title:
The Infrared Camera (IRC) deep survey in the performance verification
  phase

abstract:
  We report the first results of a near- and mid- infrared deep survey with the
Infrared Camera (IRC) onboard AKARI in the performance verification phase.
Simultaneous observations by the NIR, MIR-S and MIR-L channels of the IRC with
effective integration times of 4529, 4908, and 4417 seconds at 3, 7, and 15
micron, covering 86.0, 70.3, and 77.3 arcmin^2 area, detected 955, 298 and 277
sources, respectively. The 5 sigma detection limits of the survey are 6.0, 31.5
and 71.2 micro Jy and the 50% completeness limit are 24.0, 47.5, and 88.1 micro
Jy at 3, 7, and 15 micron, respectively. The observation is limited by source
confusion at 3 micron. We have confirmed the turnover in the 15 micron
differential source counts around 400 micro Jy, previously detected by surveys
with the Infrared Space Observatory. The faint end of 15 micron raw source
counts agree with the results from the deep surveys in the GOODS fields carried
out with the Spitzer IRS peak up imager and the predictions of current galaxy
evolution models. These results indicate that deep surveys with comprehensive
wavelength coverage at mid-infrared wavelength are very important to
investigate the evolution of infrared galaxies at high redshifts.


title:
Molecular dynamics simulation of nanocolloidal amorphous silica
  particles: Part II

abstract:
  Explicit molecular dynamics simulations were applied to a pair of amorphous
silica nanoparticles of diameter 3.2 nm immersed in a background electrolyte.
Mean forces acting between the pair of silica nanoparticles were extracted at
four different background electrolyte concentrations. Dependence of the
inter-particle potential of mean force on the separation and the silicon to
sodium ratio, as well as on the background electrolyte concentration, are
demonstrated. The pH was indirectly accounted for via the ratio of silicon to
sodium used in the simulations. The nature of the interaction of the
counter-ions with charged silica surface sites (deprotonated silanols) was also
investigated. The effect of the sodium double layer on the water ordering was
investigated for three Si:Na+ ratios. The number of water molecules trapped
inside the nanoparticles was investigated as the Si:Na+ ratio was varied.
Differences in this number between the two nanoparticles in the simulations are
attributed to differences in the calculated electric dipole moment. The
implications of the form of the potentials for aggregation are also discussed.


title:
Relationship between the atomic inversion and Wigner function for
  multiphoton multimode Jaynes-Cummings model

abstract:
  In this paper we consider multimode multiphoton Jaynes-Cummings model, which
consists of a two-level atom, initially prepared in an excited atomic state,
interacting with $N$ modes of electromagnetic field prepared in general pure
quantum states. For this system we show that under certain conditions the
evolution of the Wigner function at the phase space origin provides direct
information on the corresponding atomic inversion. This relation is also valid
even if the system includes Kerr-like nonlinearity, Stark shift effect,
different types of the initial atomic state as well as moving atom.
Furthermore, based on this fact we discuss for the single-mode case the
possibility of detecting the atomic inversion by means of techniques similar to
those used for Wigner function.


title:
A covariant formalism of spin precession with respect to a reference
  congruence

abstract:
  We derive an effectively three-dimensional relativistic spin precession
formalism. The formalism is applicable to any spacetime where an arbitrary
timelike reference congruence of worldlines is specified. We employ what we
call a stopped spin vector which is the spin vector that we would get if we
momentarily make a pure boost of the spin vector to stop it relative to the
congruence. Starting from the Fermi transport equation for the standard spin
vector we derive a corresponding transport equation for the stopped spin
vector. Employing a spacetime transport equation for a vector along a
worldline, corresponding to spatial parallel transport with respect to the
congruence, we can write down a precession formula for a gyroscope relative to
the local spatial geometry defined by the congruence. This general approach has
already been pursued by Jantzen et. al. (see e.g. Jantzen, Carini and Bini,
Ann. Phys. 215 (1997) 1), but the algebraic form of our respective expressions
differ. We are also applying the formalism to a novel type of spatial parallel
transport introduced in Jonsson (Class. Quantum Grav. 23 (2006) 1), as well as
verifying the validity of the intuitive approach of a forthcoming paper
(Jonsson, Am. Journ. Phys. 75 (2007) 463) where gyroscope precession is
explained entirely as a double Thomas type of effect. We also present the
resulting formalism in explicit three-dimensional form (using the boldface
vector notation), and give examples of applications.


title:
Low energy effective theory on a regularized brane in six-dimensional
  flux compactifications

abstract:
  Conical brane singularities in six-dimensional flux compactification models
can be resolved by introducing cylindrical codimension-one branes with regular
caps instead of 3-branes (a la Kaluza-Klein braneworlds with fluxes). In this
paper, we consider such a regularized braneworld with axial symmetry in
six-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell theory. We derive a low energy effective
theory on the regularized brane by employing the gradient expansion approach,
and show that standard four-dimensional Einstein gravity is recovered at low
energies. Our effective equations extend to the nonlinear gravity regime,
implying that conventional cosmology can be reproduced in the regularized
braneworld.


title: A Remark on the Conjectures of Lang-Trotter and Sato-Tate on Average

abstract:
  We obtain new average results on the conjectures of Lang-Trotter and
Sato-Tate about elliptic curves.


title:
Classical communication and entanglement cost in preparing a class of
  multi-qubit states

abstract:
  Recently, several similar protocols[J. Opt. B 4 (2002) 380; Phys. Lett. A 316
(2003) 159; Phys. Lett. A 355 (2006) 285; Phys. Lett. A 336 (2005) 317] for
remotely preparing a class of multi-qubit states (i.e, $\alpha|0 ...
0>+\beta|1... 1>$) are proposed, respectively. In this paper, by applying the
controlled-not (CNOT) gate, a new simple protocol is proposed for remotely
preparing such class of states. Compared to the previous protocols, both
classical communication cost and required quantum entanglement in our protocol
are remarkably reduced. Moreover, the difficulty of identifying some quantum
states in our protocol is also degraded. Hence our protocol is more economical
and feasible.


title: Optical geometry across the horizon

abstract:
  In a companion paper (Jonsson and Westman, Class. Quantum Grav. 23 (2006)
61), a generalization of optical geometry, assuming a non-shearing reference
congruence, is discussed. Here we illustrate that this formalism can be applied
to a finite four-volume of any spherically symmetric spacetime. In particular
we apply the formalism, using a non-static reference congruence, to do optical
geometry across the horizon of a static black hole. While the resulting
geometry in principle is time dependent, we can choose the reference congruence
in such a manner that an embedding of the geometry always looks the same.
Relative to the embedded geometry the reference points are then moving. We
discuss the motion of photons, inertial forces and gyroscope precession in this
framework.


title:
Relation between the x-dependence of Higher Twist Contribution to $F_3$
  and $g_1^p - g_1^n$ in the Light of the Recent Experimental Data

abstract:
  We compare the recent results on the higher twist (HT) contribution to the
nonsinglet combination $g_1^p - g_1^n$ of the polarized proton and neutron
structure functions with that one to the unpolarized structure function $F_3$
using the assumption that the HT contributions to the Gross-Llewellyn Smith and
the Bjorken sum rules are similar. We have found, that the relation
${1/3}h^{F_3}(x) \approx \frac{6}{g_A}h^{g_1^p - g_1^n}(x)$ is valid for $x
\geq 0.2$ in the case of NLO QCD approximation for the leading term parts of
the structure functions.


title: The Romanov theorem revised

abstract:
  Let P be the set of all primes and P_2=P\cup{p_1p_2: p_1,p_2\in P}$. We prove
that the sumset 2^P+P_2={2^p+q: p\in P, q\in P_2} has a positive lower density.


title:
Global Solutions of Shock Reflection by Large-Angle Wedges for Potential
  Flow

abstract:
  When a plane shock hits a wedge head on, it experiences a
reflection-diffraction process and then a self-similar reflected shock moves
outward as the original shock moves forward in time. Experimental,
computational, and asymptotic analysis has shown that various patterns of shock
reflection may occur, including regular and Mach reflection. However, most of
the fundamental issues for shock reflection have not been understood, including
the global structure, stability, and transition of the different patterns of
shock reflection. Therefore, it is essential to establish the global existence
and structural stability of solutions of shock reflection in order to
understand fully the phenomena of shock reflection. On the other hand, there
has been no rigorous mathematical result on the global existence and structural
stability of shock reflection, including the case of potential flow which is
widely used in aerodynamics. Such problems involve several challenging
difficulties in the analysis of nonlinear partial differential equations such
as mixed equations of elliptic-hyperbolic type, free boundary problems, and
corner singularity where an elliptic degenerate curve meets a free boundary. In
this paper we develop a rigorous mathematical approach to overcome these
difficulties involved and establish a global theory of existence and stability
for shock reflection by large-angle wedges for potential flow. The techniques
and ideas developed here will be useful for other nonlinear problems involving
similar difficulties.


title: GRANIT project: a trap for gravitational quantum states of UCN

abstract:
  Previous studies of gravitationally bound states of ultracold neutrons showed
the quantization of energy levels, and confirmed quantum mechanical predictions
for the average size of the two lowest energy states wave functions.
Improvements in position-like measurements can increase the accuracy by an
order of magnitude only. We therefore develop another approach, consisting in
accurate measurements of the energy levels. The GRANIT experiment is devoted to
the study of resonant transitions between quantum states induced by an
oscillating perturbation.
  According to Heisenberg's uncertainty relations, the accuracy of measurement
of the energy levels is limited by the time available to perform the
transitions. Thus, trapping quantum states will be necessary, and each source
of losses has to be controlled in order to maximize the lifetime of the states.
We discuss the general principles of transitions between quantum states, and
consider the main systematical losses of neutrons in a trap.


title:
Capital Allocation to Business Units and Sub-Portfolios: the Euler
  Principle

abstract:
  Despite the fact that the Euler allocation principle has been adopted by many
financial institutions for their internal capital allocation process, a
comprehensive description of Euler allocation seems still to be missing. We try
to fill this gap by presenting the theoretical background as well as practical
aspects. In particular, we discuss how Euler risk contributions can be
estimated for some important risk measures. We furthermore investigate the
analysis of CDO tranche expected losses by means of Euler's theorem and suggest
an approach to measure the impact of risk factors on non-linear portfolios.


