title: Non-Susy Searches at the Tevatron

abstract:
  The CDF and D0 collaborations have results on a large number of searches for
beyond-the-standard-model phenomena. This talk focuses on searches for
non-supersymmetric model signatures. These results, based on between 1--2.5
fb-1 of data from p pbar collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron, include some of
the world's best limits on extra dimensions models and heavy resonances.


title:
Hopf algebra extensions of group algebras and Tambara-Yamagami
  categories

abstract:
  We determine the structure of Hopf algebra extensions of a group algebra by
the cyclic group of order 2. We study the corepresentation theory of such Hopf
algebras, which provide a generalization, at the Hopf algebra level, of the so
called Tambara-Yamagami fusion categories. As a byproduct, we show that every
semisimple Hopf algebra of dimension $<36$ is necessarily group-theoretical;
thus 36 is the smallest possible dimension where a non group-theoretical
example occurs.


title: Surface modified silicon nanochannel for urea sensing

abstract:
  Silicon nanowires have been surface functionalized with the enzyme urease for
biosensor applications to detect and quantify urea concentration. The device is
nanofabricated from a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer with a top down
lithography approach. The differential conductance of silicon nanowires can be
tuned for optimum performance using the source drain bias voltage, and is
sensitive to urea at low concentration. The experimental results show a linear
relationship between surface potential change and urea concentration in the
range of 0.1 to 0.68 mM. The sensitivity of our devices shows high
reproducibility with time and different measurement conditions. The nanowire
urea biosensor offers the possibility of high quality, reusable enzyme sensor
array integration with silicon based circuits.


title: Unknotting numbers of diagrams of a given nontrivial knot are unbounded

abstract:
  We show that for any nontrivial knot $K$ and any natural number $n$ there is
a diagram $D$ of $K$ such that the unknotting number of $D$ is greater than or
equal to $n$. It is well known that twice the unknotting number of $K$ is less
than or equal to the crossing number of $K$ minus one. We show that the
equality holds only when $K$ is a $(2,p)$-torus knot.


title: Conserved Topological Defects in Non-Embedded Graphs in Quantum Gravity

abstract:
  We follow up on previous work which found that commonly used graph evolution
moves lead to conserved quantities that can be expressed in terms of the
braiding of the graph in its embedding space. We study non-embedded graphs
under three distinct sets of dynamical rules and find non-trivial conserved
quantities that can be expressed in terms of topological defects in the dual
geometry. For graphs dual to 2-dimensional simplicial complexes we identify all
the conserved quantities of the evolution. We also indicate expected results
for graphs dual to 3-dimensional simplicial complexes.


title: Thue's Fundamentaltheorem, I: The General Case

abstract:
  In this paper, Thue's Fundamentaltheorem is analysed. We show that it
includes, and often strengthens, known effective irrationality measures
obtained via the so-called hypergeometric method as well as showing that it can
be applied to previously unconsidered families of algebraic numbers.
Furthermore, we extend the method to also cover approximation by algebraic
numbers in imaginary quadratic number fields.


title: Low mass dilepton production at ultrarelativistic energies

abstract:
  Dilepton production in $pp$ and $Au+Au$ nucleus-nucleus collisions at
$\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV as well as in $In+In$ and $Pb+Au$ at 158 A$\cdot$GeV is
studied within the microscopic HSD transport approach. A comparison to the data
from the PHENIX Collaboration at RHIC shows that standard in-medium effects of
the $\rho, \omega$ vector mesons - compatible with the NA60 data for $In+In$ at
158 A$\cdot$GeV and the CERES data for $Pb+Au$ at 158 A$\cdot$GeV - do not
explain the large enhancement observed in the invariant mass regime from 0.2 to
0.5 GeV in $Au+Au$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV relative to $pp$
collisions.


title: Foundations of Quantum Decoherence

abstract:
  The conventional interpretation of quantum mechanics, though it permits a
correspondence to classical physics, leaves the exact mechanism of transition
unclear. Though this was only of philosophical importance throughout the
twentieth century, over the past decade new technological developments, such as
quantum computing, require a more thorough understanding of not just the result
of quantum emergence, but also its mechanism. Quantum decoherence theory is the
model that developed out of necessity to deal with the quantum-classical
transition explicitly, and without external observers. In this thesis, we
present a self-contained and rigorously argued full derivation of the master
equation for quantum Brownian motion, one of the key results in quantum
decoherence theory. We accomplish this from a foundational perspective, only
assuming a few basic axioms of quantum mechanics and deriving their
consequences. We then consider a physical example of the master equation and
show that quantum decoherence successfully represents the transition from a
quantum to classical system.


title:
Exploring the photometric signatures of magnetospheres around
  Helium-strong stars

abstract:
  The photometric variations due to magnetically confined material around
He-strong stars are investigated within the framework of the Rigidly Rotating
Magnetosphere (RRM) model. For dipole field topologies, the model is used to
explore how the morphology of light curves evolves in response to changes to
the observer inclination, magnetic obliquity, rotation rate and optical depth.
  The general result is that double-minimum light curves arise when the
obliquity and/or inclination are close to 90 degrees; no light variations are
seen in the opposite limit; and for intermediate cases, single-minimum light
curves occur. These findings are interpreted with the aid of a simple,
analytical torus model, paving the way for the development of new
photometric-based constraints on the fundamental parameters of He-strong stars.
Illustrative applications to five stars in the class are presented.


title: GHZ and W Entanglement Witnesses for the Non-interacting Fermi gas

abstract:
  The existence and nature of tripartite entanglement of a noninteracting Fermi
gas (NIFG) is investigated. Three new classes of parameterized entanglement
witnesses (EWs) are introduced with the aim of detecting genuine tripartite
entanglement in the three-body reduced density matrix and discriminating
between the presence of the two types of genuine tripartite entanglement, W\B
and GHZ\W. By choosing appropriate EW operators, the problem of finding GHZ and
W EWs is reduced to linear programming. Specifically, we devise new W EWs based
on a spin-chain model with periodic boundary conditions, and we construct a
class of parametrized GHZ EWs by linearly combining projection operators
corresponding to all the different state-vector types arising for a
three-fermion system. A third class of EWs is provided by a GHZ stabilizer
operator capable of distinguishing W\B from GHZ\B entanglement, which is not
possible with $W$ EWs. Implementing these classes of EWs, it is found that all
states containing genuine tripartite entanglement are of W type, and hence
states containing GHZ\W genuine tripartite entanglement do not arise. Some
genuine tripartite entangled states that have a positive partial transpose
(PPT) with respect to some bipartition are detected. Finally, it is
demonstrated that a NIFG does not exhibit "pure" W\B genuine tripartite
entanglement: three-party entanglement without any separable or biseparable
admixture does not occur.


title: Measurements of $B_s^0$-oscillations at the Tevatron

abstract:
  Measuring the oscillation frequency in the $B_s^0$-meson system was one of
the main goals in b-physics for the two experiments CDF and D{\O} at the
Tevatron-Collider since the start of RunII in the year 2001. The D{\O}
collaboration was the first experiment, which was able to give a two sided
limit for the oscillation frequency of $B_s^0$ mesons. Shortly after the CDF
collaboration confirmed this result and was able to give a $5\sigma$
measurement.


title: A model of hydrodynamic interaction between swimming bacteria

abstract:
  We study the dynamics and interaction of two swimming bacteria, modeled by
self-propelled dumbbell-type structures. We focus on alignment dynamics of a
coplanar pair of elongated swimmers, which propel themselves either by pushing"
or "pulling" both in three- and quasi-two-dimensional geometries of space. We
derive asymptotic expressions for the dynamics of the pair, which, complemented
by numerical experiments, indicate that the tendency of bacteria to swim in or
swim off depends strongly on the position of the propulsion force. In
particular, we observe that positioning of the effective propulsion force
inside the dumbbell results in qualitative agreement with the dynamics observed
in experiments, such as mutual alignment of converging bacteria.


title: Some thoughts on the fluid equation of cosmology

abstract:
  The well-known fluid equation of cosmology is examined with a view to
elucidating the precise conditions under which it is applicable.


title:
The clouds of physics and Einstein's last query: Can quantum mechanics
  be derived from general relativity?

abstract:
  Towards the end of the 19th century, Kelvin pronounced as the "clouds of
physics" 1) the failure of the Michelson-Morely experiment to detect an ether
wind, 2) the violation of the classical mechanical equipartition theorem in
statistical thermodynamics. And he believed that the removal of these clouds
would bring physics to an end. But as we know, the removal of these clouds led
to the two great breakthoughts of modern physics: 1) The theory of relativity,
and 2) to quantum mechanics. Towards the end of the 20th century more clouds of
physics became apparent. They are 1) the riddle of quantum gravity, 2) the
superluminal quantum correlations, 3) the small cosmological constant.
Furthermore, there is the riddle of dark energy making up 70% of the physical
universe, the non-baryonic cold dark matter making up 26% and the very small
initial entropy of the universe. An attempt is made to explain the importance
of these clouds for the future of physics. Conjectures for a possible solution
are presented. they have to do with Einstein's last query: "Can quantum
mechanics be derived general relativity", and with the question is there an
ether?


title:
Femtosecond dynamics and laser control of charge transport in
  trans-polyacetylene

abstract:
  The induction of dc electronic transport in rigid and flexible
trans-polyacetylene oligomers according to the $\omega$ vs. $2\omega$ coherent
control scenario is investigated using a quantum-classical mean field
approximation. The approach involves running a large ensemble of mixed
quantum-classical trajectories under the influence of $\omega+2\omega$ laser
fields, and choosing the initial conditions by sampling the ground-state Wigner
distribution function for the nuclei. The vibronic couplings are shown to
change the mean single-particle spectrum, introduce ultrafast decoherence, and
enhance intramolecular vibrational and electronic relaxation. Nevertheless,
even in the presence of significant couplings, limited coherent control of the
electronic dynamics is still viable, the most promising route involving the use
of fs pulses with a duration that is comparable to the electronic dephasing
time. The simulations offer a realistic description of the behavior of a simple
coherent control scenario in a complex system, and provide a detailed account
of the femtosecond photoinduced vibronic dynamics of a conjugated polymer.


