The determination of <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis></Subscript> from <Emphasis Type="Italic">τ</Emphasis> decays revisited

We revisit the determination of α _S (m _τ ²) using a fit to inclusive τ hadronic spectral moments in light of (1) the recent calculation of the fourth-order perturbative coefficient K ₄ in the expansion of the Adler function, (2) new precision measurements from BABAR of e⁺e⁻ annihilation cross sections, which decrease the uncertainty in the separation of vector and axial-vector spectral functions, and (3) improved results from BABAR and Belle on τ branching fractions involving kaons. We estimate that the fourth-order perturbative prediction reduces the theoretical uncertainty, introduced by the truncation of the series, by 20% with respect to earlier determinations. We discuss to some detail the perturbative prediction of two different methods: fixed-order perturbation theory (FOPT) and contour-improved perturbative theory (CIPT). The corresponding theoretical uncertainties are studied at the τ and Z mass scales. The CIPT method is found to be more stable with respect to the missing higher order contributions and to renormalization scale variations. It is also shown that FOPT suffers from convergence problems along the complex integration contour. Nonperturbative contributions extracted from the most inclusive fit are small, in agreement with earlier determinations. Systematic effects from quark-hadron duality violation are estimated with simple models and found to be within the quoted systematic errors. The fit based on CIPT gives α _S (m _τ ²)=0.344±0.005±0.007, where the first error is experimental and the second theoretical. After evolution to M _Z we obtain α _S (M _Z ²)=0.1212±0.0005±0.0008±0.0005, where the errors are respectively experimental, theoretical and due to the evolution. The result is in agreement with the corresponding N³LO value derived from essentially the Z width in the global electroweak fit. The α _S (M _Z ²) determination from τ decays is the most precise one to date.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">X</Emphasis>(3): An exactly separable <Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis>-rigid version of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">X</Emphasis>(5) critical point symmetry

A γ-rigid version (with γ = 0) of the X(5) critical point symmetry is constructed. The model, to be called X(3) since it is proved to contain three degrees of freedom, utilizes an infinite well potential, is based on exact separation of variables, and leads to parameter-free (up to overall scale factors) predictions for spectra and B(E2) transition rates which are in good agreement with existing experimental data for ¹⁷²Os and ¹⁸⁶Pt. An unexpected similarity of the β ₁ bands of the X(5) nuclei ¹⁵⁰Nd, ¹⁵²Sm, ¹⁵⁴Gd, and ¹⁵⁶Dy to the X(3) predictions is observed. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">D</Emphasis>-Branes in the Euclidean <Emphasis Type="Italic">AdS</Emphasis><Subscript>3</Subscript> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>-Duality

We show that D-branes in the Euclidean AdS ₃ can be naturally associated to the maximally isotropic subgroups of the Lu–Weinstein double of SU(2). This picture makes very transparent the residual loop group symmetry of the D-brane configurations and gives also immediately the D-branes shapes and the σ-model boundary conditions in the de Sitter T-dual of the SL(2,C)/SU(2) WZW model.     

Disappearing cosmological constant in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity

For higher-derivative f(R) gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar, a class of models is proposed, which produce viable cosmology different from the ACDM at recent times and satisfy cosmological, Solar System, and laboratory tests. These models have both flat and de Sitter spacetimes as particular solutions in the absence of matter. Thus, a cosmological constant is zero in a flat spacetime, but appears effectively in a curved one for sufficiently large R. A “smoking gun” for these models would be a small discrepancy in the values of the slope of the primordial perturbation power spectrum determined from galaxy surveys and CMB fluctuations. On the other hand, a new problem for dark energy models based on f(R) gravity is pointed out, which is connected with the possible overproduction of new massive scalar particles (scalarons) arising in this theory in the very early Universe. The text was submitted by the author in English.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">SU</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis></Subscript>(4)×<Emphasis Type="Italic">U</Emphasis>(1) model for electroweak unification and sterile neutrinos

Some of the basic problems in neutrino physics, such as new energy scales, the enormous gap between the neutrino masses and the lightest charged fermion mass, and the possible existence of sterile neutrinos in the eV mass range are studied in the local gauge group SU _L (4)×U(1) for electroweak unification, which does not contain fermions with exotic electric charges. It is shown that the neutrino mass spectrum can be decoupled from that of the other fermions. The further normal seesaw mechanism for neutrinos, with right-handed neutrino Majorana masses of order M≫M _weak as well a new eV-scale can be accommodated. The eV-scale seesaw may manifest itself in experiments like the Liquid Scintillation Neutrino Detector (LSND) and MiniBooNE (MB) experimental results and future neutrino experiments.     