title:
Measurements of the Branching Fractions of B0 --> K^*0K+K-, B0 -->
  K^*0pi+K-, B0 --> K*0K+pi-, and B0 --> K*0pi+pi-

abstract:
  Branching fraction and asymmetry measurements of charmless $B^0\to
K^{*0}h^+_1h^-_2$ ($h_{1,2}$ = $K$, $\pi$) decays are presented, using a data
sample of 383 million $\Upsilon(4S) \to$ $B\bar{B$} decays collected with the
BaBar detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy $B$-meson factory at SLAC. The
results are: ${\cal B}$($B^0 \to K^{*0}K^+ K^-)$ = (27.5 $\pm$ 1.3 $\pm$ 2.2)
$\times$ 10$^{-6}$, ${\cal B}$($B^0$ $\to$ $K^{*0}\pi^+ K^-$) = (4.6 $\pm$ 1.1
$\pm$ 0.8) $\times$ 10$^{-6}$ and ${\cal B}$($B^0$ $\to$ $K^{*0}\pi^+\pi^-$) =
(54.5 $\pm$ 2.9 $\pm$ 4.3) $\times$ 10$^{-6}$. The first errors quoted are
statistical and the second are systematic. An upper limit is set for ${\cal
B}$($B^0$ $\to$ $K^{*0}K^+ \pi^-$) $<$ 2.2 $\times$ 10$^{-6}$ at 90% confidence
level. We also present measurements of CP-violating asymmetries for the
observed decays.


title:
On the Complexity of the Minimum Cost Homomorphism Problem for Reflexive
  Multipartite Tournaments

abstract:
  For digraphs $D$ and $H$, a mapping $f: V(D)\dom V(H)$ is a homomorphism of
$D$ to $H$ if $uv\in A(D)$ implies $f(u)f(v)\in A(H).$ For a fixed digraph $H$,
the homomorphism problem is to decide whether an input digraph $D$ admits a
homomorphism to $H$ or not, and is denoted as HOMP($H$). Digraphs are allowed
to have loops, but not allowed to have parallel arcs.
  A natural optimization version of the homomorphism problem is defined as
follows. If each vertex $u \in V(D)$ is associated with costs $c_i(u), i \in
V(H)$, then the cost of the homomorphism $f$ is $\sum_{u\in V(D)}c_{f(u)}(u)$.
For each fixed digraph $H$, we have the {\em minimum cost homomorphism problem
for} $H$ and denote it as MinHOMP($H$). The problem is to decide, for an input
graph $D$ with costs $c_i(u),$ $u \in V(D), i\in V(H)$, whether there exists a
homomorphism of $D$ to $H$ and, if one exists, to find one of minimum cost.
  In a recent paper, we posed a problem of characterizing polynomial time
solvable and NP-hard cases of the minimum cost homomorphism problem for acyclic
multipartite tournaments with possible loops (w.p.l.). In this paper, we solve
the problem for reflexive multipartite tournaments and demonstrate a
considerate difficulty of the problem for the whole class of multipartite
tournaments w.p.l. using, as an example, acyclic 3-partite tournaments of order
4 w.p.l.\footnote{This paper was submitted to Discrete Mathematics on April 6,
2007}


title:
Complexity of the Minimum Cost Homomorphism Problem for Semicomplete
  Digraphs with Possible Loops

abstract:
  For digraphs $D$ and $H$, a mapping $f: V(D)\dom V(H)$ is a homomorphism of
$D$ to $H$ if $uv\in A(D)$ implies $f(u)f(v)\in A(H).$ For a fixed digraph $H$,
the homomorphism problem is to decide whether an input digraph $D$ admits a
homomorphism to $H$ or not, and is denoted as HOM($H$).
  An optimization version of the homomorphism problem was motivated by a
real-world problem in defence logistics and was introduced in
\cite{gutinDAM154a}. If each vertex $u \in V(D)$ is associated with costs
$c_i(u), i \in V(H)$, then the cost of the homomorphism $f$ is $\sum_{u\in
V(D)}c_{f(u)}(u)$. For each fixed digraph $H$, we have the {\em minimum cost
homomorphism problem for} $H$ and denote it as MinHOM($H$). The problem is to
decide, for an input graph $D$ with costs $c_i(u),$ $u \in V(D), i\in V(H)$,
whether there exists a homomorphism of $D$ to $H$ and, if one exists, to find
one of minimum cost.
  Although a complete dichotomy classification of the complexity of MinHOM($H$)
for a digraph $H$ remains an unsolved problem, complete dichotomy
classifications for MinHOM($H$) were proved when $H$ is a semicomplete digraph
\cite{gutinDAM154b}, and a semicomplete multipartite digraph \cite{gutinDAM}.
In these studies, it is assumed that the digraph $H$ is loopless. In this
paper, we present a full dichotomy classification for semicomplete digraphs
with possible loops, which solves a problem in \cite{gutinRMS}.\footnote{This
paper was submitted to SIAM J. Discrete Math. on October 27, 2006}


title: X-Radiography of Cargo Containers

abstract:
  The problem of detecting a nuclear weapon smuggled in an ocean-going cargo
container has not been solved, and the detonation of such a device in a large
city could produce casualties and property damage exceeding those of September
11, 2001 by orders of magnitude. Any means of detecting such threats must be
fast and cheap enough to screen the millions of containers shipped each year,
and must be capable of distinguishing a threatening quantity of fissionable
material from the complex loading of masses of innocent material found in many
containers. Here we show that radiography with energetic X-rays produced by a
10 MeV electron accelerator, taking advantage of the high density and specific
atomic properties of fissionable material, may be a practical solution.


title: HI Cosmology in the Local Universe with ALFALFA

abstract:
  The Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey is an on-going second
generation blind extragalactic HI survey exploiting Arecibo's superior
sensitivity, angular resolution and digital technology to conduct a census of
the local HI universe over a cosmologically significant volume. As of mid-2007,
~4500 good quality extragalactic HI line sources have been extracted in ~15% of
the final survey area. ALFALFA is detecting HI masses as low as 10**6 Msun and
as high as 10**10.8 Msun with positional accuracies typically better than 20
arcsec, allowing immediate identification of the most probable optical
counterparts. Only 3% of all extragalactic HI sources and fewer than 1% of
detections with M(HI) > 10**9.5 Msun cannot be identified with a stellar
component. First ALFALFA results already suggest, in agreement with previous
studies, that there does not appear to be a cosmologically significant
population of optically dark but HI rich galaxies. ALFALFA promises a wealthy
dataset for the exploration of many issues in near-field cosmology and galaxy
evolution studies, setting the stage for their extension to higher redshifts
with the Square Kilometer Array (SKA).


title: Detection of Neutron Sources in Cargo Containers

abstract:
  We investigate the problem of detecting the presence of clandestine neutron
sources, such as would be produced by nuclear weapons containing plutonium,
within cargo containers. Small, simple and economical semiconductor photodiode
detectors affixed to the outsides of containers are capable of producing
statistically robust detections of unshielded sources when their output is
integrated over the durations of ocean voyages. It is possible to shield such
sources with thick layers of neutron-absorbing material, and to minimize the
effects of such absorbers on ambient or artificial external neutron fluxes by
surrounding them with neutron-reflective material.


title: The scalar curvature flow in Lorentzian manifolds

abstract:
  We prove the existence of closed hypersurfaces of prescribed scalar curvature
in globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifolds provided there are barriers.


title: Triplet Dimerization Crossover Driven by Magnetic Frustration in In2VO5

abstract:
  In2VO5, containing magnetically frustrated zig-zag chains, shows a remarkable
magnetic crossover at 120 K between paramagnetic states with positive (17 K)
and negative (-70 K) Weiss temperatures. Magnetic moment and entropy data show
that the V4+ S = 1/2 spins condense into S = 1 triplet dimers below the
crossover. A further freezing of the antiferromagnetically coupled triplet
dimers into a global singlet state is observed at 2.5 K, with no long range
magnetic order down to 0.42 K and in fields up to 9 T. No structural V-V
dimerization is observed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction down to 10 K, but
a subtle lattice anomaly evidences a spin-lattice coupling in the triplet dimer
state. This is assigned to longitudinal oxygen displacement modes that reduce
frustration within the chains and so couple to the spin dimer fluctuations.


title: Comments on Possible Variation of the Universal Constants

abstract:
  Discussion of the constancy, or otherwise, of the various so-called universal
constants which abound in physics has continued for many years. However,
relatively recent observations, which appear to indicate a variation in the
value of the fine structure constant, have reignited the subject. These
observations relate to quasars and that in itself raises questions. Also, since
many of the arguments utilise the Bekenstein-Hawking expression for the entropy
of a black hole, further controversy is introduced into the discussion
immediately. In what follows these two points will be examined and some less
well-known theoretical considerations introduced which, hopefully, will
instigate wider examination of this topic.


title: Quantum Hamilton-Jacobi Approach to Two Dimensional Singular Oscillator

abstract:
  We have obtained the solutions of two dimensional singular oscillator which
is known as the quantum Calogero-Sutherland model both in cartesian and
parabolic coordinates within the framework of quantum Hamilton Jacobi
formalism. Solvability conditions and eigenfunctions are obtained by using the
singularity structures of quantum momentum functions under some conditions. New
potentials are generated by using the first two states of singular oscillator
for parabolic coordinates.


title:
Band structure renormalization and weak pseudogap behavior in
  Na_{0.33}CoO_2: Fluctuation exchange study based on a single band model

abstract:
  Based on a single band Hubbard model and the fluctuation exchange
approximation, the effective mass and the energy band renormalization in
Na$_{0.33}$CoO$_2$ is elaborated. The renormalization is observed to exhibit
certain kind of anisotropy, which agrees qualitatively with the angle-resolved
photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements. Moreover, the spectral
function and density of states (DOS) in the normal state are calculated, with a
weak pseudogap behavior being seen, which is explained as a result of the
strong Coulomb correlations. Our results suggest that the large Fermi surface
(FS) associated with the $a_{1g}$ band plays likely a central role in the
charge dynamics.


title:
On the Entropy of Four-Dimensional Near-Extremal N=2 Black Holes with
  R^2-Terms

abstract:
  We consider the entropy of four-dimensional near-extremal N=2 black holes.
Without R^2-terms, the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy formula has the structure of
the extremal black holes entropy with a shift of the charges depending on the
non-extremality parameter and the moduli at infinity. We derive a generalized
Wald entropy formula for non-extremal N=2 black holes with R^2-terms. We
construct a class of small near-extremal horizon solutions with R^2-terms. In
this case the entropy is the same as in the extremal case to order O(mu^2), and
does not exhibit the charge shift behavior.


title: A supermassive binary black hole with triple disks

abstract:
  Hierarchical structure formation inevitably leads to the formation of
supermassive binary black holes (BBHs) with a sub-parsec separation in galactic
nuclei. However, to date there has been no unambiguous detection of such
systems. In an effort to search for potential observational signatures of
supermassive BBHs, we performed high-resolution smoothed particle hydrodynamics
(SPH) simulations of two black holes in a binary of moderate eccentricity
surrounded by a circumbinary disk. Building on our previous work, which has
shown that gas can periodically transfer from the circumbinary disk to the
black holes when the binary is on an eccentric orbit, the current set of
simulations focuses on the formation of the individual accretion disks, their
evolution and mutual interaction, and the predicted radiative signature. The
variation in mass transfer with orbital phase from the circumbinary disk
induces periodic variations in the light curve of the two accretion disks at
ultraviolet wavelengths, but not in the optical or near-infrared. Searches for
this signal offer a promising method to detect supermassive BBHs.