title:
MgAl2O4:Cr3+ and emerald display a different colour but the local
  symmetry is the same: Microscopic origin

abstract:
  The difference in colour between emerald (Be3Si6Al2O18:Cr3+, green) and the
Cr3+-doped spinel MgAl2O4 (red) is striking, considering that in both systems
colour is due to CrO69- complexes with D3 symmetry and the measured Cr3+-O2-
distance is practically the same (1.98 and 1.97 angstroms, respectively). By
means of density functional calculations it is shown that this surprising
difference can reasonably be explained once the electric field, ER, which all
lattice ions lying outside the CrO69- complex exert on localized electrons, is
taken into consideration. The origin of the different shape of ER in the two
host lattices is analysed in detail. It is shown that ER raises (decreases) the
2p(O) levels for Be3Si6Al2O18:Cr3+ (MgAl2O4:Cr3+) along the trigonal axis thus
favouring a decrease (increase) of 10Dq. The present work demonstrates the key
role played by ER (not considered in the traditional ligand field theory) for
understanding the differences exhibited by the same complex embedded in host
lattices which do not have the same crystal structure. Some remarks on the
colour of Cr2O3 pure compound are also reported.


title: Laser-induced currents along molecular wire junctions

abstract:
  The treatment of the previous paper is extended to molecular wires.
Specifically, the effect of electron-vibrational interactions on the electronic
transport induced by femtosecond $\omega+2\omega$ laser fields along unbiased
molecular nanojunctions is investigated. For this, the photoinduced vibronic
dynamics of trans-polyacetylene oligomers coupled to macroscopic metallic leads
is followed in a mean-field mixed quantum-classical approximation. A reduced
description of the dynamics is obtained by introducing projective lead-molecule
couplings and deriving an effective Schr\"odinger equation satisfied by the
orbitals in the molecular region. Two possible rectification mechanisms are
identified and investigated. The first one relies on near-resonance
photon-absorption and is shown to be fragile to the ultrafast electronic
decoherence processes introduced by the wire's vibrations. The second one
employs the dynamic Stark effect and is demonstrated to be highly efficient and
robust to electron-vibrational interactions.


title:
Equation of motion for process matrix: Hamiltonian identification and
  dynamical control of open quantum systems

abstract:
  We develop a general approach for monitoring and controlling evolution of
open quantum systems. In contrast to the master equations describing time
evolution of density operators, here, we formulate a dynamical equation for the
evolution of the process matrix acting on a system. This equation is applicable
to non-Markovian and/or strong coupling regimes. We propose two distinct
applications for this dynamical equation. We first demonstrate identification
of quantum Hamiltonians generating dynamics of closed or open systems via
performing process tomography. In particular, we argue how one can efficiently
estimate certain classes of sparse Hamiltonians by performing partial
tomography schemes. In addition, we introduce a novel optimal control theoretic
setting for manipulating quantum dynamics of Hamiltonian systems, specifically
for the task of decoherence suppression.


title:
Superconducting transition at 38 K in insulating-overdoped
  La2CuO4-La1.64Sr0.36CuO4 superlattices: Evidence for interface electronic
  redistribution from resonant soft x-ray scattering

abstract:
  We use resonant soft x-ray scattering (RSXS) to quantify the hole
distribution in a superlattice of insulating La2CuO4 (LCO) and overdoped
La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO4 (LSCO). Despite its non-superconducting constituents, this
structure is superconducting with T_{c}=38 K. We found that the conducting
holes redistribute electronically from LSCO to the LCO layers. The LCO layers
were found to be optimally doped, suggesting they are the main drivers of
superconductivity. Our results demonstrate the utility of RSXS for separating
electronic from structural effects at oxide interfaces.


title: Optimal ratio between phase basis and bit basis in QKD

abstract:
  In the original BB84 protocol, the bit basis and the phase basis are used
with equal probability. Lo et al (J. of Cryptology, 18, 133-165 (2005))
proposed to modify the ratio between the two bases by increasing the final key
generation rate. However, the optimum ratio has not been derived. In this
letter, in order to examine this problem, the ratio between the two bases is
optimized for exponential constraints given Eve's information
distinguishability and the final error probability.


title:
Energetic Analysis of Magnetic Transitions in Ultra-small Nanoscopic
  Magnetic Rings

abstract:
  In this article, we report on experimental and theoretical investigations of
magnetic transitions in cobalt rings of size (diameter, width and thickness)
comparable to the exchange length of cobalt. Magnetization measurements were
performed for two sets of magnetic ring arrays: ultra-small magnetic rings
(outer diameter 13 nm, inner diameter 5nm and thickness 5 nm) and small
thin-walled magnetic rings (outer diameter 150 nm, width 5 nm and thickness 5
nm). This is the first report on the fabrication and magnetic properties of
such small rings. Our calculations suggest that if the magnetic ring's sizes
are comparable to, or smaller than, the exchange length of the magnetic
material, then only two magnetic states are important - the pure single domain
state and the flux closure vortex state. The onion-shape magnetic state does
not arise. Theoretical calculations are based on an energetic analysis of pure
and slightly distorted single domain and flux closure vortex magnetic states.
Based on the analytical calculations, a phase diagram is also derived for
ultra-small ring structures exhibiting the region for vortex magnetic state
formations as a function of material parameter.


title: Model turbulent floods with the Smagorinski large eddy closure

abstract:
  Floods, tides and tsunamis are turbulent, yet conventional models are based
upon depth averaging inviscid irrotational flow equations. We propose to change
the base of such modelling to the Smagorinksi large eddy closure for turbulence
in order to appropriately match the underlying fluid dynamics. Our approach
allows for large changes in fluid depth to cater for extreme inundations. The
key to the analysis underlying the approach is to choose surface and bed
boundary conditions that accommodate a constant turbulent shear as a nearly
neutral mode. Analysis supported by slow manifold theory then constructs a
model for the coupled dynamics of the fluid depth and the mean turbulent
lateral velocity. The model resolves the internal turbulent shear in the flow
and thus may be used in further work to rationally predict erosion and
transport in turbulent floods.


title: Mass Deformation of the Multiple M2 Branes Theory

abstract:
  Based on recent developments, in this letter we study the one parameter
deformation of 2+1 dimensional gauge theories with scale invariance and N = 8
supersymmetry, which is expected to be the field theory living on a stack of M2
branes. The deformed gauge theory is defined by a Lagrangian and is based on an
infinite set of novel 3-algebras constructed by relaxing the assumption that
the invariant metric is positive definite. Under the Higgs mechanism, we can
obtain the D-branes world volume theory in the presence of background fluxes.


title: Accurate Evaluation of Polynomials

abstract:
  For a large class of polynomials, the standard method of polynomial
evaluation, Horner's method, can be very inaccurate. The alternative method
given here is on average 100 to 1000 times more accurate than Horner's Method.
The number of floating point operations is twice that of Horner's method for a
single evaluation. For repeated evaluations at nearby points, the number of
floating point operations is only doubled for the first evaluation, and is the
same as Horner's Method for all following evaluations. This new method is
tested with random polynomials.


title: Hecke algebras from groups acting on trees and HNN extensions

abstract:
  We study Hecke algebras of groups acting on trees with respect to
geometrically defined subgroups. In particular, we consider Hecke algebras of
groups of automorphisms of locally finite trees with respect to vertex and edge
stabilizers and the stabilizer of an end relative to a vertex stabilizer,
assuming that the actions are sufficiently transitive. We focus on identifying
the structure of the resulting Hecke algebras, give explicit multiplication
tables of the canonical generators and determine whether the Hecke algebra has
a universal C*-completion. The paper unifies past algebraic and analytic
approaches by focusing on the common geometric thread.The results have
implications for the general theory of totally disconnected locally compact
groups.


title: Coupling Component Systems towards Systems of Systems

abstract:
  Systems of systems (SoS) are a hot topic in our "fully connected global
world". Our aim is not to provide another definition of what SoS are, but
rather to focus on the adequacy of reusing standard system architecting
techniques within this approach in order to improve performance, fault
detection and safety issues in large-scale coupled systems that definitely
qualify as SoS, whatever the definition is. A key issue will be to secure the
availability of the services provided by the SoS despite the evolution of the
various systems composing the SoS. We will also tackle contracting issues and
responsibility transfers, as they should be addressed to ensure the expected
behavior of the SoS whilst the various independently contracted systems evolve
asynchronously.


title:
Further Study on the Conservation Laws of Energy-momentum Tensor Density
  for a Gravitational System

abstract:
  The various methods to derive Einstein conservation laws and the relevant
definitions of energy-momentum tensor density for gravitational fields are
studied in greater detail. It is shown that these methods are all equivalent.
The study on the identical and different characteristics between Lorentz and
Levi-Civita conservation laws and Einstein conservation laws is thoroughly
explored. Whether gravitational waves carry the energy-momentum is discussed
and some new interpretations for the energy exchanges in the gravitational
systems are given. The viewpoint that PSR1913 does not verify the gravitational
radiation is confirmed.


title:
Hypermultiplet dependence of the effective action in ${\cal N}=2$
  superconformal theories

abstract:
  I review the approach [1] to the one-loop low-energy effective action in the
hypermultiplet sector for N=2 superconformal models. Any such a model contains
an N=2 vector multiplet and some number of hypermultiplets. We found a general
expression for the low-energy effective action in the form of a proper-time
integral. The leading space-time dependent contributions to the effective
action are derived and their bosonic component structure is analyzed. The
component action contains terms with three and four space-time derivatives of
component fields and has the Chern-Simons-like form.


title: Hot QCD equations of state and RHIC

abstract:
  We show how hot QCD equations of states can be adapted to make definite
predictions for quark-gluon plasma at RHIC. We consider equations of state up
to $O(g^5)$ and $O[g^6(ln(1/g)+\delta)]$. Our method involves the extraction of
equilibrium distribution functions for gluons and quarks from these equations
of state by capturing the the interaction effects entirely in the effective
chemical potentials. We further utilize these distribution functions to study
the screening length in hot QCD and dissociation phenomenon of heavy quarkonia
states by combining this understanding with the semi-classical transport
theory.


title:
On Tightness of Mutual Dependence Upperbound for Secret-key Capacity of
  Multiple Terminals

abstract:
  Csiszar and Narayan[3] defined the notion of secret key capacity for multiple
terminals, characterized it as a linear program with Slepian-Wolf constraints
of the related source coding problem of communication for omniscience, and
upper bounded it by some information divergence expression from the joint to
the product distribution of the private observations. This paper proves that
the bound is tight for the important case when all users are active, using the
polymatroidal structure[6] underlying the source coding problem. When some
users are not active, the bound may not be tight. This paper gives a
counter-example in which 3 out of the 6 terminals are active.