Static spherically symmetric solutions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity

A Lagrangian derivation of the Equations of Motion (EOM) for static spherically symmetric metrics in F(R) modified gravity is presented. For a large class of metrics, our approach permits one to reduce the EOM to a single equation and we show how it is possible to construct exact solutions in F(R)-gravity. All known exact solutions are recovered. We also exhibit a new non-trivial solution with non-constant Ricci scalar.     

Singlet Deformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis> = (1,1) Superspace

We discuss the SO(4) × SU(2) invariant deformation of the Euclidean N = (1,1) supersymmetric theories in the framework of the harmonic superspace.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Q</Emphasis> kink of the nonlinear <Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>(3) <Emphasis Type="Italic">σ</Emphasis> model involving an explicitly broken symmetry

The (1 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear O(3) σ model involving an explicitly broken symmetry is considered. Sphalerons are known to exist in this model. These sphalerons are of a topological origin and are embedded kinks of the sine-Gordon model. In the case of a compact spatial manifold S ¹, sine-Gordon multikinks exist in the model. It is shown that the model admits a nonstatic generalization of the sine-Gordon kink/multikink, Q kink/multikink. Explicit expressions are obtained for the dependence of the Q kink energy and charge on the phase frequency of rotation. The Q kink is studied for stability, and expressions are obtained for the eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies of the operator of quadratic fluctuations. It is shown that the Q kink is unstable over the entire admissible frequency range ω ∈ [−1, 1]. The one-loop quantum correction to the static-kink mass is calculated, and the Q-kink zero mode is quantized. It is shown that, in a general static case, the field equations of the model are integrable in quadratures.     

Polarization variables in inclusive <Emphasis Type="Italic">J</Emphasis>/Ψ production at HERA in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis></Subscript>-factorization approach

In the framework of k _t -factorization approach, the process of inclusive photoproduction of J/Ψ mesons at HERA conditions is considered. The spin density matrix elements are calculated, and the predictions are compared with recent experimental data. The article is published in the original.     

Fusion Rules for the Vertex Operator Algebras <Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis>(1)<Superscript>+</Superscript> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">V</Emphasis><Superscript>+</Superscript><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis></Subscript>

The fusion rules for the vertex operator algebras M(1)⁺ (of any rank) and V⁺_L (for any positive definite even lattice L) are determined completely.Supported by JSPS Research Fellowships for Young ScientistsPartially supported by NSF grants and a research grant from the Committee on Research, UC Santa CruzPartially supported by a NSA grant and a grant from Rutgers University Research Council     

Dual properties of orthogonal polynomials of discrete variables associated with the quantum algebra <Emphasis Type="Italic">U</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">q</Emphasis></Subscript>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">su</Emphasis>(2))

We show that for every set of discrete polynomials y _n (x(s)) on the lattice x(s), defined on a finite interval (a, b), it is possible to construct two sets of dual polynomials z _k (ξ(t)) of degrees k = s-a and k = b-s-1. Here we do this for the classical and alternative Hahn and Racah polynomials as well as for their q-analogs. Also we establish the connection between classical and alternative families. This allows us to obtain new expressions for the Clerbsch-Gordan and Racah coefficients of the quantum algebra U _q (su(2)) in terms of various Hahn and Racah q-polynomials. Dedicated to the memory of our teacher and friend Arnold F. Nikiforov (18.11.1930–27.12.2005).     

Large <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis> Expansion of <Emphasis Type="Italic">q</Emphasis>-Deformed Two-Dimensional Yang-Mills Theory and Hecke Algebras

We derive the q-deformation of the chiral Gross-Taylor holomorphic string large N expansion of two dimensional SU(N) Yang-Mills theory. Delta functions on symmetric group algebras are replaced by the corresponding objects (canonical trace functions) for Hecke algebras. The role of the Schur-Weyl duality between unitary groups and symmetric groups is now played by q-deformed Schur-Weyl duality of quantum groups. The appearance of Euler characters of configuration spaces of Riemann surfaces in the expansion persists. We discuss the geometrical meaning of these formulae.     

Enhancement of the defect field of one-dimensional photonic crystals containing <Emphasis Type="Italic">ε</Emphasis>-and <Emphasis Type="Italic">μ</Emphasis>-negative layers

Employing the transfer matrix method, we study the electromagnetic field of one-dimensional photonic crystals with a defect inserted by pairs of μ-negative (MNG) and ε-negative (ENG) material layers. The fields within the pairs of layers and the matrix defect are independent of each other, and the whole field is their superposition. The whole defect field can be significantly enhanced by pairs of ε-negative and μ-negative layers. In contrast to the conventional defect modes, the intensity and volume of the defect field with pairs of ε-negative and μ-negative layers can be precisely adjusted.     

Idempotents as <Emphasis Type="Italic">J</Emphasis>-Projections

Let B(H) ^Id be the set of all bounded idempotents on a Hilbert space H. Fix p∈B(H) ^Id . The aim of the paper is to show a set of symmetries J on H for which p is a J-projection.     