title: Pursuit-Evasion Games with Incomplete Information in Discrete Time

abstract:
  Pursuit-Evasion Games (in discrete time) are stochastic games with
nonnegative daily payoffs, with the final payoff being the cumulative sum of
payoffs during the game. We show that such games admit a value even in the
presence of incomplete information and that this value is uniform, i.e. there
are epsilon-optimal strategies for both players that are epsilon-optimal in any
long enough prefix of the game. We give an example to demonstrate that
nonnegativity is essential and expand the results to leavable games.


title: Secure Identification and QKD in the Bounded-Quantum-Storage Model

abstract:
  We consider the problem of secure identification: user U proves to server S
that he knows an agreed (possibly low-entropy) password w, while giving away as
little information on w as possible, namely the adversary can exclude at most
one possible password for each execution of the scheme. We propose a solution
in the bounded-quantum-storage model, where U and S may exchange qubits, and a
dishonest party is assumed to have limited quantum memory. No other restriction
is posed upon the adversary.
  An improved version of the proposed identification scheme is also secure
against a man-in-the-middle attack, but requires U and S to additionally share
a high-entropy key k. However, security is still guaranteed if one party loses
k to the attacker but notices the loss. In both versions of the scheme, the
honest participants need no quantum memory, and noise and imperfect quantum
sources can be tolerated. The schemes compose sequentially, and w and k can
securely be re-used.
  A small modification to the identification scheme results in a
quantum-key-distribution (QKD) scheme, secure in the bounded-quantum-storage
model, with the same re-usability properties of the keys, and without assuming
authenticated channels. This is in sharp contrast to known QKD schemes (with
unbounded adversary) without authenticated channels, where authentication keys
must be updated, and unsuccessful executions can cause the parties to run out
of keys.


title:
1+1+2 gravitational perturbations on LRS class II space-times: GEM
  vector harmonic amplitudes

abstract:
  This is the second in a series of papers which considers first-order
gauge-invariant and covariant gravitational perturbations to locally
rotationally symmetric (LRS) class II space-times. This paper shows how to
decouple a complex combination of the gravito-electromagnetic (GEM) 2-vectors
with the 2-tensors describing the shear of the 2/3-sheets. An arbitrary
harmonic expansion is then used along with an eigen-vector/value analysis of
the first-order GEM system, analogous to the first paper in this series. This
results in four real decoupled equations governing four real combinations of
the harmonic amplitudes of the GEM 2-vectors and the (2/3-sheet) shear
2-tensors. Finally, these are categorized into polar and axial perturbations.


title:
1+1+2 gravitational perturbations on LRS class II space-times: GEM
  scalar harmonic amplitudes

abstract:
  This is the third in a series of papers which considers first-order
gauge-invariant and covariant gravitational perturbations to locally
rotationally symmetric (LRS) class II space-times. In this paper we complete
our analysis of the first-order gravito-electromagnetic (GEM) system by showing
how to derive three decoupled equations governing the GEM scalar fields. One of
these is for the gravito-magnetic scalar, whereas another two arise from the
2-gradient of the gravito-electric scalar.


title:
Application of quantum algorithms to the study of permutations and group
  automorphisms

abstract:
  We discuss three applications of efficient quantum algorithms to determining
properties of permutations and group automorphisms. The first uses the
Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm to determine an unknown homomorphism from
$Z_{p-1}^{m}$ to $Aut(Z_{p})$ where $p$ is prime. The remaining two make use of
modifications of the Grover search algorithm. The first finds the fixed point
of a permutation or an automorphism (assuming it has only one besides the
identity). It can be generalized to find cycles of a specified size for
permutations or orbits of a specified size for automorphisms. The second finds
which of a set of permutations or automorphisms maps one particular element of
a set or group onto another. This has relevance to the conjugacy problem for
groups. We show how two of these algorithms can be implemented via programmable
quantum processors. This approach opens new perspectives in quantum information
processing, wherein both the data and the programs are represented by states of
quantum registers. In particular, quantum programs that specify control over
data can be treated using methods of quantum information theory.


title:
Mean free paths and in-medium scattering cross sections of energetic
  nucleons in neutron-rich nucleonic matter within the relativistic impulse
  approximation

abstract:
  The mean free paths and in-medium scattering cross sections of energetic
nucleons in neutron-rich nucleonic matter are investigated using the nucleon
optical potential obtained within the relativistic impulse approximation with
the empirical nucleon-nucleon scattering amplitudes and the nuclear densities
obtained in the relativistic mean field model. It is found that the
isospin-splitting of nucleon mean free paths, sensitive to the imaginary part
of the symmetry potential, changes its sign at certain high kinetic energy. The
in-medium nucleon-nucleon cross sections are analytically and numerically
demonstrated to be essentially independent of the isospin asymmetry of the
medium and increase linearly with density in the high energy region where the
relativistic impulse approximation is applicable.


title: R-diagonal dilation semigroups

abstract:
  This paper addresses extensions of the complex Ornstein-Uhlenbeck semigroup
to operator algebras in free probability theory. If $a_1,...,a_k$ are
$\ast$-free $\mathscr{R}$-diagonal operators in a $\mathrm{II}_1$ factor, then
$D_t(a_{i_1}... a_{i_n}) = e^{-nt} a_{i_1}... a_{i_n}$ defines a dilation
semigroup on the non-self-adjoint operator algebra generated by $a_1,...,a_k$.
We show that $D_t$ extends (in two different ways) to a semigroup of completely
positive maps on the von Neumann algebra generated by $a_1,...,a_k$. Moreover,
we show that $D_t$ satisfies an optimal ultracontractive property: $\|D_t\colon
L^2\to L^\infty\| \sim t^{-1}$ for small $t>0$.


title:
Dynamics of the Langevin model subjected to colored noise:
  Functional-integral method

abstract:
  We have discussed the dynamics of Langevin model subjected to colored noise,
by using the functional-integral method (FIM) combined with equations of motion
for mean and variance of the state variable. Two sets of colored noise have
been investigated: (a) one additive and one multiplicative colored noise, and
(b) one additive and two multiplicative colored noise. The case (b) is examined
with the relevance to a recent controversy on the stationary subthreshold
voltage distribution of an integrate-and-fire model including stochastic
excitatory and inhibitory synapses and a noisy input. We have studied the
stationary probability distribution and dynamical responses to time-dependent
(pulse and sinusoidal) inputs of the linear Langevin model. Model calculations
have shown that results of the FIM are in good agreement with those of direct
simulations (DSs). A comparison is made among various approximate analytic
solutions such as the universal colored noise approximation (UCNA). It has been
pointed out that dynamical responses to pulse and sinusoidal inputs calculated
by the UCNA are rather different from those of DS and the FIM, although they
yield the same stationary distribution.


title:
On the sum of the series formed from the prime numbers where the prime
  numbers of the form $4n-1$ have a positive sign and those of the form $4n+1$
  a negative sign

abstract:
  This is an English translation of the Latin original "De summa seriei ex
numeris primis formatae
${1/3}-{1/5}+{1/7}+{1/11}-{1/13}-{1/17}+{1/19}+{1/23}-{1/29}+{1/31}-$ etc. ubi
numeri primi formae $4n-1$ habent signum positivum formae autem $4n+1$ signum
negativum" (1775). E596 in the Enestrom index.
  Let $\chi$ be the nontrivial character modulo 4. Euler wants to know what
$\sum_p \chi(p)/p$ is, either an exact expression or an approximation. He looks
for analogies to the harmonic series and the series of reciprocals of the
primes.
  Another reason he is interested in this is that if this series has a finite
value (which is does, the best approximation Euler gets is 0.3349816 in section
27) then there are infinitely many primes congruent to 1 mod 4 and infinitely
many primes congruent to 3 mod 4.
  In section 15 Euler gives the Euler product for the L(chi,1).
  As a modern mathematical appendix appendix, I have written a proof following
Davenport that the series $\sum_p \frac{\chi(p)}{p}$ converges. This involves
applications of summation by parts, and uses Chebyshev's estimate for the
second Chebyshev function (summing the von Mangoldt function).


title: Coupling of electron rotation with spin in semiconductors

abstract:
  Account of an intrinsic spin-orbit coupling in the valence bands of common
semiconductors yields the scalar spin-orbit-rotation term in the effective-mass
Hamiltonian of the conduction-band electron. This result is obtained within the
multiband envelope function approximation. Fundamentally, the
spin-orbit-rotation coupling can be described in purely geometric terms as a
consequence of the difference in the Berry phase acquired by the components of
the spin-orbitally mixed Kramers-doublet during its cyclic evolution in the
reciprocal momentum space.


title: Discrete Denoising with Shifts

abstract:
  We introduce S-DUDE, a new algorithm for denoising DMC-corrupted data. The
algorithm, which generalizes the recently introduced DUDE (Discrete Universal
DEnoiser) of Weissman et al., aims to compete with a genie that has access, in
addition to the noisy data, also to the underlying clean data, and can choose
to switch, up to $m$ times, between sliding window denoisers in a way that
minimizes the overall loss. When the underlying data form an individual
sequence, we show that the S-DUDE performs essentially as well as this genie,
provided that $m$ is sub-linear in the size of the data. When the clean data is
emitted by a piecewise stationary process, we show that the S-DUDE achieves the
optimum distribution-dependent performance, provided that the same
sub-linearity condition is imposed on the number of switches. To further
substantiate the universal optimality of the S-DUDE, we show that when the
number of switches is allowed to grow linearly with the size of the data,
\emph{any} (sequence of) scheme(s) fails to compete in the above senses. Using
dynamic programming, we derive an efficient implementation of the S-DUDE, which
has complexity (time and memory) growing only linearly with the data size and
the number of switches $m$. Preliminary experimental results are presented,
suggesting that S-DUDE has the capacity to significantly improve on the
performance attained by the original DUDE in applications where the nature of
the data abruptly changes in time (or space), as is often the case in practice.


title: Is there quantum chaos in the prime numbers?

abstract:
  A statistical analysis of the prime numbers indicates possible traces of
quantum chaos. We have computed the nearest neighbor spacing distribution,
number variance, skewness, and excess for sequences of the first N primes for
various values of N. All four statistical measures clearly show a transition
from random matrix statistics at small N toward Poisson statistics at large N.
In addition, the number variance saturates at large lengths as is common for
eigenvalue sequences. This data can be given a physical interpretation if the
primes are thought of as eigenvalues of a quantum system whose classical
dynamics is chaotic at low energy but regular at high energy. We discuss some
difficulties with this interpretation in an attempt to clarify what kind of
physical system might have the primes as its quantum eigenvalues.