title:
The broad line type Ic supernova SN 2007ru: Adding to the diversity of
  type Ic supernovae

abstract:
  Photometric and spectral evolution of the Type Ic supernova SN 2007ru until
around 210 days after maximum are presented. The spectra show broad spectral
features due to very high expansion velocity, normally seen in hypernovae. The
photospheric velocity is higher than other normal Type Ic supernovae. It is
lower than SN 1998bw at $\sim$ 8 days after the explosion, but is comparable at
later epochs. The light curve evolution of SN 2007ru indicates a fast rise time
of 8$\pm$3 days to $B$ band maximum and post-maximum decline more rapid than
other broad-line Type Ic supernovae. With an absolute $V$ magnitude of -19.06,
SN 2007ru is comparable in brightness with SN 1998bw and lies at the brighter
end of the observed Type Ic supernovae. The ejected mass of \Nifs is estimated
to be $\sim0.4\Msun$. The fast rise and decline of the light curve and the high
expansion velocity suggest that SN 2007ru is an explosion with a high kinetic
energy/ejecta mass ratio ($E_{\rm K}/M_{\rm {ej}}$). This adds to the diversity
of Type Ic supernovae. Although the early phase spectra are most similar to
those of broad-line SN 2003jd, the [OI] line profile in the nebular spectrum of
SN 2007ru shows the singly-peaked profile, in contrast to the doubly-peaked
profile in SN 2003jd. The singly-peaked profile, together with the high
luminosity and the high expansion velocity, may suggest that SN 2007ru could be
an aspherical explosion viewed from the polar direction. Estimated oxygen
abundance 12 + log(O/H) of $\sim$8.8 indicates that SN 2007ru occurred in a
region with nearly solar metallicity.


title: Topological cluster state quantum computing

abstract:
  The quantum computing scheme described in Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 190504 (2007),
when viewed as a cluster state computation, features a 3-D cluster state, novel
adjustable strength error correction capable of correcting general errors
through the correction of Z errors only, a threshold error rate approaching 1%
and low overhead arbitrarily long-range logical gates. In this work, we review
the scheme in detail framing discussion solely in terms of the required 3-D
cluster state and its stabilizers.


title:
Data-dependent probability matching priors for empirical and related
  likelihoods

abstract:
  We consider a general class of empirical-type likelihoods and develop higher
order asymptotics with a view to characterizing members thereof that allow the
existence of possibly data-dependent probability matching priors ensuring
approximate frequentist validity of posterior quantiles. In particular, for the
usual empirical likelihood, positive results are obtained. This is in contrast
with what happens if only data-free priors are entertained.


title:
Probability matching priors for some parameters of the bivariate normal
  distribution

abstract:
  This paper develops some objective priors for certain parameters of the
bivariate normal distribution. The parameters considered are the regression
coefficient, the generalized variance, and the ratio of the conditional
variance of one variable given the other to the marginal variance of the other
variable. The criterion used is the asymptotic matching of coverage
probabilities of Bayesian credible intervals with the corresponding frequentist
coverage probabilities. The paper uses various matching criteria, namely,
quantile matching, matching of distribution functions, highest posterior
density matching, and matching via inversion of test statistics. One particular
prior is found which meets all the matching criteria individually for all the
parameters of interest.


title: Fuzzy set representation of a prior distribution

abstract:
  In the subjective Bayesian approach uncertainty is described by a prior
distribution chosen by the statistician. Fuzzy set theory is another way of
representing uncertainty. Here we give a decision theoretic approach which
allows a Bayesian to convert their prior distribution into a fuzzy set
membership function. This yields a formal relationship between these two
different methods of expressing uncertainty.


title: Sociological Inequality and the Second Law

abstract:
  There are two fair ways to distribute particles in boxes. The first way is to
divide the particles equally between the boxes. The second way, which is
calculated here, is to score fairly the particles between the boxes. The
obtained power law distribution function yields an uneven distribution of
particles in boxes. It is shown that the obtained distribution fits well to
sociological phenomena, such as the distribution of votes in polls and the
distribution of wealth and Benford's law.


title:
Domain wall motion in epitaxial Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 capacitors investigated by
  modified piezoresponse force microscopy

abstract:
  We investigated the time-dependent domain wall motion of epitaxial
PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 capacitors 100 nm-thick using modified piezoresponse force
microscopy (PFM). We obtained successive domain evolution images reliably by
combining the PFM with switching current measurements. We observed that domain
wall speed (v) decreases with increases in domain size. We also observed that
the average value of v, obtained under applied electric field (Eapp),showed
creep behavior: i.e. <v> ~ exp(-E0/Eapp)^$\mu$ with an exponent $\mu$ of 0.9
$\pm$ 0.1 and an activation field E0 of about 700 kV/cm.


title: Motion of Massive and Massless Test particles in Dyadosphere Geometry

abstract:
  Motion of massive and massless test particle in equilibrium and
non-equilibrium case is discussed in a dyadosphere geometry through
Hamilton-Jacobi method. Geodesics of particles are discussed through Lagrangian
method too. Scalar wave equation for massless particle is analyzed to show the
absence of superradiance.


title: Fuzzy sets in nonparametric Bayes regression

abstract:
  A simple Bayesian approach to nonparametric regression is described using
fuzzy sets and membership functions. Membership functions are interpreted as
likelihood functions for the unknown regression function, so that with the help
of a reference prior they can be transformed to prior density functions. The
unknown regression function is decomposed into wavelets and a hierarchical
Bayesian approach is employed for making inferences on the resulting wavelet
coefficients.


title: Progress on multi-waveband observations of supernova remnants

abstract:
  The development of observational techniques has inriched our knowledge of
supernova remnants. In this paper, we review the main progresses in the last
decade, including new discoveries of supernova remnants and the associated
(rare type of) pulsars, nucleosynthesis, the interaction between supernova
remnants and molecular clouds, dust in the supernova remnants, shock physics,
and cosmic ray accelerations.


title:
Non-singular solutions to Einstein-Klein-Gordon equations with a phantom
  scalar field

abstract:
  It is shown that the 4D Einstein-Klein-Gordon equations with a phantom scalar
field (a scalar field with a negative sign in front of the kinetic energy term
of its Lagrange density) has non-singular, spherically symmetry solutions.
These solutions have a combination of features found in other spherically
symmetric gravity plus field solutions. A stability analysis on these solutions
indicates they are unstable.


title:
The Solar Wind Charge-eXchange contribution to the Local Soft X-ray
  Background. Model to data comparison in the 0.1-1.0 keV band

abstract:
  The major sources of the Soft X-ray Background (SXRB), besides distinct
structures as supernovae and superbubbles (e.g. Loop I), are: (i) an absorbed
extragalactic emission following a power law, (ii) an absorbed thermal
component ~2x10^6 K) from the galactic disk and halo, (iii) an unabsorbed
thermal component, supposedly at 10^6 K, attributed to the Local Bubble and
(iv) the very recently identified unabsorbed Solar Wind Charge-eXchange (SWCX)
emission from the heliosphere and the geocorona. We study the SWCX heliospheric
component and its contribution to observed data. In a first part, we apply a
SWCX heliospheric simulation to model the oxygen lines (3/4 keV) local
intensities during shadowing observations of the MBM12 molecular cloud and a
dense filament in the south galactic hemisphere with Chandra, XMM-Newton, and
Suzaku telescopes. In a second part, we present a preliminary comparison of
SWCX model results with ROSAT and Wisconsin surveys data in the 1/4 keV band.
We conclude that, in the 3/4 keV band, the total local intensity is entirely
heliospheric, while in the 1/4 keV band, the heliospheric component seems to
contribute significantly to the local SXRB intensity and has potentially a
strong influence on the interpretation of the ROSAT and Wisconsin surveys data
in terms of Local Bubble hot gas temperature.


title: Using self-similarity and renormalization group to analyze time series

abstract:
  An algorithm based on Renormalization Group (RG) to analyze time series
forecasting was proposed in cond-mat/0110285. In this paper we explicitly code
and test it. We choose in particular some financial time series (stocks,
indexes and commodities) with daily data and compute one step ahead forecasts.
We then construct some indicators to evaluate performances. The algorithm is
supposed to prescribe the future development of the time series by using the
self-similarity property intrinsically present in RG approach. This property
could be potentially very attractive for the purpose of building winning
trading systems. We discuss some relevant points along this direction. Although
current performances have to be improved the algorithm seems quite reactive to
various combinations of input parameters and different past values sequences.
This makes it a potentially good candidate to detect sharp market movements. We
finally mention current drawbacks and sketch how to improve them.


title: Radical Parametrization of Algebraic Curves by Adjoint Curves

abstract:
  We present algorithms for parametrizing by radicals an irreducible curve, not
necessarily plane, when the genus is less o equal to 4 and they are defined
over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. In addition, we also
present an algorithm for parametrizing by radicals any irreducible plane curve
of degree $d$ having at least a point of multiplicity $d-r$, with $1\leq r \leq
4$ and, as a consequence, every irreducible plane curve of degree $d \leq 5$
and every irreducible singular plane curve of degree 6.


title:
Remarks on the blow-up of solutions to a toy model for the Navier-Stokes
  equations

abstract:
  S. Montgomery-Smith provided a one dimensional model for the three
dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, for which he proved the
blow up of solutions associated to a class of large initial data, while the
same global existence results as for the Navier-Stokes equations hold for small
data. In this note the model is adapted to the case of two and three space
dimensions, with the additional feature that the divergence free condition is
preserved. It is checked that the family of initial data constructed previously
by J.-Y Chemin and I. Gallagher which is arbitrarily large but yet generates a
global solution to the Navier-Stokes equations in three space dimensions,
actually causes blow up for the toy model -- meaning that the precise structure
of the nonlinear term is crucial to understand the dynamics of large solutions
to the Navier-Stokes equations.


title: Invariants in electromagnetic and gravitational adjoint fields

abstract:
  The paper discusses the impact of adjoint fields on the conservation laws in
the gravitational field and electromagnetic field, by means of the
characteristics of octonions. When the adjoint field can not be neglected, it
will cause the predictions to departure slightly from the conservation laws,
which include mass continuity equation, charge continuity equation, and
conservation of spin. The adjoint field of electromagnetic field has an effect
on conservation of mass, and that of gravitational field on conservation of
charge. The inferences explain how the adjoint field influences some
conservation laws in the gravitational field and electromagnetic field.


