
sum-integral grating equation is acquired for the multiple scattered amplitude
of a cylinder at oblique incidence in the grating in terms of the scattering
coefficients of the insulating dielectric circular cylinder at oblique
incidence.


title:
Analyse de vuln\'erabilit\'e sismique \`a grande \'echelle par
  utilisation des propri\'et\'es dynamiques exp\'erimentales des b\^atiments

abstract:
  Two different way of assessing seismic vulnerability are available nowadays:
observed or empirical and calculated vulnerability assessment methods. The
first methods are based on observed damage after earthquakes correlated with
the structural properties of buildings, whereas the second methods are based on
numerical models more or less representing the buildings. In both cases, the
trouble is the imperfect knowledge of existing buildings. We propose here a new
method for estimating the vulnerability based on experimental modal parameters
(resonance frequencies, modal shapes and damping ratio) estimated under ambient
vibrations. They allow to build up a simplified numerical model of the elastic
building behaviour. The motion produced by numerous earthquakes leads to
determine its first damage level and therefore its vulnerability. An
inter-story drift threshold based on HAZUS values defines the first damage
level of the building. This method is applied to the Grenoble (France) city in
which 60 buildings have been instrumented.


title:
A quantitative formulation of the global regularity problem for the
  periodic Navier-Stokes equation

abstract:
  The global regularity problem for the periodic Navier-Stokes system asks
whether to every smooth divergence-free initial datum $u_0: (\R/\Z)^3 \to \R^3$
there exists a global smooth solution u. In this note we observe (using a
simple compactness argument) that this qualitative question is equivalent to
the more quantitative assertion that there exists a non-decreasing function $F:
\R^+ \to \R^+$ for which one has a local-in-time \emph{a priori} bound $$ \|
u(T) \|_{H^1_x((\R/\Z)^3)} \leq F(\|u_0\|_{H^1_x((\R/\Z)^3)})$$ for all $0 < T
\leq 1$ and all smooth solutions $u: [0,T] \times (\R/\Z)^3 \to \R^3$ to the
Navier-Stokes system. We also show that this local-in-time bound is equivalent
to the corresponding global-in-time bound.


title:
Pseudoconvex regions of finite D'Angelo type in four dimensional almost
  complex manifolds

abstract:
  Let D be a J-pseudoconvex region in a smooth almost complex manifold (M,J) of
real dimension four. We construct a local peak J-plurisubharmonic function at
every boundary point p of finite D'Angelo type. As applications we give local
estimates of the Kobayashi pseudometric, implying the local Kobayashi
hyperbolicity of D at p. In case the point p is of D'Angelo type less than or
equal to four, or the approach is nontangential, we provide sharp estimates of
the Kobayashi pseudometric.


title: Operator Methods, Abelian Processes and Dynamic Conditioning

abstract:
  A mathematical framework for Continuous Time Finance based on operator
algebraic methods offers a new direct and entirely constructive perspective on
the field and leads to new numerical analysis techniques. This is partly a
review paper as it covers and expands on the mathematical framework underlying
a series of more applied articles. In addition, this article also presents a
few key new theorems that make the treatment self-contained. Stochastic
processes with continuous time and continuous space variables are defined
constructively by establishing new convergence estimates for Markov chains on
simplicial sequences. We emphasize high precision computability by numerical
linear algebra methods as opposed to the ability of arriving to analytically
closed form expressions in terms of special functions. Path dependent processes
adapted to a given Markov filtration are associated to an operator algebra. If
this algebra is commutative, the corresponding process is named Abelian, a
concept which provides a far reaching extension of the notion of stochastic
integral. We recover the classic Cameron-Dyson-Feynman-Girsanov-Ito-Kac-Martin
theorem as a particular case of a broadly general block-diagonalization
algorithm. This technique has many applications ranging from the problem of
pricing cliquets to target-redemption-notes and volatility derivatives.
Non-Abelian processes are also relevant and appear in several important
applications to for instance snowballs and soft calls. We show that in these
cases one can effectively use block-factorization algorithms. Finally, we
discuss the method of dynamic conditioning that allows one to dynamically
correlate over possibly even hundreds of processes in a numerically noiseless
framework while preserving marginal distributions.