title:
Spacetime singularity resolution by M-theory fivebranes: calibrated
  geometry, Anti-de Sitter solutions and special holonomy metrics

abstract:
  The supergravity description of various configurations of supersymmetric
M-fivebranes wrapped on calibrated cycles of special holonomy manifolds is
studied. The description is provided by solutions of eleven-dimensional
supergravity which interpolate smoothly between a special holonomy manifold and
an event horizon with Anti-de Sitter geometry. For known examples of Anti-de
Sitter solutions, the associated special holonomy metric is derived. One
explicit Anti-de Sitter solution of M-theory is so treated for fivebranes
wrapping each of the following cycles: K\"{a}hler cycles in Calabi-Yau two-,
three- and four-folds; special lagrangian cycles in three- and four-folds;
associative three- and co-associative four-cycles in $G_2$ manifolds; complex
lagrangian four-cycles in $Sp(2)$ manifolds; and Cayley four-cycles in
$Spin(7)$ manifolds. In each case, the associated special holonomy metric is
singular, and is a hyperbolic analogue of a known metric. The analogous known
metrics are respectively: Eguchi-Hanson, the resolved conifold and the
four-fold resolved conifold; the deformed conifold, and the Stenzel four-fold
metric; the Bryant-Salamon-Gibbons-Page-Pope $G_2$ metrics on an $\mathbb{R}^4$
bundle over $S^3$, and an $\mathbb{R}^3$ bundle over $S^4$ or $\mathbb{CP}^2$;
the Calabi hyper-K\"{a}hler metric on $T^*\mathbb{CP}^2$; and the
Bryant-Salamon-Gibbons-Page-Pope $Spin(7)$ metric on an $\mathbb{R}^4$ bundle
over $S^4$. By the AdS/CFT correspondence, a conformal field theory is
associated to each of the new singular special holonomy metrics, and defines
the quantum gravitational physics of the resolution of their singularities.


title: Algebraic Compactness OF $\prod M_\alpha / \oplus M_\alpha$

abstract:
  In this note, we are working within the category $\rmod$ of (unitary, left)
$R$-modules, where $R$ is a {\bf countable} ring. It is well known (see e.g.
Kie{\l}pi\'nski & Simson [5], Theorem 2.2) that the latter condition implies
that the (left) pure global dimension of $R$ is at most 1. Given an infinite
index set $A$, and a family $M_\al\in\rmod$, $\al\in A$ we are concerned with
the conditions as to when the $R$-module $$\prod/\coprod=\prod_{\al\in
A}M_\al/\bigoplus_{\al\in A}M_\al$$ is or is not algebraically compact. There
are a number of special results regarding this question and this note is meant
to be an addition to and a generalization of the set of these results. Whether
the module in the title is algebraically compact or not depends on the numbers
of algebraically compact and non-compact modules among the components $M_\al$.


title: A Note on Surjective Inverse Systems

abstract:
  Given an upward directed set $I$ we consider surjective $I$-inverse systems
$\{X_\al,f_{\al\be}:X_\be\lra X_\al| \al\leq\be\in I\}$, namely those inverse
systems that have all $f_{\al\be}$ surjective. A number of properties of
$I$-inverse systems have been investigated; such are the Mittag-Leffler
condition, investigated by Grothendieck and flabby and semi-flabby $I$-inverse
systems studied by Jensen. We note that flabby implies semi-flabby implies
surjective implies Mittag-Leffler. Some of the results about surjective inverse
systems have been known for some time. The aim of this note is to give a series
of equivalent statements and implications involving surjective inverse systems
and the systems satisfying the Mittag-Leffler condition, together with
improvements of established results, as well as their relationships with the
already known, but scattered facts. The most prominent results relate
cardinalities of the index sets with right exactness of the inverse limit
functor and the non-vanishing of the inverse limit -- connections related to
cohomological dimensions.


title:
On the Security of the Cha-Ko-Lee-Han-Cheon Braid Group Public Key
  Cryptosystem

abstract:
  We show that a number of cryptographic protocols using non-commutative
semigroups including the Cha-Ko-Lee-Han-Cheon braid group public-key
cryptosystem and related public-key cryptosystems such as the Shpilrain-Ushakov
public-key cryptosystems are based on the MSCSP.


title: The Ratio Monotonicity of the $q$-Derangement Numbers

abstract:
  We show that the $q$-derangement numbers satisfy a ratio monotone property,
which is analogous to the log-concavity and is stronger than the spiral
property and the unimodality.


title: Exploring Neutron-Rich Oxygen Isotopes with MoNA

abstract:
  The Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) was used in conjunction with a large-gap
dipole magnet (Sweeper) to measure neutron-unbound states in oxygen isotopes
close to the neutron dripline. While no excited states were observed in 24O, a
resonance at 45(2) keV above the neutron separation energy was observed in 23O.


title: The Limiting Distribution of the Coefficients of the $q$-Catalan Numbers

abstract:
  We show that the limiting distributions of the coefficients of the
$q$-Catalan numbers and the generalized $q$-Catalan numbers are normal. Despite
the fact that these coefficients are not unimodal for small $n$, we conjecture
that for sufficiently large $n$, the coefficients are unimodal and even
log-concave except for a few terms of the head and tail.


title: Rateless Coding for Gaussian Channels

abstract:
  A rateless code-i.e., a rate-compatible family of codes-has the property that
codewords of the higher rate codes are prefixes of those of the lower rate
ones. A perfect family of such codes is one in which each of the codes in the
family is capacity-achieving. We show by construction that perfect rateless
codes with low-complexity decoding algorithms exist for additive white Gaussian
noise channels. Our construction involves the use of layered encoding and
successive decoding, together with repetition using time-varying layer weights.
As an illustration of our framework, we design a practical three-rate code
family. We further construct rich sets of near-perfect rateless codes within
our architecture that require either significantly fewer layers or lower
complexity than their perfect counterparts. Variations of the basic
construction are also developed, including one for time-varying channels in
which there is no a priori stochastic model.


title: The Nature of the Hard-X-Ray Emitting Symbiotic Star RT Cru

abstract:
  We describe Chandra High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer
observations of RT Cru, the first of a new sub-class of symbiotic stars that
appear to contain white dwarfs (WDs) capable of producing hard X-ray emission
out to greater than 50 keV. The production of such hard X-ray emission from the
objects in this sub-class (which also includes CD -57 3057, T CrB, and CH Cyg)
challenges our understanding of accreting WDs. We find that the 0.3 -- 8.0 keV
X-ray spectrum of RT Cru emanates from an isobaric cooling flow, as in the
optically thin accretion-disk boundary layers of some dwarf novae. The
parameters of the spectral fit confirm that the compact accretor is a WD, and
they are consistent with the WD being massive. We detect rapid, stochastic
variability from the X-ray emission below 4 keV. The combination of flickering
variability and a cooling-flow spectrum indicates that RT Cru is likely powered
by accretion through a disk. Whereas the cataclysmic variable stars with the
hardest X-ray emission are typically magnetic accretors with X-ray flux
modulated at the WD spin period, we find that the X-ray emission from RT Cru is
not pulsed. RT Cru therefore shows no evidence for magnetically channeled
accretion, consistent with our interpretation that the Chandra spectrum arises
from an accretion-disk boundary layer.


title:
The Transfer of Knowledge from Physics and Mathematics to Engineering
  Applications

abstract:
  The objective of this paper is to describe a development of an innovative
approach to enable students studying science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) to apply the concepts learned in physics and mathematics to
engineering problem-solving challenges. Our goal is to facilitate students
transfer of knowledge from theory to engineering applications, thereby
increasing student academic performance, retention, persistence, and
graduation. To achieve the goal we are creating a virtual community of students
and faculty as a vehicle for promoting the transfer of knowledge using
e-learning and e-teaching mechanisms.


title:
A Survey of z~6 Quasars in the SDSS Deep Stripe: I. a Flux-Limited
  Sample at z_{AB}<21

abstract:
  We present the discovery of five quasars at z~6 selected from 260 deg^2 of
the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) southern survey, a deep imaging survey
obtained by repeatedly scanning a stripe along the Celestial Equator. The five
quasars with 20<z_{AB}<21 are 1-2 magnitudes fainter than the luminous z~6
quasars discovered in the SDSS main survey. One of them was independently
discovered by the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey. These quasars, combined with
another z~6 quasar known in this region, make a complete flux- limited quasar
sample at z_{AB}<21. The sample spans the redshift range 5.85<z<6.12 and the
luminosity range -26.5<M_{1450}<-25.4 (H_0=70 km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1},
Omega_{m}=0.3, and Omega_{Lambda}=0.7). We use the 1/V_{a} method to determine
that the comoving quasar spatial density at <z>=6.0 and <M_{1450}>=-25.8 is
(5.0+/-2.1) x 10^{-9} Mpc^{-3} mag^{-1}. We model the bright-end quasar
luminosity function (QLF) at z~6 as a power law Phi(L_{1450}) \propto
L_{1450}^{beta}. The slope beta calculated from a combination of our sample and
the luminous SDSS quasar sample is -3.1+/-0.4, significantly steeper than the
slope of the QLF at z~4. Based on the derived QLF, we find that the quasar/AGN
population cannot provide enough photons to ionize the intergalactic medium
(IGM) at z~6 unless the IGM is very homogeneous and the luminosity (L*_{1450})
at which the QLF power law breaks is very low.


title: Direction-sensitive dark matter search results in a surface laboratory

abstract:
  We developed a three-dimensional gaseous tracking device and performed a
direction-sensitive dark matter search in a surface laboratory. By using 150
Torr carbon-tetrafluoride (CF_4 gas), we obtained a sky map drawn with the
recoil directions of the carbon and fluorine nuclei, and set the first limit on
the spin-dependent WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles)-proton cross
section by a direction-sensitive method. Thus, we showed that a WIMP-search
experiment with a gaseous tracking device can actually set limits. Furthermore,
we demonstrated that this method will potentially play a certain role in
revealing the nature of dark matter when a low-background large-volume detector
is developed.


title: Flavor Dependence of T-odd PDFs

abstract:
  The flavor dependence of the naive time reversal odd (``T-odd'') parton
distributions for $u$- and $d$-quarks are explored in the spectator model. The
flavor dependence of $h_{1}^{\perp}$ is of significance for the analysis of the
azimuthal $\cos(2\phi)$ asymmetries in unpolarized SIDIS and DY-processes, as
well as for the overall physical understanding of the distribution of
transversely polarized quarks in unpolarized nucleons. As a by-product of the
formalism, we calculate the chiral-odd but ``T-even'' function $h_{1L}^{\perp}$
which enables us to present a prediction for the single spin asymmetry
$A_{UL}^{\sin(2\phi)}$ for a longitudinally polarized target in SIDIS.