title:
Statistical region-based active contours with exponential family
  observations

abstract:
  In this paper, we focus on statistical region-based active contour models
where image features (e.g. intensity) are random variables whose distribution
belongs to some parametric family (e.g. exponential) rather than confining
ourselves to the special Gaussian case. Using shape derivation tools, our
effort focuses on constructing a general expression for the derivative of the
energy (with respect to a domain) and derive the corresponding evolution speed.
A general result is stated within the framework of multi-parameter exponential
family. More particularly, when using Maximum Likelihood estimators, the
evolution speed has a closed-form expression that depends simply on the
probability density function, while complicating additive terms appear when
using other estimators, e.g. moments method. Experimental results on both
synthesized and real images demonstrate the applicability of our approach.


title: Region-based active contour with noise and shape priors

abstract:
  In this paper, we propose to combine formally noise and shape priors in
region-based active contours. On the one hand, we use the general framework of
exponential family as a prior model for noise. On the other hand, translation
and scale invariant Legendre moments are considered to incorporate the shape
prior (e.g. fidelity to a reference shape). The combination of the two prior
terms in the active contour functional yields the final evolution equation
whose evolution speed is rigorously derived using shape derivative tools.
Experimental results on both synthetic images and real life cardiac echography
data clearly demonstrate the robustness to initialization and noise,
flexibility and large potential applicability of our segmentation algorithm.


title:
The initial value problem for a third-order dispersive flow into compact
  almost Hermitian manifolds

abstract:
  We present a time-local existence theorem of the initial value problem for a
third-order dispersive evolution equation for open curves on compact almost
Hermitian manifolds arising in the geometric analysis of vortex filaments. This
equation causes the so-called loss of one-derivative since the target manifold
is not supposed to be a K\"ahler manifold. We overcome this difficulty by using
a gauge transformation of a multiplier on the pull-back bundle to eliminate the
bad first order terms essentially.


title: Objective Bayes testing of Poisson versus inflated Poisson models

abstract:
  The Poisson distribution is often used as a standard model for count data.
Quite often, however, such data sets are not well fit by a Poisson model
because they have more zeros than are compatible with this model. For these
situations, a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) distribution is often proposed. This
article addresses testing a Poisson versus a ZIP model, using Bayesian
methodology based on suitable objective priors. Specific choices of objective
priors are justified and their properties investigated. The methodology is
extended to include covariates in regression models. Several applications are
given.


title: Hidden structures in quantum mechanics

abstract:
  It is shown that some operators in quantum mechanics have hidden structures
that are unobservable in principle. These structures are based on a
supersymmetric decomposition of the momentum operator, and a nonassociative
decomposition of the spin operator.


title: Circumstellar Na I and Ca II lines in type IIP supernovae and SN 1998S

abstract:
  We study a possibility of detection of circumstellar absorption lines of Na I
D$_{1,2}$ and Ca II H,K in spectra of type IIP supernovae at the photospheric
epoch. The modelling shows that the circumstellar lines of Na I doublet will
not be seen in type IIP supernovae for moderate wind density, e.g.,
characteristic of SN 1999em, whereas rather pronounced Ca II lines with P Cygni
profile should be detectable. A similar model is used to describe Na I and Ca
II circumstellar lines seen in SN 1998S, type IIL with a dense wind. We show
that line intensities in this supernova are reproduced, if one assumes an
ultraviolet excess, which is caused primarily by the comptonization of
supernova radiation in the shock wave.


title:
Origin of Metallic States at Heterointerface between Band Insulators
  LaAlO$_3$ and SrTiO$_3$

abstract:
  We have studied the electronic structure at the heterointerface between the
band insulators LaAlO$_3$ and SrTiO$_3$ using $in situ$ photoemission
spectroscopy. Our experimental results clearly reveal the formation of a
notched structure on the SrTiO$_3$ side due to band bending at the metallic
LaAlO$_3$/TiO$_2$-SrTiO$_3$ interface. The structure, however, is absent at the
insulating LaAlO$_3$/SrO-SrTiO$_3$ interface. The present results indicate that
the metallic states originate not from the charge transfer through the
interface on a short-range scale but from the accumulation of carriers on a
long-range scale.


title:
Consistent selection via the Lasso for high dimensional approximating
  regression models

abstract:
  In this article we investigate consistency of selection in regression models
via the popular Lasso method. Here we depart from the traditional linear
regression assumption and consider approximations of the regression function
$f$ with elements of a given dictionary of $M$ functions. The target for
consistency is the index set of those functions from this dictionary that
realize the most parsimonious approximation to $f$ among all linear
combinations belonging to an $L_2$ ball centered at $f$ and of radius
$r_{n,M}^2$. In this framework we show that a consistent estimate of this index
set can be derived via $\ell_1$ penalized least squares, with a data dependent
penalty and with tuning sequence $r_{n,M}>\sqrt{\log(Mn)/n}$, where $n$ is the
sample size. Our results hold for any $1\leq M\leq n^{\gamma}$, for any
$\gamma>0$.


title: Search for $B^0 \to J/\psi \phi $

abstract:
  We report a search for the decay $B^0 \to J/\psi \phi$, using a sample of 657
$\times 10^6$ $B\bar{B}$ pairs collected with the Belle detector at the
$\Upsilon(4S)$ resonance. No statistically significant signal is found and an
upper limit for the branching fraction is determined to be $\mathcal{B}(B^0 \to
J/\psi \phi) < 9.4 \times 10^{-7}$ at 90% confidence level.


title: Thermodynamics of a trapped unitary Fermi gas

abstract:
  Thermodynamic properties of an ultracold Fermi gas in a harmonic trap are
calculated within a local density approximation, using a conserving many-body
formalism for the BCS to BEC crossover problem, which has been developed by
Haussmann et al. [Phys. Rev. A 75, 023610 (2007)]. We focus on the unitary
regime near a Feshbach resonance and determine the local density and entropy
profiles and the global entropy S(E) as a function of the total energy E. Our
results are in good agreement with both experimental data and previous
analytical and numerical results for the thermodynamics of the unitary Fermi
gas. The value of the Bertsch parameter at T=0 and the superfluid transition
temperature, however, differ appreciably. We show that, well in the superfluid
regime, removal of atoms near the cloud edge enables cooling far below
temperatures that have been reached so far.


title: Anisotropic memory effects in confined colloidal diffusion

abstract:
  The motion of an optically trapped sphere constrained by the vicinity of a
wall is investigated at times where hydrodynamic memory is significant. First,
we quantify, in bulk, the influence of confinement arising from the trapping
potential on the sphere's velocity autocorrelation function $C(t)$. Next, we
study the splitting of $C(t)$ into $C_\parallel(t)$ and $C_\perp(t)$, when the
sphere is approached towards a surface. Thereby, we monitor the crossover from
a slow $t^{-3/2}$ long-time tail, away from the wall, to a faster $t^{-5/2}$
decay, due to the subtle interplay between hydrodynamic backflow and wall
effects. Finally, we discuss the resulting asymmetric time-dependent diffusion
coefficients.


title: Relativistic probability waves

abstract:
  A canonical structure compatible with the action of the Lorentz group can be
obtained considering the energy and time as conjugate variables of an extended
phase space. Scalar probability waves, describing free relativistic particles,
are associated with functional coherent states for an extended Liouville
equation. Relativistic action waves are provided by distributions localized in
the momentum space, evolving according to the continuity and Hamilton-Jacobi
equations. Presuming the existence of minimum space and time intervals, the
action distributions take the form of relativistic Wigner functions. The
nonrelativistic quantum dynamics is retrieved approximating the time
distribution function by a Gaussian wave packet.


title: Relative log convergent cohomology and relative rigid cohomology III

abstract:
  In this paper, we prove the generic overconvergence of relative rigid
cohomology with coefficient, by using the semistable reduction conjecture for
overconvergent $F$-isocrystals (which is recently shown by Kedlaya).


title: Exploring Disk Galaxy Dynamics Using IFU Data

abstract:
  In order to test the basic equations believed to dictate the dynamics of disk
galaxies, we present and analyze deep two-dimensional spectral data obtained
using the PPAK integral field unit for the early-type spiral systems NGC 2273,
NGC 2985, NGC 3898 and NGC 5533. We describe the care needed to obtain and
process such data to a point where reliable kinematic measurements can be
obtained from these observations, and a new more optimal method for deriving
the rotational motion and velocity dispersions in such disk systems. The data
from NGC 2273 and NGC 2985 show systematic variations in velocity dispersion
with azimuth, as one would expect if the shapes of their velocity ellipsoids
are significantly anisotropic, while the hotter disks in NGC 3898 and NGC 5533
appear to have fairly isotropic velocity dispersions. Correcting the rotational
motion for asymmetric drift using the derived velocity dispersions reproduces
the rotation curves inferred from emission lines reasonably well, implying that
this correction is quite robust, and that the use of the asymmetric drift
equation is valid. NGC 2985 is sufficiently close to face on for the data,
combined with the asymmetric drift equation, to determine all three components
of the velocity ellipsoid. The principal axes of this velocity ellipsoid are
found to be in the ratio sigma_z:sigma_phi:sigma_R ~ 0.7:0.7:1, which shows
unequivocally that this disk distribution function respects a third integral of
motion. The ratio is also consistent with the predictions of epicyclic theory,
giving some confidence in the application of this approximation to even fairly
early-type disk galaxies.


title: Perfect Reflection of Light by an Oscillating Dipole

abstract:
  We show theoretically that a directional dipole wave can be perfectly
reflected by a single point-like oscillating dipole. Furthermore, we find that
in the case of a strongly focused plane wave up to 85 % of the incident light
can be reflected by the dipole. Our results hold for the full spectrum of the
electromagnetic interactions and have immediate implications for achieving
strong coupling between a single propagating photon and a single quantum
emitter.


title:
A proof of the Kramers degeneracy of transmission eigenvalues from
  antisymmetry of the scattering matrix

abstract:
  In time reversal symmetric systems with half integral spins (or more
concretely, systems with an antiunitary symmetry that squares to -1 and
commutes with the Hamiltonian) the transmission eigenvalues of the scattering
matrix come in pairs. We present a proof of this fact that is valid both for
even and odd number of modes and relies solely on the antisymmetry of the
scattering matrix imposed by time reversal symmetry.