Reduced expression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">TAC1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">PENK</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">SOCS2</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hcrtr-2</Emphasis> mutated narcoleptic dog brain

Background  

Narcolepsy causes dramatic behavioral alterations in both humans and dogs, with excessive sleepiness and cataplexy triggered by emotional stimuli. Deficiencies in the hypocretin system are well established as the origin of the condition; both from studies in humans who lack the hypocretin ligand (HCRT) and in dogs with a mutation in hypocretin receptor 2 (HCRTR2). However, little is known about molecular alterations downstream of the hypocretin signals.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">SU</Emphasis>(5) symmetry of<Emphasis Type="Italic">spdfg</Emphasis> interacting boson model

The extended interacting boson model withs-, p-, d-, f- andg-bosons included (spdfg IBM) is investigated. The algebraic structure including the generators, the Casimir operators of the groups at theSU(5) dynamical symmetry and the branching rules of the irreducible representation reductions along the group chain are obtained. The typical energy spectrum of the symmetry is given.     

Photoexcitation of rare-gas neon and argon clusters doped with <Emphasis Type="Bold">H</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Bold">2</Emphasis></Subscript><Emphasis Type="Bold">O</Emphasis>

We have studied the fluorescence of electronically excited OH^*, H^* and H₂O^+* dissociation fragments after VUV excitation ( h ν≥11.6 eV) of rare-gas clusters (Rg = Ne, Ar) doped with H₂O molecules. In contrast to a free molecule, where Balmer H-series dominate the UV-visible spectra, only the OH ^* ( A ² Σ ⁺ ↦ X ² Π) emission band is observed in neon clusters. No emission of excited water ions has been observed. We find that while higher excitation energies (Ne vs. Ar) induce higher vibrational excitation of the OH^* ( A ) fragment, the rotational temperature is lower. This effect is attributed to the difference in the geometric position of the H₂O molecule on the surface or inside the Rg-cluster. The rotational relaxation in neon clusters is rapid while the vibrational relaxation is slow because of the coupling with the low energy matrix phonons. Received 7 March 2002 / Received in final form 27 May 2002 Published online 19 July 2002     

δ/γ transformation in non-equilibrium solidified peritectic Fe-Ni alloy

Through phase transformation kinetic analysis and experimental observation, the δ/γ transformation occurring in the non-equilibrium peritectic Fe-4.33at.%Ni alloys was systematically investigated. According to JMA solid-state transformation kinetic theory, the Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) curves of the δ/γ transformation in peritectic Fe-Ni alloy were calculated. On this basis, the physical correlation between the δ/γ transformation and the initial undercooling of melt (△T) was elucidated. The results indicate that the change of △T can alter not only the overall δ/γ transformation pathways but also the transformation fraction with respect to each transformation mechanism.     

Absorption spectra of thin layers of solid solutions Cs<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Cd<Subscript>1 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Zn<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>)I<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The excitonic absorption spectra of thin films of ferroelectric Cs₂CdI₄ and Cs₂ZnI₄ solid solutions are studied for the first time. It is found that, within the whole range of molar concentrations x, the spectra of Cs₂(Cd_{1 − x} Zn _x )I₄ comprise two bands that originate from the bands of the two compounds. It is shown that the exciton transfer occurs most efficiently between the tetrahedrons CdI₄ and ZnI₄ along the b axis of the crystal. Unusual behavior of the concentration with regards to the maxima of long-wavelength excitonic bands E _m (x) agrees well with the developed theory that takes into account dependence on x of the matrix element of the intertetrahedron exciton transfer and that is similar to the theory of Davydov’s splitting in molecular crystals.     

Universal behavior of CePd<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Rh<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> ferromagnet at the quantum critical point

The heavy-fermion metal CePd_1−x Rh _x can be tuned from ferromagnetism at x = 0 to the nonmagnetic state at some critical concentration x _c . The non-Fermi liquid behavior (NFL) at x ≃ x _c is recognized by the power-law dependence of the specific heat C(T) given by the electronic contribution susceptibility X(T) and volume expansion coefficient α(T) at low temperatures: C/T ∝ X(T) ∝ α(T)/T∝ 1/ √T. We also demonstrate that the behavior of the normalized effective mass M _N ^* observed in CePd_1−x Rh _x at x ≃ 0.8 agrees with that of M _N ^* observed in paramagnetic CeRu₂Si₂ and conclude that these alloys exhibit the universal NFL thermodynamic behavior at their quantum critical points. We show that the NFL behavior of CePd_1−x Rh _x can be accounted for within the frameworks of the quasiparticle picture and fermion condensation quantum phase transition, while this alloy exhibits a universal thermodynamic NFL behavior that is independent of the characteristic features of the given alloy such as its lattice structure, magnetic ground state, dimension, etc. The text was submitted by the authors in English.