title:
Non-equilibrium theory of charge qubit decoherence in the quantum point
  contact measurement

abstract:
  A non-equilibrium theory describing the charge qubit dynamics measured by a
quantum point contact is developed based on Schwinger-Keldysh's approach. Using
the real-time diagram technique, we derive the master equation to all orders in
perturbation expansions. The non-Markovian processes in the qubit dynamics is
naturally taken into account. The qubit decoherence, in particular, the
influence of the tunneling-electron fluctuation in the quantum point contact
with a longer time correlation, is studied in the framework. We consider the
Lorentzian-type spectral density to characterize the channel mixture of the
electron tunneling processes induced by the measurement and determine the
correlation time scale of the tunneling-electron fluctuation. The result shows
that as the quantum point contact is casted with a narrower profile of the
spectral density, tunneling electrons can propagate with a longer time
correlation and lead to the non-Markovian processes of the qubit dynamics. The
qubit electron in the charge qubit will be driven coherently. The quantum point
contact measurement with the minimum deviation of the electron tunneling
processes prevents the qubit state from the decoherence.


title:
Density Functional Theory Characterization of the Multiferroicity in
  Spin Spiral Chain Cuprates

abstract:
  The ferroelectricity of the spiral magnets LiCu2O2 and LiCuVO4 was examined
by calculating the electric polarizations of their spin spiral states on the
basis of density functional theory with spin-orbit coupling. Our work
unambiguously reveals that spin-orbit coupling is responsible for the
ferroelectricity with the primary contribution from the spin-orbit coupling on
the Cu sites, but the asymmetric density distribution responsible for the
electric polarization occurs mainly around the O atoms. The electric
polarization is calculated to be much greater for the ab- than for the bc-plane
spin spiral. The observed spin-spiral plane is found to be consistent with the
observed direction of the electric polarization for LiCuVO4, but inconsistent
for LiCu2O2.


title: Boundary Harnack Principle for Subordinate Brownian Motions

abstract:
  We establish a boundary Harnack principle for a large class of subordinate
Brownian motion, including mixtures of symmetric stable processes, in bounded
$\kappa$-fat open set (disconnected analogue of John domains). As an
application of the boundary Harnack principle, we identify the Martin boundary
and the minimal Martin boundary of bounded $\kappa$-fat open sets with respect
to these processes with their Euclidean boundary.


title: Claw Finding Algorithms Using Quantum Walk

abstract:
  The claw finding problem has been studied in terms of query complexity as one
of the problems closely connected to cryptography. For given two functions, f
and g, as an oracle which have domains of size N and M (N<=M), respectively,
and the same range, the goal of the problem is to find x and y such that
f(x)=g(y). This paper describes an optimal algorithm using quantum walk that
solves this problem. Our algorithm can be generalized to find a claw of k
functions for any constant integer k>1, where the domains of the functions may
have different size.


title:
Robustness of Attractor States in Complex Networks with Scale-free
  Topology

abstract:
  We study the intrinsic properties of attractors in the Boolean dynamics in
complex network with scale-free topology, comparing with those of the so-called
random Kauffman networks. We have numerically investigated the frozen and
relevant nodes for each attractor, and the robustness of the attractors to the
perturbation that flips the state of a single node of attractors in the
relatively small network ($N=30 \sim 200$). It is shown that the rate of frozen
nodes in the complex networks with scale-free topology is larger than that in
the random Kauffman model. Furthermore, we have found that in the complex
scale-free networks with fluctuations of in-degree number the attractors are
more sensitive to the state flip of a highly connected node than to the state
flip of a less connected node.


title: The ALTCRISS project on board the International Space Station

abstract:
  The Altcriss project aims to perform a long term survey of the radiation
environment on board the International Space Station. Measurements are being
performed with active and passive devices in different locations and
orientations of the Russian segment of the station. The goal is to perform a
detailed evaluation of the differences in particle fluence and nuclear
composition due to different shielding material and attitude of the station.
The Sileye-3/Alteino detector is used to identify nuclei up to Iron in the
energy range above 60 MeV/n. Several passive dosimeters (TLDs, CR39) are also
placed in the same location of Sileye-3 detector. Polyethylene shielding is
periodically interposed in front of the detectors to evaluate the effectiveness
of shielding on the nuclear component of the cosmic radiation. The project was
submitted to ESA in reply to the AO in the Life and Physical Science of 2004
and data taking began in December 2005. Dosimeters and data cards are rotated
every six months: up to now three launches of dosimeters and data cards have
been performed and have been returned with the end of expedition 12 and 13.


title:
Detection of the high energy component of Jovian electrons in Low Earth
  Orbit with the PAMELA experiment

abstract:
  The PAMELA experiment is devoted to the study of cosmic rays in Low Earth
Orbit with an apparatus optimized to perform a precise determination of the
galactic antimatter component of c.r. It is constituted by a number of
detectors built around a permanent magnet spectrometer. PAMELA was launched in
space on June 15th 2006 on board the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite for a mission
duration of three years. The characteristics of the detectors, the long
lifetime and the orbit of the satellite, will allow to address several aspects
of cosmic-ray physics. In this work we discuss the observational capabilities
of PAMELA to detect the electron component above 50 MeV. The magnetic
spectrometer allows a detailed measurement of the energy spectrum of electrons
of galactic and Jovian origin. Long term measurements and correlations with
Earth-Jupiter 13 months synodic period will allow to separate these two
contributions and to measure the primary electron Jovian component, dominant in
the 50-70 MeV energy range. With this technique it will also be possible to
study the contribution to the electron spectrum of Jovian e- reaccelerated up
to 2 GeV at the Solar Wind Termination Shock.


title: LHC Signatures of New Gauge Bosons in the Minimal Higgsless Model

abstract:
  We study the LHC signatures of new gauge bosons in the gauge-invariant
minimal Higgsless model. It predicts an extra pair of W_1 and Z_1 bosons which
can be as light as ~400GeV and play a key role in the delay of unitarity
violation. We analyze the W_1 signals in pp --> W_0Z_0Z_0 --> jj4\ell and pp
--> jj W_0Z_0 --> jj3\ell\nu processes at the LHC, including the complete
electroweak and QCD backgrounds. We reveal the complementarity between these
two channels for discovering the W_1 boson, and demonstrate the LHC discovery
potential over the full range of allowed W_1 mass.


title: On manifolds satisfying stable systolic inequalities

abstract:
  We show that for closed orientable manifolds the $k$-dimensional stable
systole admits a metric-independent volume bound if and only if there are
cohomology classes of degree $k$ that generate cohomology in top-degree.
Moreover, it turns out that in the nonorientable case such a bound does not
exist for stable systoles of dimension at least two.
  Additionally, we prove that the stable systolic constant depends only on the
image of the fundamental class in a suitable Eilenberg-Mac Lane space.
Consequently, the stable $k$-systolic constant is completely determined by the
multilinear intersection form on $k$-dimensional cohomology.


title: Hierarchy Problem, Dilatonic Fifth Force, and Origin of Mass

abstract:
  Based on the fact that the scalar curvature of the internal space determines
the mass of the dilaton in higher-dimensional unified theories, we show how the
dilaton mass can explain the origin of mass and resolve the hierarchy problem.
Moreover, we show that cosmology puts a strong constraint on dilaton mass, and
requires the scale of the internal space to be larger than $10^{-9} m$.


title: The off-shell Veneziano amplitude in Schnabl gauge

abstract:
  We give a careful definition of the open string propagator in Schnabl gauge
and present its worldsheet interpretation. The propagator requires two
Schwinger parameters and contains the BRST operator. It builds surfaces by
gluing strips of variable width to the left and to the right of off-shell
states with contracted or expanded local frames. We evaluate explicitly the
four-point amplitude of off-shell tachyons. The computation involves a subtle
boundary term, crucial to enforce the correct exchange symmetries.
Interestingly, the familiar on-shell physics emerges even though string
diagrams produce Riemann surfaces more than once. Off-shell, the amplitudes do
not factorize over intermediate on-shell states.


title:
Triplet-singlet relaxation in semiconductor single and double quantum
  dots

abstract:
  We study the triplet-singlet relaxation in two-electron semiconductor quantum
dots. Both single dots and vertically coupled double dots are discussed. In our
work, the electron-electron Coulomb interaction, which plays an important role
in the electronic structure, is included. The spin mixing is caused by
spin-orbit coupling which is the key to the triplet-singlet relaxation. We show
that the selection rule widely used in the literature is incorrect unless near
the crossing/anticrossing point in single quantum dots. The triplet/singlet
relaxation in double quantum dots can be markedly changed by varying barrier
height, inter-dot distance, external magnetic field and dot size.


title:
Derivation of Relativistic law of Addition of Velocities from
  Superposition of Eigenfunctions and Discreteness

abstract:
  We have defined a slowness, s, as the reciprocal conjugate of velocity, v. s
= -ih/v. We have shown that Einstein's postulate (v has an upper limit) implies
that s is discrete. A velocity operator is defined as the derivative with
respect to s. Superposition of corresponding Eigenfunctions give Galilean law
of addition of velocities. We have replaced the differential operator by the
corresponding finite difference symmetric operator. We have shown that
superposition of corresponding discrete Eigenfunctions give relativistic law of
addition of velocities. A reciprocal symmetric number system is developed and
with the help of this number system we have shown the relation between
superposition and relativistic law of addition of velocities.


title: Molecular Aspect of Annelid Neuroendocrine system

abstract:
  Hormonal processes along with enzymatic processing similar to that found in
vertebrates occur in annelids. Amino acid sequence determination of annelids
precursor gene products reveals the presence of the respective peptides that
exhibit high sequence identity to their mammalian counterparts. Furthermore,
these neuropeptides exert similar physiological function in annelids than the
ones found in vertebrates. In this respect, the high conservation in course of
evolution of these molecules families reflects their importance. Nevertheless,
some specific neuropeptides to annelids or invertebrates have also been in
these animals.


title:
Manipulating the spin texture in spin-orbit superlattice by terahertz
  radiation

abstract:
  The spin texture in a gate-controlled superlattice with Rashba spin-orbit
coupling is studied in the presence of external terahertz radiation causing the
superlattice miniband transitions. It is shown that the local distribution of
spin density can be flipped by tuning the radiation intensity, allowing the
controlled coupling of spins and photons with different polarizations.


title: Soliton transverse instabilities in nonlocal nonlinear media

abstract:
  We analyze the transverse instabilities of spatial bright solitons in
nonlocal nonlinear media, both analytically and numerically. We demonstrate
that the nonlocal nonlinear response leads to a dramatic suppression of the
transverse instability of the soliton stripes, and we derive the asymptotic
expressions for the instability growth rate in both short- and long-wave
approximations.