title: Some stationary properties of a $Q$-ball in arbitrary space dimensions

abstract:
  Introducing new physically motivated ans\"{a}tze, we explore both
analytically and numerically the classical and absolute stabilities of a single
$Q$-ball in an arbitrary number of spatial dimensions $D$, working in both the
thin and thick wall limits.


title: The impact of cosmic neutrinos on the gravitational-wave background

abstract:
  We obtain the equation governing the evolution of the cosmological
gravitational-wave background, accounting for the presence of cosmic neutrinos,
up to second order in perturbation theory. In particular, we focus on the epoch
during radiation dominance, after neutrino decoupling, when neutrinos yield a
relevant contribution to the total energy density and behave as collisionless
ultra-relativistic particles. Besides recovering the standard damping effect
due to neutrinos, a new source term for gravitational waves is shown to arise
from the neutrino anisotropic stress tensor. The importance of such a source
term, so far completely disregarded in the literature, is related to the high
velocity dispersion of neutrinos in the considered epoch; its computation
requires solving the full second-order Boltzmann equation for collisionless
neutrinos.


title: Classical and quantum breakdown in disordered materials

abstract:
  We have discussed the classical failure of the fuse system, the dielectric
breakdown and the quantum breakdown in the Anderson insulators. We have
discussed how the extreme value statistics and the resulting Gumbel
distribution arises in breakdown and failure processes, especially when the
disorder concentration is low. At high concentration of disorder near the
percolation threshold, we have discussed how the cross-over might take place
from extreme value to percolation statistics. We have discussed the system size
dependence that arises at the distribution of the failure current at low
disordered regime. Finally, the extension of Zener breakdown phenomenon for
band insulators to the disordered-induced Anderson insulators has been
discussed.


title: Classification of the BPS states in Bagger-Lambert Theory

abstract:
  We classify, in a group theoretical manner, the BPS configurations in the
multiple M2-brane theory recently proposed by Bagger and Lambert. We present
three types of BPS equations preserving various fractions of supersymmetries:
in the first type we have constant fields and the interactions are purely
algebraic in nature; in the second type the equations are invariant under
spatial rotation SO(2), and the fields can be time-dependent; in the third
class the equations are invariant under boost SO(1,1) and provide the
eleven-dimensional generalizations of the Nahm equations. The BPS equations for
different number of supersymmetries exhibit the division algebra structures:
octonion, quarternion or complex.


title: Integrating Job Parallelism in Real-Time Scheduling Theory

abstract:
  We investigate the global scheduling of sporadic, implicit deadline,
real-time task systems on multiprocessor platforms. We provide a task model
which integrates job parallelism. We prove that the time-complexity of the
feasibility problem of these systems is linear relatively to the number of
(sporadic) tasks for a fixed number of processors. We propose a scheduling
algorithm theoretically optimal (i.e., preemptions and migrations neglected).
Moreover, we provide an exact feasibility utilization bound. Lastly, we propose
a technique to limit the number of migrations and preemptions.


title:
Asymptotic optimality of a cross-validatory predictive approach to
  linear model selection

abstract:
  In this article we study the asymptotic predictive optimality of a model
selection criterion based on the cross-validatory predictive density, already
available in the literature. For a dependent variable and associated
explanatory variables, we consider a class of linear models as approximations
to the true regression function. One selects a model among these using the
criterion under study and predicts a future replicate of the dependent variable
by an optimal predictor under the chosen model. We show that for squared error
prediction loss, this scheme of prediction performs asymptotically as well as
an oracle, where the oracle here refers to a model selection rule which
minimizes this loss if the true regression were known.


title:
A robust system for Quantum Computation using Coherent Population Trap
  states of neutral atoms

abstract:
  A robust system for use of Quantum Computation using neutral atoms is
presented in this communication. This scheme exploits a multilevel atomic
system interacting with two lasers in such a way that it leads to formation of
two Coherent Population Trap (CPT) states. The atomic population can be pumped
alternatively between these two CPT states or any desired superposition of the
two can also be formed. These two CPT states can then be mapped to two Qubits
for Quantum Computation. Preparation of any desired state and formation of CNOT
gates are explained below. A scheme for preparing 1-D lattice of mutually
interacting spin systems, which mimic behaviour of magnetic spin systems is
also shown. Atoms in CPT states do not interact with the lasers that prepare it
and hence are free of perturbation. The states involved here are also made up
of only ground states of bare atoms and hence are free of decoherence due to
spontaneous emission. Thus, the configuration studied here is a good example of
a very robust system.


title:
Edge states in graphene in magnetic fields -- a speciality of the edge
  mode embedded in the n=0 Landau band

abstract:
  While usual edge states in the quantum Hall effect(QHE) reside between
adjacent Landau levels, QHE in graphene has a peculiar edge mode at E=0 that
reside right within the n=0 Landau level as protected by the chiral symmetry.
We have theoretically studied the edge states to show that the E=0 edge mode,
despite being embedded in the bulk Landau level, does give rise to a wave
function whose charge is accumulated along zigzag edges. This property, totally
outside continuum models, implies that the graphene QHE harbors edges distinct
from ordinary QHE edges with their topological origin. In the charge
accumulation the bulk states re-distribute their charge significantly, which
may be called a topological compensation of charge density. The real space
behavior obtained here should be observable in an STM imaging.


title: Exchange energy dominated by large orbital spin-currents in $\delta$-Pu

abstract:
  The electronic structure of the anomalous $\delta$-phase of Pu is analyzed by
a general and exact reformulation of the exchange energy of the $f$-shell. It
is found that the dominating contribution to the exchange energy is a
polarization of orbital spin-currents that preserves the time reversal
symmetry, hence a non-magnetic solution in accordance with experiments. The
analysis brings a unifying picture of the role of exchange in the $5f$-shell
with its relatively strong spin-orbit coupling. The results are in good
accordance with recent measurements of the branching ratio for the $d$ to $f$
transition in the actinides.


title:
AGB stars of the intermediate-age LMC cluster NGC 1846 II. Dredge up
  along the AGB

abstract:
  Aims: We investigate the change in the surface abundance of $^{12}$C during
the evolution along the AGB, aiming to constrain third dredge-up models.
  Methods: High-resolution, near-infrared spectra of a sample of AGB stars in
the LMC cluster NGC 1846 were obtained. A cluster sample ensures a high level
of homogeneity with respect to age, metallicity, and distance. The C/O ratio
and the ratio of $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C were measured and compared with our
evolutionary models.
  Results: For the first time, we show the evolution of the C/O and
$^{12}$C/$^{13}$C ratios along a cluster AGB. Our findings allow us to check
the reliability of the evolutionary models and, in particular, the efficiency
of the third dredge up. The increase in both C/O and $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C in the
observed O-rich stars is reproduced by the models well. However, the low carbon
isotopic ratios of the two C-stars in our sample indicate the late occurrence
of moderate extra mixing. The extra mixing affects the most luminous AGB stars
and is capable of increasing the abundance of $^{13}$C, while leaving unchanged
the C/O ratio, which has been fixed by the cumulative action of several third
dredge-up episodes. We find indications that the F abundance also increases
along the AGB, supporting an in situ production of this element.


title: Observation of neutrino interactions in the OPERA detector

abstract:
  OPERA is a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment designed to observe
$\nu_{\mu} \to \nu_{\tau}$ oscillations by looking at the appearance of
$\nu_{\tau}$'s in an almost pure $\nu_\mu$ beam. The beam is produced at CERN
and sent towards the Gran Sasso INFN laboratories where the experiment is
running. OPERA started its data taking in October 2007, when the first 38
neutrino interactions where successfully located and reconstructed. This paper
reviews the status of the experiment discussing its physics potential and
performances for neutrino oscillation studies.


title: Risk and resampling under model uncertainty

abstract:
  In statistical exercises where there are several candidate models, the
traditional approach is to select one model using some data driven criterion
and use that model for estimation, testing and other purposes, ignoring the
variability of the model selection process. We discuss some problems associated
with this approach. An alternative scheme is to use a model-averaged estimator,
that is, a weighted average of estimators obtained under different models, as
an estimator of a parameter. We show that the risk associated with a Bayesian
model-averaged estimator is bounded as a function of the sample size, when
parameter values are fixed. We establish conditions which ensure that a
model-averaged estimator's distribution can be consistently approximated using
the bootstrap. A new, data-adaptive, model averaging scheme is proposed that
balances efficiency of estimation without compromising applicability of the
bootstrap. This paper illustrates that certain desirable risk and resampling
properties of model-averaged estimators are obtainable when parameters are
fixed but unknown; this complements several studies on minimaxity and other
properties of post-model-selected and model-averaged estimators, where
parameters are allowed to vary.


title: WDVV solutions from orthocentric polytopes and Veselov systems

abstract:
  N=4 superconformal n-particle quantum mechanics on the real line is governed
by two prepotentials, U and F, which obey a system of partial nonlinear
differential equations generalizing the Witten-Dijkgraaf-Verlinde-Verlinde
(WDVV) equation. For U=0 one remains with the WDVV equation which suggests an
ansatz for F in terms of a set of covectors to be found. One approach
constructs such covectors from suitable polytopes, another method solves
Veselov's \vee-conditions in terms of deformed Coxeter root systems. I relate
the two schemes for the A_n example.


title:
On a Monge-Amp\`{e}re type equation in the Cegrell class
  $\mathcal{E}_{\chi}$

abstract:
  In this paper we prove an existence and uniqueness result for a
Monge-Amp\`{e}re type equation in the Cegrell class $\mathcal{E}_{\chi}$.


title:
Manifestations of the hyperfine interaction between electron and nuclear
  spins in singly-charged (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots

abstract:
  The nuclear spin fluctuations (NSF) as well as the dynamic nuclear
polarization (DNP) and their effects on the electron spins in negatively
charged (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots have been studied by polarized pump-probe
and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The effective magnetic field of
the NSF is about 30 mT at low excitation power. The NSF distribution becomes
highly anisotropic at strong optical excitation by circularly polarized light
with periodically alternating helicity. This phenomenon is attributed to a
decrease of the nuclear spin entropy due to the hyperfine interaction with
polarized electron spins. The DNP is limited to small values for intense, but
short photoexcitation.