title:
Comparaison entre calculs de vuln\'erabilit\'e sismique et
  propri\'et\'es dynamiques mesur\'ees

abstract:
  Large-scale seismic vulnerability assessment methods use simplified formulas
and curves, often without providing uncertainties. They are seldom compared to
experimental data. Therefore, we recorded ambient vibrations and estimated
modal parameters (resonance frequencies, modal shapes and damping) of 60
buildings in Grenoble (France) of various types (masonry and reinforced
concrete). The knowledge of resonance frequencies in the linear domain is
essential in the seismic design. Hence, we compared resonance frequency
formulas given in the design code with this experimental data. The variability
is underestimated and only two parameters (type and height of the building)
seem to be statistically significant. Moreover, we compared the linear part of
capacity curves used in European Risk-UE method to the measured frequencies.
The variability is still very large and these curve are often not relevant for
the French buildings. As a result, ambient vibration recordings may become an
interesting tool in order to calibrate the linear part of capacity curves.


title: Charmless b-hadron decays at CDF

abstract:
  I present recent results of measurements of branching fractions and
CP-violating asymmetries in B0, Bs, and Lambda_B two-body charmless decays at
the upgraded Collider Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Measurements of rates
of flavor-changing neutral current B0, Bs -->mu+mu- and B+/B0/Bs --> mu+mu-
K+/K*0/phi decays are also reported. The results are extracted from samples
corresponding to time-intergrated luminosities ranging from 0.78 to 1 fb-1.


title:
Observations and modeling of the early acceleration phase of erupting
  filaments involved in coronal mass ejections

abstract:
  We examine the early phases of two near-limb filament destabilization
involved in coronal mass ejections on 16 June and 27 July 2005, using
high-resolution, high-cadence observations made with the Transition Region and
Coronal Explorer (TRACE), complemented by coronagraphic observations by Mauna
Loa and the SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The filaments' heights
above the solar limb in their rapid-acceleration phases are best characterized
by a height dependence h(t) ~ t^m with m near, or slightly above, 3 for both
events. Such profiles are incompatible with published results for breakout,
MHD-instability, and catastrophe models. We show numerical simulations of the
torus instability that approximate this height evolution in case a substantial
initial velocity perturbation is applied to the developing instability. We
argue that the sensitivity of magnetic instabilities to initial and boundary
conditions requires higher fidelity modeling of all proposed mechanisms if
observations of rise profiles are to be used to differentiate between them. The
observations show no significant delays between the motions of the filament and
of overlying loops: the filaments seem to move as part of the overall coronal
field until several minutes after the onset of the rapid-acceleration phase.


title:
Colossal dielectric constants in single-crystalline and ceramic
  CaCu3Ti4O12 investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy

abstract:
  In the present work the authors report results of broadband dielectric
spectroscopy on various samples of CaCu3Ti4O12, including so far only rarely
investigated single crystalline material. The measurements extend up to 1.3
GHz, covering more than nine frequency decades. We address the question of the
origin of the colossal dielectric constants and of the relaxational behavior in
this material, including the second relaxation reported in several recent
works. For this purpose, the dependence of the temperature- and
frequency-dependent dielectric properties on different tempering and surface
treatments of the samples and on ac-field amplitude are investigated. Broadband
spectra of a single crystal are analyzed by an equivalent circuit description,
assuming two highly resistive layers in series to the bulk. Good fits could be
achieved, including the second relaxation, which also shows up in single
crystals. The temperature- and frequency-dependent intrinsic conductivity of
CCTO is consistent with the Variable Range Hopping model. The second relaxation
is sensitive to surface treatment and, in contrast to the main relaxation, also
is strongly affected by the applied ac voltage. Concerning the origin of the
two insulating layers, we discuss a completely surface-related mechanism
assuming the formation of a metal-insulator diode and a combination of surface
and internal barriers.


title: On Some Geometric Structures Associated to a k-Symplectic Manifold

abstract:
  A canonical connection is attached to any k-symplectic manifold. We study the
properties of this connection and its geometric applications to k-symplectic
manifolds. In particular we prove that, under some natural assumption, any
ksymplectic manifold admits an Ehresmann connection, discussing some
corollaries of this result, and we find vanishing theorems for characteristic
classes on a k-symplectic manifold.


title: Pentagon deposits unpack under gentle tapping

abstract:
  We present results from simulations of regular pentagons arranged in a
rectangular die. The particles are subjected to vertical tapping. We study the
behavior of the packing fraction, number of contacts and arch distributions as
a function of the tapping amplitude. Pentagons show peculiar features as
compared with disks. As a general rule, pentagons tend to form less arches than
disks. Nevertheless, as the tapping amplitude is decreased, the typical size of
the pentagon arches grows significantly. As a consequence, a pentagon packing
reduces its packing fraction when tapped gently in contrast with the behavior
found in rounded particle deposits.