title: Mechanisms of dissipation in wet granular matter

abstract:
  The impact dynamics between wet surfaces, which dominates the mechanical
properties of wet granular matter, is studied both experimentally and
theoretically. It is shown that the hysteretic formation and rupture of liquid
capillary bridges between adjacent grains accounts reasonably well for most
relevant cases of wet granular matter. The various dissipation mechanisms are
discussed with particular emphasis on their relevance. Variations of the
rupture energy loss with the impact energy are quantified and discussed.


title: Mechanism for linear preferential attachment in growing networks

abstract:
  The network properties of a graph ensemble subject to the constraints imposed
by the expected degree sequence are studied. It is found that the linear
preferential attachment is a fundamental rule, as it keeps the maximal entropy
in sparse growing networks. This provides theoretical evidence in support of
the linear preferential attachment widely exists in real networks and adopted
as a crucial assumption in growing network models. Besides, in the sparse
limit, we develop a method to calculate the degree correlation and clustering
coefficient in our ensemble model, which is suitable for all kinds of sparse
networks including the BA model, proposed by Barabasi and Albert.


title: Extragalactic jets on subpc and large scales

abstract:
  Jets can be probed in their innermost regions (d~0.1 pc) through the study of
the relativistically-boosted emission of blazars. On the other extreme of
spatial scales, the study of structure and dynamics of extragalactic
relativistic jets received renewed impulse after the discovery, made by
Chandra, of bright X-ray emission from regions at distances larger than
hundreds of kpc from the central engine. At both scales it is thus possible to
infer some of the basic parameters of the flow (speed, density, magnetic field
intensity, power). After a brief review of the available observational
evidence, I discuss how the comparison between the physical quantities
independently derived at the two scales can be used to shed light on the global
dynamics of the jet, from the innermost regions to the hundreds of kpc scale.


title: Growing small-world networks based on a modified BA model

abstract:
  We propose a simple growing model for the evolution of small-world networks.
It is introduced as a modified BA model in which all the edges connected to the
new nodes are made locally to the creator and its nearest neighbors. It is
found that this model can produce small-world networks with power-law degree
distributions. Properties of our model, including the degree distribution,
clustering, and the average path length are compared with that of the BA model.
Since most real networks are both scale-free and small-world networks, our
model may provide a satisfactory description for empirical characteristics of
real networks.


title: A novel configuration model for random graphs with given degree sequence

abstract:
  Recently, random graphs in which vertices are characterized by hidden
variables controlling the establishment of edges between pairs of vertices have
attracted much attention. Here, we present a specific realization of a class of
random network models in which the connection probability between two vertices
(i,j) is a specific function of degrees ki and kj. In the framework of the
configuration model of random graphs, we find analytical expressions for the
degree correlation and clustering as a function of the variance of the desired
degree distribution. The expressions obtained are checked by means of numerical
simulations. Possible applications of our model are discussed.


title:
Negative magnetoresistance of ultra-narrow superconducting nanowires in
  the resistive state

abstract:
  We present a phenomenological model qualitatively explaining negative
magnetoresistance in quasi-one-dimensional superconducting channels in the
resistive state. The model is based on the assumption that fluctuations of the
order parameter (phase slips) are responsible for the finite effective
resistance of a narrow superconducting wire sufficiently close to the critical
temperature. Each fluctuation is accompanied by an instant formation of a
quasi-normal region of the order of the non-equilibrium quasiparticle
relaxation length 'pinned' to the core of the phase slip. The effective
time-averaged voltage measured in experiment is a sum of two terms. First one
is the conventional contribution linked to the rate of the fluctuations via the
Josephson relation. Second term is the Ohmic contribution of this quasi-normal
region. Depending on material properties of the wire, there might be a range of
magnetic fields where the first term is not much affected, while the second
term is effectively suppressed contributing to the experimentally observed
negative magnetoresistance.


title: Double parton scattering, diffraction and effective cross section

abstract:
  The rates of multiparton collisions in high energy hadronic interactions
provide information on the typical transverse distances between partons in the
hadron structure. The different configurations of the hadron in transverse
space are, on the other hand, at the origin of hadron diffraction. The relation
between the two phenomena is exploted in an eikonal model of hadronic
interactions.


title: Measurements of time-dependent CP violation in B^0 -> psi(2S) K_S decays

abstract:
  We report improved measurements of time-dependent CP violation parameters for
B^0(\bar{B}^0) -> psi(2S) K_S. This analysis is based on a data sample of
657x10^6 BBbar pairs collected at the Y(4S) resonance with the Belle detector
at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e+e- collider. We fully reconstruct one neutral B
meson in the psi(2S) K_S CP-eigenstate decay channel, and the flavor of the
accompanying B meson is identified to be either B^0 or \bar{B}^0 from its decay
products. CP violation parameters are obtained from the asymmetries in the
distributions of the proper-time intervals between the two B decays:
  S (psi(2S) K_S) = +0.72 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.03(syst),
  A (psi(2S) K_S) = +0.04 +/- 0.07(stat) +/- 0.05(syst).
  These results are in agreement with results from measurements of B^0 -> J/psi
K^0.


title:
The properties of the young stellar populations in powerful radio
  galaxies at low and intermediate redshifts

abstract:
  Abridged. We present high-quality optical spectra for 12 powerful radio
sources at low and intermediate redshifts (z < 0.7) that show evidence for a
substantial UV excess. These data were taken using the WHT and VLT to determine
the detailed properties of the young stellar populations (YSPs) in the host
galaxies as part of a larger project to investigate evolutionary scenarios for
the AGN host galaxies. The results of our spectral synthesis model fits to the
spectra highlight the importance of taking into account AGN-related components
(emission lines, nebular continuum, scattered light) and reddening of the
stellar populations in studies of this type. It is also clear that careful
examination of the fits to the spectra, as well consideration of auxilary
polarimetric and imaging data, are required to avoid degeneracies in the model
solutions. In 3/12 sources in our sample we find broad permitted line
components, and a combination of AGN-related continuum components and an old
(12.5 Gyr) stellar population provides an adequate fit to the data. In the
remaining 9 sources we find strong evidence for YSPs. In contrast to some
recent studies that suggest relatively old post-starburst ages for the YSPs in
radio galaxies (0.3-2.5 Gyr), we deduce a wide range of ages for the YSPs in
our sample objects (0.02-1.5 Gyr), with ~50% of the sample showing evidence for
young YSP ages (<~0.1 Gyr) in their nuclear regions. The nuclear YSPs are often
significantly reddened (0.2 < E(B-V) < 1.4) and make up a substantial fraction
(~1-35%) of the total stellar mass in the regions sampled by the spectroscopic
slits. Moreover, in all the cases in which we have sufficient spatial
resolution we find that the UV excess is extended across the full measureable
extent of the galaxy (typically 5-30 kpc), suggesting galaxy-wide starbursts.


title: Scaling and correlations in three bus-transport networks of China

abstract:
  We report the statistical properties of three bus-transport networks (BTN) in
three different cities of China. These networks are composed of a set of bus
lines and stations serviced by these. Network properties, including the degree
distribution, clustering and average path length are studied in different
definitions of network topology. We explore scaling laws and correlations that
may govern intrinsic features of such networks. Besides, we create a weighted
network representation for BTN with lines mapped to nodes and number of common
stations to weights between lines. In such a representation, the distributions
of degree, strength and weight are investigated. A linear behavior between
strength and degree s(k) ~ k is also observed.


title:
Gamma-ray emission associated with the Cluster-scale AGN Outbursts in
  the Hydra A system

abstract:
  Recent observations have revealed the existence of an enormously energetic >
10^61 erg AGN outburst in the Hydra A cluster of galaxies. This outburst has
produced cavities in the intra-cluster medium, apparently supported by pressure
from cosmic rays. Here we argue that if these cavities are filled with > GeV
particles, these particles are very likely protons and nuclei. For a plausible
spatial distribution of the target gas, based on observations and
hydrodynamical simulations, we show that the pi^0-decay gamma-rays from these
cosmic-rays may be detectable with the H.E.S.S.experiment.


title: Empirical analysis of the ship-transport network of China

abstract:
  Structural properties of the ship-transport network of China (STNC) are
studied in the light of recent investigations of complex networks. STNC is
composed of a set of routes and ports located along the sea or river. Network
properties including the degree distribution, degree correlations, clustering,
shortest path length, centrality and betweenness are studied in different
definition of network topology. It is found that geographical constraint plays
an important role in the network topology of STNC. We also study the traffic
flow of STNC based on the weighted network representation, and demonstrate the
weight distribution can be described by power law or exponential function
depending on the assumed definition of network topology. Other features related
to STNC are also investigated.


title: Incomplete normalization of probability on multifractals

abstract:
  This work is an extension of the incomplete probability theory from the
simple case of monofractals previously studied to the more general case of
multifractals which can occur in the phase space without equiprobable
partition.


title: Connection probability for random graphs with given degree sequence

abstract:
  Recently, the classical configuration model for random graphs with given
degree distribution has been extensively used as a null model in contraposition
to real networks with the same degree distribution. In this paper, we briefly
review the applications of this model and derive analytical expression for
connection probability by the expanding coefficient method. We also use our
expanding coefficient method to obtain the connection probability for the
directed configuration model.


title:
Boundedness and Compactness of Toeplitz operators with L^1 symbols on
  the Bergman space

abstract:
  We characterise the boundedness of a Toeplitz operator on the Bergman space
with an L^1 symbol.We also prove that the compactness of a Toeplitz operator on
the Bergman space with an L^1 symbol is completely determined by the boundary
behaviour of itss Berezin transform. This result extends known results in the
cases when the symbol is either a positive L^1 function, an L^\infty function
or a general BMO^1 function.


title:
First Results From the Large Binocular Telescope: Deep Photometry of New
  dSphs

abstract:
  This contribution describes photometry for two Galactic dSphs obtained with
the Large Binocular Telescope to a magnitude of ~25.5. Using the Large
Binocular Camera, a purpose-built wide-field imager for the LBT, we have
examined the structure and star formation histories of two newly-discovered
Local Group members, the Hercules dSph and the Leo T dSph/dIrr system. We have
constructed a structural map for the Hercules system using three-filter
photometry to V ~ 25.5. This is the first deep photometry for this system, and
it indicates that Hercules is unusually elongated, possibly indicating
distortion due to the Galactic tidal field. We have also derived the first star
formation history for the Leo T system, and find that its oldest population of
stars (age ~ 13 Gyr) were relatively metal-rich, with [Fe/H] ~ -1.5.


title:
Pion freeze-out through HBT correlation in HICs from AGS/FAIR to RHIC
  energies

abstract:
  In this talk we present the results of two-pion HBT correlation at freeze-out
in heavy ion collisions (HICs) from AGS to RHIC energies. The UrQMD
hadron-string transport model as well as the CRAB analyzing program are
adopted. Based on the cascade mode, in general, the calculations are satisfying
and well in line with the experimental data although discrepancies are not
negligible. Such as: I), the HBT time-related puzzle exists at all energies.
II), at low AGS energies, the calculated volume as well as the mean free path
of pion source at freeze-out are lower than data. It implies that a better
description of interactions of particles at early stage of HICs is required.