title: Remarks on consistency of posterior distributions

abstract:
  In recent years, the literature in the area of Bayesian asymptotics has been
rapidly growing. It is increasingly important to understand the concept of
posterior consistency and validate specific Bayesian methods, in terms of
consistency of posterior distributions. In this paper, we build up some
conceptual issues in consistency of posterior distributions, and discuss
panoramic views of them by comparing various approaches to posterior
consistency that have been investigated in the literature. In addition, we
provide interesting results on posterior consistency that deal with
non-exponential consistency, improper priors and non i.i.d. (independent but
not identically distributed) observations. We describe a few examples for
illustrative purposes.


title: Non-LTE Calculation for the Be Star Decretion Disk

abstract:
  The non-LTE state of the hydrogen gas in isothermal transonic decretion disks
around a B1V star has been calculated by an iterative method in order to
explore the basic physical process in the disk. This dynamical model is
characterized by a density law in the equatorial plane of $\rho(R) \propto
R^{-3.5}$. The continuous radiation is calculated with the $\Lambda$ iteration
in the integral form, while we adopt a single-flight escape probability for
lines. We describe the non-LTE state, the radiation flow and conversion in the
disk. We conclude that the stellar Balmer continuum plays a key role in the
non-LTE state of the disk. The examination of the local energy gain and loss
suggests that the disk temperature has double minima along the equatorial plane
in the optically thick case: the intermediate region caused by deficient
ultraviolet radiation and the outer Lyman $\alpha$ cooling region. We have also
calculated some observable quantities, such as the spectral energy
distribution, the $UBV$ colors, the infrared excess and the Balmer line
profiles. Our calculations with the mass loss rate less than $10^{-10}
M_{\odot} {\rm yr}^{-1}$ reproduce the observed continuum quantities. However,
we could not get large H$\alpha$ emission strength observed in Be stars. We
suggest that the density gradient of the Be star disk is slower than that of
the isothermal decretion disk.


title:
An anisotropic phase field crystal model for isotropic and anisotropic
  crystal lattice systems of arbitrary Poisson ratio

abstract: This paper has been withdrawn by the author(s)!


title: Voting power and Qualified Majority Voting with a "no vote" option

abstract:
  In recent years, enlargement of the European Union has led to increased
interest in the allocation of voting weights to member states with hugely
differing population numbers. While the eventually agreed voting scheme lacks
any strict mathematical basis, the Polish government suggested a voting scheme
based on the Penrose definition of voting power, leading to an allocation of
voting weights proportional to the square root of the population (the
"Jagiellonian Compromise"). The Penrose definition of voting power is derived
from the citizens' freedom to vote either "yes" or "no". This paper defines a
corresponding voting power based on "yes", "no" and "abstain" options, and it
is found that this definition also leads to a square root law, and to the same
optimal vote allocation as the Penrose scheme.


title: Reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces of Gaussian priors

abstract:
  We review definitions and properties of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces
attached to Gaussian variables and processes, with a view to applications in
nonparametric Bayesian statistics using Gaussian priors. The rate of
contraction of posterior distributions based on Gaussian priors can be
described through a concentration function that is expressed in the reproducing
Hilbert space. Absolute continuity of Gaussian measures and concentration
inequalities play an important role in understanding and deriving this result.
Series expansions of Gaussian variables and transformations of their
reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces under linear maps are useful tools to compute
the concentration function.


title:
Feynman integrals as Hida distributions: the case of non-perturbative
  potentials

abstract:
  Feynman integrands are constructed as Hida distributions. For our approach we
first have to construct solutions to a corresponding Schroedinger equation with
time-dependent potential. This is done by a generalization of the Doss approach
to time-dependent potentials. This involves an expectation w.r.t. a complex
scaled Brownian motion. As examples polynomial potentials of degree $4n+2,
n\in\mathbb N,$ and singular potentials of the form $\frac{1}{|x|^n},
n\in\mathbb N$ and $\frac{1}{x^n}, n\in\mathbb N,$ are worked out.


title: Self-similar structure of magnetized ADAFs and CDAFs

abstract:
  (Abridged) We study the effects of a global magnetic field on
viscously-rotating and vertically-integrated accretion disks around compact
objects using a self-similar treatment. We extend Akizuki & Fukue's work (2006)
by discussing a general magnetic field with three components ($r, \phi, z$) in
advection-dominated accretion flows (ADAFs). We also investigate the effects of
a global magnetic field on flows with convection. For these purposes, we first
adopt a simple form of the kinematic viscosity $\nu=\alpha
c_{s}^{2}/\Omega_{K}$ to study magnetized ADAFs. Then we consider a more
realistic model of the kinematic viscosity $\nu=\alpha c_{s}H$, which makes the
infall velocity increase but the sound speed and toroidal velocity decrease. We
next use two methods to study magnetized flows with convection, i.e., we take
the convective coefficient $\alpha_{c}$ as a free parameter to discuss the
effects of convection for simplicity. We establish the $\alpha_{c}-\alpha$
relation for magnetized flows using the mixing-length theory and compare this
relation with the non-magnetized case. If $\alpha_{c}$ is set as a free
parameter, then $|v_{r}|$ and $c_{s}$ increase for a large toroidal magnetic
field, while $|v_{r}|$ decreases but $|v_{\phi}|$ increases (or decreases) for
a strong and dominated radial (or vertical) magnetic field with increasing
$\alpha_{c}$. In addition, the magnetic field makes the $\alpha_{c}-\alpha$
relation be distinct from that of non-magnetized flows, and allows the
$\rho\propto r^{-1}$ or $\rho\propto r^{-2}$ structure for magnetized
non-accreting convection-dominated accretion flows with $\alpha+g\alpha_{c}< 0$
(where $g$ is the parameter to determine the condition of convective angular
momentum transport).


title: Nuclear activity in nearby galaxies: Mid-infrared imaging with the VLT

abstract:
  Dust enshrouded activity can ideally be studied by mid-infrared (MIR)
observations. In order to explore the AGN versus star forming origin of the
nuclear MIR emission of galaxies, observations of high spatial resolution are
required. Here we report on 11.3mic. observations with VISIR at the VLT,
reaching 0.35'' spatial resolution (FWHM). During the scientific verification
of VISIR we have observed a sample of 36 nearby galaxies having a variety of
optically classified nuclear activity: 17 black hole driven active galactic
nuclei (AGN), 10 starbursts (SBs) and 9 quiet spirals. 16/17 AGN are detected
and unresolved, 5/10 SBs are detected and resolved with structured emission up
to a few arcsec, while for 5/10 SB and all 9 quiet nuclei low upper limits are
provided. The morphology of the resolved SB nuclei follows that seen at radio
frequencies. The compactness of AGN and the extent of the SB nuclei is
consistent with predictions from radiative transfer models and with MIR spectra
of lower spatial resolution. We explore the nuclear MIR surface brightness as a
quantitative measure. While AGN and SB cannot be distinguished with MIR data
from 4m class telescopes, our data provide evidence that, up to a distance of
100 Mpc, AGN and SB can well be separated by means of MIR surface brightness
when using 8m class telescopes.


title: Model Checking Event-B by Encoding into Alloy

abstract:
  As systems become ever more complex, verification becomes more main stream.
Event-B and Alloy are two formal specification languages based on fairly
different methodologies. While Event-B uses theorem provers to prove that
invariants hold for a given specification, Alloy uses a SAT-based model finder.
In some settings, Event-B invariants may not be proved automatically, and so
the often difficult step of interactive proof is required. One solution for
this problem is to validate invariants with model checking. This work studies
the encoding of Event-B machines and contexts to Alloy in order to perform
temporal model checking with Alloy's SAT-based engine.


title:
Properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in local elliptical
  galaxies revealed by the Infrared Spectrograph on Spitzer

abstract:
  We performed mid-infrared spectroscopic observations of 18 local dusty
elliptical galaxies by using the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) on board Spitzer.
We have significantly detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features
from 14 out of the 18 galaxies, and thus found that the presence of PAHs is not
rare but rather common in dusty elliptical galaxies. Most of these galaxies
show an unusually weak 7.7 um emission feature relative to 11.3 um and 17 um
emission features. A large fraction of the galaxies also exhibit H2 rotational
line and ionic fine-structure line emissions, which have no significant
correlation with the PAH emissions. The PAH features are well correlated with
the continuum at 35 um, whereas they are not correlated with the continuum at 6
um. We conclude that the PAH emission of the elliptical galaxies is mostly of
interstellar origin rather than of stellar origin, and that the unusual PAH
interband strength ratios are likely to be due to a large fraction of neutral
to ionized PAHs.


title:
Analysis of the role of von Neumann's projection postulate in the
  canonical scheme of quantum teleportation and main quantum algorithms

abstract:
  Modern development of quantum technologies based on quantum information
theory stimulated analysis of proposed computational, cryptographic and
teleportational schemes from the viewpoint of quantum foundations. It is
evident that not all mathematical calculations performed in complex Hilbert
space can be directly realized in physical space. Recently by analyzing the
original EPR paper we found that they argument was based on the misuse of the
von Neumann's projection postulate. Opposite to von Neumann, Einstein, Podolsky
and Rosen (EPR) applied this postulate to observables represented by operators
with degenerate spectra. It was completely forbidden by von Neumann's
axiomatics of QM. It is impossible to repeat the EPR considerations in the von
Neumann's framework. In this note we analyze quantum teleportation by taking
into account von Neumann's projection postulate. Our analysis shows that so
called quantum teleportation is impossible in von Neumann's framework. On the
other hand, our analysis implies that the main quantum algorithms are totally
consistent with von Neumann's projection postulate.


title: Self-dual projective toric varieties

abstract:
  Let T be a torus over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic 0,
and consider a projective T-module P(V). We determine when a projective toric
subvariety X of P(V) is self-dual, in terms of the configuration of weights of
V.


title: Open Perturbatively Long-Range Integrable gl(N) Spin Chains

abstract:
  We construct the most general perturbatively long-range integrable spin chain
with spins transforming in the fundamental representation of gl(N) and open
boundary conditions. In addition to the previously determined bulk moduli we
find a new set of parameters determining the reflection phase shift. We also
consider finite-size contributions and comment on their determination.