title:
On the blow up phenomenon for the $L^2$-critical focusing Hartree
  equation in $\Bbb R^4$

abstract:
  We characterize the dynamics of the finite time blow up solutions with
minimal mass for the focusing mass critical Hartree equation with
$H^1(\mathbb{R}^4)$ data and $L^2(\mathbb{R}^4)$ data, where we make use of the
refined Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality of convolution type and the profile
decomposition. Moreover, we also analyze the mass concentration phenomenon of
such blow up solutions.


title:
Aging dynamics of non-linear elastic interfaces: the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang
  equation

abstract:
  In this work, the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang
equation in (1+1) dimensions is studied by means of numerical simulations,
focussing on the two-times evolution of an interface in the absence of any
disordered environment. This work shows that even in this simple case, a rich
aging behavior develops. A multiplicative aging scenario for the two-times
roughness of the system is observed, characterized by the same growth exponent
as in the stationary regime. The analysis permits the identification of the
relevant growing correlation length, accounting for the important scaling
variables in the system. The distribution function of the two-times roughness
is also computed and described in terms of a generalized scaling relation.
These results give good insight into the glassy dynamics of the important case
of a non-linear elastic line in a disordered medium.


title: An Experimental Investigation of Secure Communication With Chaos Masking

abstract:
  The most exciting recent development in nonlinear dynamics is realization
that chaos can be useful. One application involves "Secure Communication". Two
piecewise linear systems with switching nonlinearities have been taken as chaos
generators. In the present work the phenomenon of secure communication with
chaos masking has been investigated experimentally. In this investigation chaos
which is generated from two chaos generators is masked with the massage signal
to be transmitted, thus makes communication is more secure.


title: Sensitivity to SUSY Seesaw Parameters and Lepton Flavour Violation

abstract:
  We address the constraints on the SUSY seesaw parameters arising from Lepton
Flavour Violation observables. Working in the Constrained Minimal
Supersymmetric Standard Model extended by three right-handed (s)neutrinos, we
study the predictions for the branching ratios of $l_j \to l_i \gamma$ and $l_j
\to 3 l_i$ channels. We impose compatibility with neutrino data, electric
dipole moment bounds, and further require a successful baryon asymmetry of the
Universe (via thermal leptogenesis). We emphasise the interesting interplay
between $\theta_{13}$ and the LFV muon decays, pointing out the hints on the
SUSY seesaw parameters that can arise from measurements of $\theta_{13}$ and
LFV branching ratios. This is a brief summary of the work of Ref.
\cite{Antusch:2006vw}.


title: Using Local Volume data to constrain Dark Matter dynamics

abstract:
  The peculiar velocity reconstruction methods allow one to have a deeper
insight into the distribution of dark matter: both to measure mean matter
density and to obtain the primordial density fluctuations. We present here the
Monge-Ampere-Kantorovitch method applied to mock catalogues mimicking in both
redshift and distance catalogues. After having discussed the results obtained
for a class of biases that may be corrected for, we focus on the systematics
coming from the unknown distribution of unobserved mass and from the
statistical relationship between mass and luminosity. We then show how to use
these systematics to put constraints on the dark matter distribution. Finally a
preliminary application to an extended version (c z < 3000 km/s) of the
Neighbour Galaxy Catalogue is presented. We recover the peculiar velocities in
our neighbourhood and present a preliminary measurement of the local Omega_M.


title:
Factors influencing the Martensitic interactions in Ni50Mn35Sn15: An
  EXAFS study

abstract:
  Extended x-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) measurements have been
carried out on Ni$_{50}$Mn$_{35}$Sn$_{15}$ in the austenitic and martensitic
phase. The temperatures associated with structural and magnetic phase
transformations are obtained from magnetization measurements. The system orders
ferromagnetically below 319 K while the structural phase transition occurs at
T$_M$ $\sim$ 200 K. EXAFS measurements have been carried out at Mn and Ni
K-edges and changes associated with respect to the local structure of these
absorbing atoms are compared. Significant changes in the nearest neighbour
interactions are seen as the system transits to the low temperature martensitic
phase. EXAFS provides evidence for local structural distortion even in the
cubic phase that is not seen from the x-ray diffraction studies. The results
obtained are understood in terms of changing hybridization between the
constituent atoms that influence the electronic structure at the Fermi level,
associated with the austenitic-to-martensitic transition.


title:
On the (circular) polarization-independence of microwave-induced
  resistance oscillations and zero resistance state

abstract:
  The immunity of microwave-induced magneto-resistance oscillations and
corresponding zero resistance regions to the direction of (circular)
polarization of microwave is studied in this paper. We propose that a
spontaneous circular motion of the whole electron fluid would stabilize the
system and minimize the polarization sensitivity of the oscillatory DC
resistance. Results of a self-consistent calculation capture the qualitative
features of the experimental observation.


title:
Luminescence quenching of the triplet excimer state by air traces in
  gaseous argon

abstract:
  While developing a liquid argon detector for dark matter searches we
investigate the influence of air contamination on the VUV scintillation yield
in gaseous argon at atmospheric pressure. We determine with a radioactive
alpha-source the photon yield for various partial air pressures and different
reflectors and wavelength shifters. We find for the fast scintillation
component a time constant tau1= 11.3 +- 2.8 ns, independent of gas purity.
However, the decay time of the slow component depends on gas purity and is a
good indicator for the total VUV light yield. This dependence is attributed to
impurities destroying the long-lived argon excimer states. The population ratio
between the slowly and the fast decaying excimer states is determined for
alpha-particles to be 5.5 +-0.6 in argon gas at 1100 mbar and room temperature.
The measured mean life of the slow component is tau2 = 3.140 +- 0.067 microsec
at a partial air pressure of 2 x 10-6 mbar.


title: The LCFIVertex Package: vertex detector-based Reconstruction at the ILC

abstract:
  The contribution gives an overview of the LCFIVertex package, providing
software tools for high-level event reconstruction at the International Linear
Collider using vertex-detector information. The package was validated using a
fast Monte Carlo simulation. Performance obtained with a more realistic
GEANT4-based detector simulation and realistic tracking code is presented. The
influence of hadronic interactions on flavour tagging is discussed.


title:
Reversed propagation dynamics of Laguerre-Gaussian beams in left-handed
  materials

abstract:
  On the basis of angular spectrum representation, the reversed propagation
dynamics of Laguerre-Gaussian beam in left-handed materials (LHMs) is
presented. We show that negative phase velocity gives rise to a reversed screw
of wave-front, and ultimately leads to a reversed rotation of optical vortex.
Furthermore, negative Gouy-phase shift causes an inverse spiral of Poynting
vector. It is found that the Laguerre-Gaussian beam in LHMs will present the
same propagation characteristics as the counterpart with opposite topological
charges in regular right-handed materials (RHMs). The momentum conservation
theorem insures that the tangential component of the wave momentum at the
RHM-LHM boundary is conserved. It is shown that although the linear momentum
reverses its direction, the angular momentum remains unchanged.


title:
Josephson junctions with negative second harmonic in the current-phase
  relation: properties of novel varphi-junctions

abstract:
  Several recent experiments revealed a change of the sign of the first
harmonic in the current-phase relation of Josephson junctions (JJ) based on
novel superconductors, e.g., d-wave based or JJ with ferromagnetic barrier. In
this situation the role of the second harmonic becomes dominant and it
determines the scenario of a 0-pi transition. We discuss different mechanisms
of the second harmonic generation and its sign. If the second harmonic is
negative the 0-pi transition becomes continuous and the realization of the
so-called varphi junction is possible. We study the unusual properties of such
a novel JJ and analyze the possible experimental techniques for their
observation.


title:
Search for a signal on intermediate baryon systems formation in
  hadron-nuclear and nuclear-nuclear interactions at high energies

abstract:
  We have analyzed the behavior of different characteristics of hadron-nuclear
and nuclear-nuclear interactions as a function of centrality to get a signal on
the formation of intermediate baryon systems. We observed that the data
demonstrate the regime change and saturation. The angular distributions of slow
particles exhibit some structure in the above mentioned reactions at low
energy. We believe that the structure could be connected with the formation and
decay of the percolation cluster. With increasing the mass of colliding nuclei,
the structure starts to become weak and almost disappears ultimately. This
shows that the number of secondary internuclear interactions increases with
increasing the mass of the colliding nuclei. The latter could be a reason of
the disintegration of any intermediate formations as well as clusters, which
decrease their influence on the angular distribution of the emitted particles.


title:
A cohomological construction of modules over Fedosov deformation
  quantization algebra

abstract:
  In certain neighborhood $U$ of an arbitrary point of a symplectic manifold
$M$ we construct a Fedosov-type star-product $\ast_L$ such that for an
arbitrary leaf $\wp$ of a given polarization $\mathcal{D}\subset TM$ the
algebra $C^\infty (\wp \cap U)[[h]]$ has a natural structure of left module
over the deformed algebra $(C^\infty (U)[[h]], \ast_L)$. With certain
additional assumptions on $M$, $\ast_L$ becomes a so-called star-product with
separation of variables.


title: The holomorphic anomaly for open string moduli

abstract:
  We complete the holomorphic anomaly equations for topological strings with
their dependence on open moduli. We obtain the complete system by standard path
integral arguments generalizing the analysis of BCOV (Commun. Math. Phys. 165
(1994) 311) to strings with boundaries. We study both the anti-holomorphic
dependence on open moduli and on closed moduli in presence of Wilson lines. By
providing the compactification a' la Deligne-Mumford of the moduli space of
Riemann surfaces with boundaries, we show that the open holomorphic anomaly
equations are structured on the (real codimension one) boundary components of
this space.


title:
Twisted conjugacy classes in Symplectic groups, Mapping class groups and
  Braid groups(including an Appendix written with Francois Dahmani)

abstract:
  We prove that the symplectic group $Sp(2n,\mathbb Z)$ and the mapping class
group $Mod_{S}$ of a compact surface $S$ satisfy the $R_{\infty}$ property. We
also show that $B_n(S)$, the full braid group on $n$-strings of a surface $S$,
satisfies the $R_{\infty}$ property in the cases where $S$ is either the
compact disk $D$, or the sphere $S^2$. This means that for any automorphism
$\phi$ of $G$, where $G$ is one of the above groups, the number of twisted
$\phi$-conjugacy classes is infinite.


title: Dynamics of the spontaneous breakdown of superhydrophobicity

abstract:
  Drops deposited on rough and hydrophobic surfaces can stay suspended with gas
pockets underneath the liquid, then showing very low hydrodynamic resistance.
When this superhydrophobic state breaks down, the subsequent wetting process
can show different dynamical properties. A suitable choice of the geometry can
make the wetting front propagate in a stepwise manner leading to {\it
square-shaped} wetted area: the front propagation is slow and the patterned
surface fills by rows through a {\it zipping} mechanism. The multiple time
scale scenario of this wetting process is experimentally characterized and
compared to numerical simulations.


title:
Suppression of High-p_T Neutral Pion Production in Central Pb+Pb
  Collisions at sqrt{s_NN} = 17.3 GeV Relative to p+C and p+Pb Collisions

abstract:
  Neutral pion transverse momentum spectra were measured in p+C and p+Pb
collisions at sqrt{s_NN} = 17.4 GeV at mid-rapidity 2.3 < eta_lab < 3.0 over
the range 0.7< p_T < 3.5 GeV/c. The spectra are compared to pi0 spectra
measured in Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt{s_NN} = 17.3 GeV in the same experiment.
For a wide range of Pb+Pb centralities (N_part < 300) the yield of pi0's with
p_T > 2 GeV/c is larger than or consistent with the p+C or p+Pb yields scaled
with the number of nucleon-nucleon collisions (N_coll), while for central Pb+Pb
collisions with N_part > 350 the pi0 yield is suppressed.


title:
Intrinsic Axis Ratio Distribution of Early-type Galaxies From Sloan
  Digital Sky Survey

abstract:
  Using Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 5, we have investigated the
intrinsic axis ratio distribution (ARD) for early-type galaxies. We have
constructed a volume-limited sample of 3,922 visually-inspected early-type
galaxies at $0.05 \leq z \leq 0.06$ carefully considering sampling biases
caused by the galaxy isophotal size and luminosity. We attempt to de-project
the observed ARD into three-dimensional types (oblate, prolate, and triaxial),
which are classified in terms of triaxiality. We confirm that no linear
combination of $randomly$-distributed axis ratios of the three types can
reproduce the observed ARD. However, using Gaussian intrinsic distributions, we
have found reasonable fits to the data with preferred mean axis ratios for
oblate, prolate, and triaxial (triaxials in two axis ratios), $\mu_o=0.44,
\mu_p=0.72, \mu_{t,\beta}=0.92, \mu_{t,\gamma}=0.78$ where the fractions of
oblate, prolate and triaxial types are
\textrm{O:P:T}=0.29^{\pm0.09}:0.26^{\pm0.11}:0.45^{\pm0.13}$. We have also
found that the luminous sample ($-23.3 < M_r \leq -21.2$) tends to have more
triaxials than the less luminous ($-21.2 < M_r <-19.3$) sample does. Oblate is
relatively more abundant among the less luminous galaxies. Interestingly, the
preferences of axis ratios for triaxial types in the two luminosity classes are
remarkably similar. We have not found any significant influence of the local
galaxy number density on ARD. We show that the results can be seriously
affected by the details in the data selection and type classification scheme.
Caveats and implications on galaxy formation are discussed.


title: Zonotopal algebra

abstract:
  A wealth of geometric and combinatorial properties of a given linear
endomorphism $X$ of $\R^N$ is captured in the study of its associated zonotope
$Z(X)$, and, by duality, its associated hyperplane arrangement ${\cal H}(X)$.
This well-known line of study is particularly interesting in case $n\eqbd\rank
X \ll N$. We enhance this study to an algebraic level, and associate $X$ with
three algebraic structures, referred herein as {\it external, central, and
internal.} Each algebraic structure is given in terms of a pair of homogeneous
polynomial ideals in $n$ variables that are dual to each other: one encodes
properties of the arrangement ${\cal H}(X)$, while the other encodes by duality
properties of the zonotope $Z(X)$. The algebraic structures are defined purely
in terms of the combinatorial structure of $X$, but are subsequently proved to
be equally obtainable by applying suitable algebro-analytic operations to
either of $Z(X)$ or ${\cal H}(X)$. The theory is universal in the sense that it
requires no assumptions on the map $X$ (the only exception being that the
algebro-analytic operations on $Z(X)$ yield sought-for results only in case $X$
is unimodular), and provides new tools that can be used in enumerative
combinatorics, graph theory, representation theory, polytope geometry, and
approximation theory.


title: Bouncing and Colliding Branes

abstract:
  In a braneworld description of our universe, we must allow for the
possibility of having dynamical branes around the time of the big bang. Some
properties of such domain walls in motion are discussed here, for example the
ability of negative-tension domain walls to bounce off spacetime singularities
and the consequences for cosmological perturbations. In this context, we will
also review a colliding branes solution of heterotic M-theory that has been
proposed as a model for early universe cosmology.


title:
Bremsstrahlung in weak charged current polarized lepton-nucleon deep
  inelastic scattering

abstract:
  The processes of lepton-nucleon scattering, including ones with both
polarized beams, at high energy provide relevant information about interaction
and particles structure, allowing to analyze nucleon spin structure. As energy
and experimental accuracy rise, necessity to improve Born cross sections and
polarized asymmetries with higher order radiative corrections becomes
substantial. In this report we stress on lowest order bremsstrahlung
corrections treatment using helicity amplitudes method as applied to actual
nowadays charged current lepton-nucleon deep inelastic processes, that allows
to simplify matrix element calculation procedure. Real photon emission
contribution is calculated by means of Lorentz-invariant formalism. Kinematical
peculiarities on bremsstrahlung correction are discussed.


title:
Boundedness and Compactness of products of Toeplitz operators on the
  Bergman Space

abstract:
  In a celebrated conjecture D.Sarason stated a necessary and sufficient
condition on the symbols f, g in the Bergman space, L^2_a(\Delta) of the unit
disk, \Delta, for the products T_{f}T_{\bar g} of associated Toeplitz operators
to be bounded (respectively compact) on L^2_a(\Delta) . K. Stroethoff and D.
Zheng proved that these conditions are necessary. We prove the sufficiency of
these conditions, thus solvind Sarason's conjecture.


title: Genericity of supercuspidal representations of p-adic Sp(4)

abstract:
  We describe the supercuspidal representations of Sp(4,F), for F a
non-archimedean local field of residual characteristic different from 2, and
determine which are generic.


title: On the orientation of the Sagittarius A* system

abstract:
  The near-infrared emission from the black hole at the Galactic center (Sgr
A*) has unique properties. The most striking feature is a suggestive periodic
sub-structure that has been observed in a couple of flares so far. Using
near-infrared polarimetric observations and modelling the quasi-periodicity in
terms of an orbiting blob, we try to constrain the three dimensional
orientation of the Sgr A* system. We report on so far unpublished polarimetric
data from 2003. They support the observations of a roughly constant mean
polarization angle of 60 degr \pm 20 degr from 2004-2006. Prior investigations
of the 2006 data are deepened. In particular, the blob model fits are evaluated
such that constraints on the position angle of Sgr A* can be derived.
Confidence contours in the position-inclination angle plane are derived. On a
3sigma level the position angle of the equatorial plane normal is in the range
60 degr - 108 degr (east of north) in combination with a large inclination
angle. This agrees well with recent independent work in which radio
spectral/morphological properties of Sgr A* and X-ray observations,
respectively, have been used. However, the quality of the presently available
data and the uncertainties in our model bring some ambiguity to our
conclusions.


title: Three-State Feshbach Resonances Mediated By Second-Order Couplings

abstract:
  We present an analytical study of three-state Feshbach resonances induced by
second-order couplings. Such resonances arise when the scattering amplitude is
modified by the interaction with a bound state that is not directly coupled to
the scattering state containing incoming flux. Coupling occurs indirectly
through an intermediate state. We consider two problems: (i) the intermediate
state is a scattering state in a distinct open channel; (ii) the intermediate
state is an off-resonant bound state in a distinct closed channel. The first
problem is a model of electric-field-induced resonances in ultracold collisions
of alkali metal atoms [Phys. Rev. A 75, 032709 (2007)] and the second problem
is relevant for ultracold collisions of complex polyatomic molecules, chemical
reaction dynamics, photoassociation of ultracold atoms, and electron - molecule
scattering. Our analysis yields general expressions for the energy dependence
of the T-matrix elements modified by three-state resonances and the dependence
of the resonance positions and widths on coupling amplitudes for the
weak-coupling limit. We show that the second problem can be generalized to
describe resonances induced by indirect coupling through an arbitrary number of
sequentially coupled off-resonant bound states and analyze the dependence of
the resonance width on the number of the intermediate states.


title: Black holes in the TeVeS theory of gravity and their thermodynamics

abstract:
  TeVeS, a relativistic theory of gravity, was designed to provide a basis for
the modified Newtonian dynamics. Since TeVeS differs from general relativity
(e.g., it has two metrics, an Einstein metric and a physical metric), black
hole solutions of it would be valuable for a number of endeavors ranging from
astrophysical modeling to investigations into the interrelation between gravity
and thermodynamics. Giannios has recently found a TeVeS analogue of the
Schwarzschild black hole solution. We proceed further with the program by
analytically solving the TeVeS equations for a static spherically symmetric and
asymptotically flat system of electromagnetic and gravity fields. We show that
one solution is provided by the Reissner-Nordstrom metric as physical metric,
the TeVeS vector field pointing in the time direction, and a TeVeS scalar field
positive everywhere (the last feature protects from superluminal propagation of
disturbances in the fields). We work out black hole thermodynamics in TeVeS
using the physical metric; black hole entropy, temperature and electric
potential turn out to be identical to those in general relativity. We find it
inconsistent to base thermodynamics on the Einstein metric. In light of this we
reconsider the Dubovsky-Sibiryakov scenario for violating the second law of
thermodynamics in theories with Lorentz symmetry violation.


title:
An investigation of Fe XVI emission lines in solar and stellar EUV and
  soft X-ray spectra

abstract:
  New fully relativistic calculations of radiative rates and electron impact
excitation cross sections for Fe XVI are used to determine theoretical
emission-line ratios applicable to the 251 - 361 A and 32 - 77 A portions of
the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray spectral regions, respectively. A
comparison of the EUV results with observations from the Solar
Extreme-Ultraviolet Research Telescope and Spectrograph (SERTS) reveals
excellent agreement between theory and experiment. However, for emission lines
in the 32 - 49 A portion of the soft X-ray spectral region, there are large
discrepancies between theory and measurement for both a solar flare spectrum
obtained with the X-Ray Spectrometer/Spectrograph Telescope (XSST) and
observations of Capella from the Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer
(LETGS) on the Chandra X-ray Observatory. These are probably due to blending in
the solar flare and Capella data from both first order lines and from shorter
wavelength transitions detected in second and third order. By contrast, there
is very good agreement between our theoretical results and the XSST and LETGS
observations in the 50 - 77 A wavelength range, contrary to previous results.
In particular, there is no evidence that the Fe XVI emission from the XSST
flare arises from plasma at a much higher temperature than that expected for Fe
XVI in ionization equilibrium, as suggested by earlier work.