title:
k-Hyperarc Consistency for Soft Constraints over Divisible Residuated
  Lattices

abstract:
  We investigate the applicability of divisible residuated lattices (DRLs) as a
general evaluation framework for soft constraint satisfaction problems (soft
CSPs). DRLs are in fact natural candidates for this role, since they form the
algebraic semantics of a large family of substructural and fuzzy logics.
  We present the following results. (i) We show that DRLs subsume important
valuation structures for soft constraints, such as commutative idempotent
semirings and fair valuation structures, in the sense that the last two are
members of certain subvarieties of DRLs (namely, Heyting algebras and
BL-algebras respectively). (ii) In the spirit of previous work of J. Larrosa
and T. Schiex [2004], and S. Bistarelli and F. Gadducci [2006] we describe a
polynomial-time algorithm that enforces k-hyperarc consistency on soft CSPs
evaluated over DRLs. Observed that, in general, DRLs are neither idempotent nor
totally ordered, this algorithm amounts to a generalization of the available
algorithms that enforce k-hyperarc consistency.


title: Gravitational collapse as the source of gamma-ray bursts

abstract:
  If the threshold for $e^{-}e^{+}$ pair production depends on an angle between
photon momenta, and if the $\gamma$-rays are collimated right in gamma-ray
burst (GRB) source then another solution of the compactness problem is
possible. The list of basic assumptions of the scenario describing the GRB with
energy release $< 10^{49}$ erg is adduced: the matter is about an alternative
to the ultrarelativistic fireball if all long-duration GRBs are physically
connected with core-collapse supernovae (SNe). The questions about radiation
pressure and how the jet arises on account of even a small radiation field
asymmetry in a compact GRB source of size $\lesssim 10^8$ cm, and observational
consequences of the compact model of GRBs are considered.


title:
Density engineering of an oscillating soliton/vortex ring in a
  Bose-Einstein condensate

abstract:
  When two Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC's) collide with high collisional
energy, the celebrated matter wave interference pattern results. For lower
collisional energies the repulsive interaction energy becomes significant, and
the interference pattern evolves into an array of grey solitons. The lowest
collisional energy, producing a single pair of solitons, has not been probed.
We use density engineering on the healing length scale to produce such a pair
of solitons. These solitons then evolve periodically between vortex rings and
solitons, which we image in-situ on the healing length scale. The stable,
periodic evolution is in sharp contrast to the behavior of previous
experiments, in which the solitons decay irreversibly into vortex rings via the
snake instability. The evolution can be understood in terms of conservation of
mass and energy in a narrow condensate. The periodic oscillation between two
qualitatively different forms seems to be a rare phenomenon in nature.


title: A Bayesian semi-parametric model for small area estimation

abstract:
  In public health management there is a need to produce subnational estimates
of health outcomes. Often, however, funds are not available to collect samples
large enough to produce traditional survey sample estimates for each
subnational area. Although parametric hierarchical methods have been
successfully used to derive estimates from small samples, there is a concern
that the geographic diversity of the U.S. population may be oversimplified in
these models. In this paper, a semi-parametric model is used to describe the
geographic variability component of the model. Specifically, we assume
Dirichlet process mixtures of normals for county-specific random effects.
Results are compared to a parametric model based on the base measure of the
Dirichlet process, using binary health outcomes related to mammogram usage.


title: Thermodynamic Field Theory with the Iso-Entropic Formalism

abstract:
  A new formulation of the thermodynamic field theory (TFT) is presented. In
this new version, one of the basic restriction in the old theory, namely a
closed-form solution for the thermodynamic field strength, has been removed. In
addition, the general covariance principle is replaced by Prigogine's
thermodynamic covariance principle (TCP). The introduction of TCP required the
application of an appropriate mathematical formalism, which has been referred
to as the iso-entropic formalism. The validity of the Glansdorff-Prigogine
Universal Criterion of Evolution, via geometrical arguments, is proven. A new
set of thermodynamic field equations, able to determine the nonlinear
corrections to the linear ("Onsager") transport coefficients, is also derived.
The geometry of the thermodynamic space is non-Riemannian tending to be
Riemannian for hight values of the entropy production. In this limit, we obtain
again the same thermodynamic field equations found by the old theory.
Applications of the theory, such as transport in magnetically confined plasmas,
materials submitted to temperature and electric potential gradients or to
unimolecular triangular chemical reactions can be found at references cited
herein.


title: A Logical Calculus To Intuitively And Logically Denote Number Systems

abstract:
  Simple continued fractions, base-b expansions, Dedekind cuts and Cauchy
sequences are common notations for number systems. In this note, first, it is
proven that both simple continued fractions and base-b expansions fail to
denote real numbers and thus lack logic; second, it is shown that Dedekind cuts
and Cauchy sequences fail to join in algebraical operations and thus lack
intuition; third, we construct a logical calculus and deduce numbers to
intuitively and logically denote number systems.


title: Compressing Binary Decision Diagrams

abstract:
  The paper introduces a new technique for compressing Binary Decision Diagrams
in those cases where random access is not required. Using this technique,
compression and decompression can be done in linear time in the size of the BDD
and compression will in many cases reduce the size of the BDD to 1-2 bits per
node. Empirical results for our compression technique are presented, including
comparisons with previously introduced techniques, showing that the new
technique dominate on all tested instances.


title: On Perelman's Dilaton

abstract:
  By means of a Kaluza-Klein type argument we show that the Perelman's
F-functional is the Einstein-Hilbert action in a space with extra ``phantom''
dimensions.
  In this way, we try to interpret some remarks of Perelman in the introduction
and at the end of the first section in his first famous paper.
  As a consequence the Ricci flow (modified by a diffeomorphism and a
time-dependent factor) is the evolution of the ``real'' part of the metric
under a constrained gradient flow of the Einstein-Hilbert gravitational action
in higher dimension.


title:
A hierarchical Bayesian approach for estimating the origin of a mixed
  population

abstract:
  We propose a hierarchical Bayesian model to estimate the proportional
contribution of source populations to a newly founded colony. Samples are
derived from the first generation offspring in the colony, but mating may occur
preferentially among migrants from the same source population. Genotypes of the
newly founded colony and source populations are used to estimate the mixture
proportions, and the mixture proportions are related to environmental and
demographic factors that might affect the colonizing process. We estimate an
assortative mating coefficient, mixture proportions, and regression
relationships between environmental factors and the mixture proportions in a
single hierarchical model. The first-stage likelihood for genotypes in the
newly founded colony is a mixture multinomial distribution reflecting the
colonizing process. The environmental and demographic data are incorporated
into the model through a hierarchical prior structure. A simulation study is
conducted to investigate the performance of the model by using different levels
of population divergence and number of genetic markers included in the
analysis. We use Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation to conduct
inference for the posterior distributions of model parameters. We apply the
model to a data set derived from grey seals in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. We
compare our model with a similar model previously used to analyze these data.
The results from both the simulation and application to real data indicate that
our model provides better estimates for the covariate effects.


title: Quotients in supergeometry

abstract:
  The purpose of this paper is to present the notion of quotient of supergroups
in different categories using the unified treatment of the functor of points
and to examine some physically interesting examples.


title:
Systematic Comparison of Jet Energy-Loss Schemes in a 3D hydrodynamic
  medium

abstract:
  We utilize a 3D hydrodynamic model to provide the medium evolution for a
systematic comparison of jet energy-loss calculations in the BDMPS/ASW, HT and
AMY approaches. We find that the parameters of all three calculations can be
adjusted to provide a good description of inclusive data on $R_{AA}$ versus
transverse momentum. However, we do observe slight differences in their
predictions for the azimuthal angular dependence of $R_{AA}$ vs. $p_T$. We also
note that the value of the transport coefficient $\hat{q}$ needed in the three
approaches to describe the data differs significantly.


title: Finite element scheme for integro-partial differential equations

abstract:
  We construct a finite element like scheme for fully non-linear
integro-partial differential equations arising in optimal control of
jump-processes. Special cases of these equations include optimal portfolio and
option pricing equations in Finance. The schemes are monotone and robust. We
prove that they converge in very general situations, including degenerate
equations, multiple dimensions, relatively low regularity of the data, and for
most (if not all) types of jump-models used in Finance. In all cases we provide
(probably optimal) error bounds. These bounds apply when grids are unstructured
and integral terms are very singular, two features that are new or highly
unusual in this setting.


title: Kendall's tau in high-dimensional genomic parsimony

abstract:
  High-dimensional data models, often with low sample size, abound in many
interdisciplinary studies, genomics and large biological systems being most
noteworthy. The conventional assumption of multinormality or linearity of
regression may not be plausible for such models which are likely to be
statistically complex due to a large number of parameters as well as various
underlying restraints. As such, parametric approaches may not be very
effective. Anything beyond parametrics, albeit, having increased scope and
robustness perspectives, may generally be baffled by the low sample size and
hence unable to give reasonable margins of errors. Kendall's tau statistic is
exploited in this context with emphasis on dimensional rather than sample size
asymptotics. The Chen--Stein theorem has been thoroughly appraised in this
study. Applications of these findings in some microarray data models are
illustrated.


title: On the Formation of Compact Stellar Disks Around Sgr A*

abstract:
  The recent identification of one or two sub-parsec disks of young, massive
stars orbiting the ~4e6 solar mass black hole Sgr A* has prompted an "in-situ"
scenario for star formation in disks of gas formed from a cloud captured from
the Galactic center environment. To date there has been no explanation given
for the low angular momentum of the disks relative to clouds passing close to
the center. Here we show that the partial accretion of extended Galactic center
clouds, such as the 50 km/s giant molecular cloud, that temporarily engulf Sgr
A* during their passage through the central region of the Galaxy provide a
natural explanation for the angular momentum and surface density of the the
observed stellar disks. The captured cloud material is gravitationally unstable
and forms stars as it circularizes, potentially explaining the large
eccentricity and range of inclinations of the observed stellar orbits. The
application of this idea to the formation of the circumnuclear ring is also
discussed.


title: Friedel oscillations induced surface magnetic anisotropy

abstract:
  We present detailed numerical studies of the magnetic anisotropy energy of a
magnetic impurity near the surface of metallic hosts (Au and Cu), that we
describe in terms of a realistic tight-binding surface Green's function
technique. We study the case when spin-orbit coupling originates from the
d-band of the host material and we also investigate the case of a strong local
spin-orbit coupling on the impurity itself. The splitting of the impurity's
spin-states is calculated to leading order in the exchange interaction between
the impurity and the host atoms using a diagrammatic Green's function
technique. The magnetic anisotropy constant is an oscillating function of the
separation d from the surface: it asymptotically decays as 1/d2 and its
oscillation period is determined by the extremal vectors of the host's Fermi
Surface. Our results clearly show that the host-induced magnetic anisotropy
energy is by several orders of magnitude smaller than the anisotropy induced by
the local mechanism, which provides sufficiently large anisotropy values to
explain the size dependence of the Kondo resistance observed experimentally.


title: Bound-states of D-branes in L-R asymmetric superstring vacua

abstract:
  We discuss bound-states of D-branes in truly L-R asymmetric and thus
non-geometric Type II vacuum configurations with extended supersymmetry. We
argue for their stability as a result of residual supersymmetry and coupling to
R-R potentials surviving in the massless spectrum. We then identify the open
string excitations of these L-R asymmetric BPS D-branes. Finally, we briefly
comment on possible applications and extensions.


title: A Note on Partial List Colorings

abstract:
  Let $G$ be a simple graph with $n$ vertices and list chromatic number
$\chi_\ell(G)=\chi_\ell$. Suppose that $0\leq t\leq \chi_\ell$ and each vertex
of $G$ is assigned a list of $t$ colors. Albertson, Grossman and Haas [1]
conjectured that at least $\frac{tn}{\chi_\ell}$ vertices of $G$ can be colored
from these lists. In this paper we find some new results in partial list
coloring which help us to show that the conjecture is true for at least half of
the numbers of the set $\{1,2,...,\chi_\ell(G)-1\}$. In addition we introduce a
new related conjecture and finally we present some results about this
conjecture.


title:
Compact self-gravitating solutions of quartic (K) fields in brane
  cosmology

abstract:
  Recently we proposed that K fields, that is, fields with a non-standard
kinetic term, may provide a mechanism for the generation of thick branes, based
on the following observations. Firstly, K field theories allow for soliton
solutions with compact support, i.e., compactons. Compactons in 1+1 dimensions
may give rise to topological defects of the domain wall type and with finite
thickness in higher dimensions. Secondly, propagation of linear perturbations
is confined inside the compacton domain wall. Further, these linear
perturbations inside the topological defect are of the standard type, in spite
of the non-standard kinetic term. Thirdly, when gravity is taken into account,
location of gravity in the sense of Randall--Sundrum works for these compacton
domain walls provided that the backreaction of gravity does not destabilize the
compacton domain wall. It is the purpose of the present paper to investigate in
detail the existence and stability of compacton domain walls in the full K
field and gravity system, using both analytical and numerical methods. We find
that the existence of the domain wall in the full system requires a correlation
between the gravitational constant and the bulk cosmological constant, which is
thoroughly analyzed.


title: Orthogonalized smoothing for rescaled spike and slab models

abstract:
  Rescaled spike and slab models are a new Bayesian variable selection method
for linear regression models. In high dimensional orthogonal settings such
models have been shown to possess optimal model selection properties. We review
background theory and discuss applications of rescaled spike and slab models to
prediction problems involving orthogonal polynomials. We first consider global
smoothing and discuss potential weaknesses. Some of these deficiencies are
remedied by using local regression. The local regression approach relies on an
intimate connection between local weighted regression and weighted generalized
ridge regression. An important implication is that one can trace the effective
degrees of freedom of a curve as a way to visualize and classify curvature.
Several motivating examples are presented.


title:
Kinetics of spin coherence of electrons in $n$-type InAs quantum wells
  under intense terahertz laser fields

abstract:
  Spin kinetics in $n$-type InAs quantum wells under intense terahertz laser
fields is investigated by developing fully microscopic kinetic spin Bloch
equations via the Floquet-Markov theory and the nonequilibrium Green's function
approach, with all the relevant scattering, such as the electron-impurity,
electron-phonon, and electron-electron Coulomb scattering explicitly included.
We find that a {\em finite} steady-state terahertz spin polarization induced by
the terahertz laser field, first predicted by Cheng and Wu [Appl. Phys. Lett.
{\bf 86}, 032107 (2005)] in the absence of dissipation, exists even in the
presence of all the scattering. We further discuss the effects of the terahertz
laser fields on the spin relaxation and the steady-state spin polarization. It
is found that the terahertz laser fields can {\em strongly} affect the spin
relaxation via hot-electron effect and the terahertz-field-induced effective
magnetic field in the presence of spin-orbit coupling. The two effects compete
with each other, giving rise to {\em non-monotonic} dependence of the spin
relaxation time as well as the amplitude of the steady state spin polarization
on the terahertz field strength and frequency. The terahertz field dependences
of these quantities are investigated for various impurity densities, lattice
temperatures, and strengths of the spin-orbit coupling. Finally, the importance
of the electron-electron Coulomb scattering on spin kinetics is also addressed.


title:
Room temperature electronic template effect of pre-structured
  SmSi(111)-8x2 interface yielding self-aligned organic molecules

abstract:
  This work describes an innovative concept for the development of organized
molecular systems thanks to the template effect of the pre-structured
semi-conductive SmSi(111) interface. This substrate was selected because Sm
deposition in the submonolayer range leads to a 8x2-reconstruction, which is a
well-defined one-dimensional semi-metallic structure. Adsorption of aromatic
molecules (1,4-di-(9-ethynyltriptycenyl)-benzene) on SmSi(111)-8x2 and
Si(111)-7x7 interfaces has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy
(STM) at room temperature. Density functional theory (DFT) and semi-empirical
(ASED+) calculations have been performed to define the nature of the molecular
adsorption sites of the target molecule on SmSi as well as their self-alignment
on this interface. Experimental data and theoretical results are in good
agreement.


title: Nonparametric statistics on manifolds with applications to shape spaces

abstract:
  This article presents certain recent methodologies and some new results for
the statistical analysis of probability distributions on manifolds. An
important example considered in some detail here is the 2-D shape space of
k-ads, comprising all configurations of $k$ planar landmarks ($k>2$)-modulo
translation, scaling and rotation.


title:
Equilibrium Solution to the Inelastic Boltzmann Equation Driven by a
  Particles Thermal Bath

abstract:
  We show the existence of smooth stationary solutions for the inelastic
Boltzmann equation under the thermalization induced by a host-medium with a
fixed distribution. This is achieved by controlling the Lp-norms, the moments
and the regularity of the solutions for the Cauchy problem together with
arguments related to a dynamical proof for the existence of stationary states.


title: Line creep in paper peeling

abstract:
  The dynamics of a "peeling front" or an elastic line is studied under creep
(constant load) conditions. Our experiments show an exponential dependence of
the creep velocity on the inverse force (mass) applied. In particular, the
dynamical correlations of the avalanche activity are discussed here. We compare
various avalanche statistics to those of a line depinning model with non-local
elasticity, and study various measures of the experimental avalanche-avalanche
and temporal correlations such as the autocorrelation function of the released
energy and aftershock activity. From all these we conclude, that internal
avalanche dynamics seems to follow "line depinning" -like behavior, in rough
agreement with the depinning model. Meanwhile, the correlations reveal subtle
complications not implied by depinning theory. Moreover, we also show how these
results can be understood from a geophysical point of view.


title: Sigma to p mu+ mu-: Standard Model or New Particle?

abstract:
  The HyperCP collaboration observed three events for the decay Sigma to p mu+
mu-. They suggested that new physics may be required to understand the implied
decay rate and the observed dimuon invariant mass distribution. Motivated by
this result, we re-examine this mode. First within the standard model, and then
assuming there is a new particle. Within the SM we find that this mode is
long-distance dominated and its rate falls within the range suggested by the
HyperCP measurement. We then examine the conditions under which the observation
is consistent with a light Higgs boson and find an explicit example that
satisfies all the constraints: the light pseudoscalar Higgs boson in the
next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (NMSSM).


title: An ensemble approach to improved prediction from multitype data

abstract:
  We have developed a strategy for the analysis of newly available binary data
to improve outcome predictions based on existing data (binary or non-binary).
Our strategy involves two modeling approaches for the newly available data, one
combining binary covariate selection via LASSO with logistic regression and one
based on logic trees. The results of these models are then compared to the
results of a model based on existing data with the objective of combining model
results to achieve the most accurate predictions. The combination of model
predictions is aided by the use of support vector machines to identify
subspaces of the covariate space in which specific models lead to successful
predictions. We demonstrate our approach in the analysis of single nucleotide
polymorphism (SNP) data and traditional clinical risk factors for the
prediction of coronary heart disease.


title: Sharp failure rates for the bootstrap particle filter in high dimensions

abstract:
  We prove that the maximum of the sample importance weights in a
high-dimensional Gaussian particle filter converges to unity unless the
ensemble size grows exponentially in the system dimension. Our work is
motivated by and parallels the derivations of Bengtsson, Bickel and Li (2007);
however, we weaken their assumptions on the eigenvalues of the covariance
matrix of the prior distribution and establish rigorously their strong
conjecture on when weight collapse occurs. Specifically, we remove the
assumption that the nonzero eigenvalues are bounded away from zero, which,
although the dimension of the involved vectors grow to infinity, essentially
permits the effective system dimension to be bounded. Moreover, with some
restrictions on the rate of growth of the maximum eigenvalue, we relax their
assumption that the eigenvalues are bounded from above, allowing the system to
be dominated by a single mode.


title: Handle moves in contact surgery diagrams

abstract:
  We describe various handle moves in contact surgery diagrams, notably contact
analogues of the Kirby moves. As an application of these handle moves, we
discuss the respective classifications of long and loose Legendrian knots.


title:
Giant Magnetoelectric Effect in a Multiferroic Material with a High
  Ferroelectric Transition Temperature

abstract:
  We present a unique example of giant magnetoelectric effect in a conventional
multiferroic HoMnO3, where polarization is very large (~56 mC/m2) and the
ferroelectric transition temperature is higher than the magnetic ordering
temperature by an order. We attribute the uniqueness of the giant
magnetoelectric effect to the ferroelectricity induced entirely by the
off-center displacement of rare earth ions with large magnetic moments. This
finding suggests a new avenue to design multiferroics with large polarization
and higher ferroelectric transition temperature as well as large
magnetoelectric effects.