Self-tuning of cosmological constant and exit from inflation

I review the recent 5D self-tuning solutions of the cosmological constant problem, and try to unify two cosmological constant problems within the framework of the self-tuning solutions. One problem, the large cosmological constant needed for inflation, is interpreted by starting with the parameters allowing only the dS vacuum, and the vanishing cosmological constant at a true vacuum is realized by changing parameters by exit from inflation at the brane such that the self-tuning solution is allowed.Comment: Latex file of 8 pages, including 2 figures. Talk presented at COSPA-03, Taipei, Taiwan, Nov. 13-15, 200

Statistical theory of plasma turbulence

We present a statistical theory of intermittency in plasma turbulence based on short-lived coherent structures (instantons). In general, the probability density functions (PDFs) of the flux R are shown to have an exponential scaling P(R) ∝ exp (-cRs ) in the tails. In ion-temperature-gradient turbulence, the exponent takes the value s = 3/2 for momentum flux and s = 3 for zonal flow formation. The value of s follows from the order of the highest nonlinear interaction term and the moments for which the PDFs are computed. The constant c depends on the spatial profile of the coherent structure and other physical parameters in the model. Our theory provides a powerful mechanism for ubiquitous exponential scalings of PDFs, often observed in various tokamaks. Implications of the results, in particular, on structure formation are further discussed

Z_{12-I} Orbifold Compactification toward SUSY Standard Model

We explain the orbifold compactification in string models and present a Z_{12-I} orbifold compactification toward supersymmetric standard models. We also point out an effective R-parity from this string construction. The VEVs of gauge singlets are chosen such that phenomenological constraints are satisfied.Comment: 13 pages with 5 figure. Talk presented at "CTP Symposium on SUSY at LHC", Cairo, 11-14 March 200

Counting minimal generator matrices

Given a particular convolutional code C, we wish to find all minimal generator matrices G(D) which represent that code. A standard form S(D) for a minimal matrix is defined, and then all standard forms for the code C are counted (this is equivalent to counting special pre-multiplication matrices P(D)). It is shown that all the minimal generator matrices G(D) are contained within the 'ordered row permutations' of these standard forms, and that all these permutations are distinct. Finally, the result is used to place a simple upper bound on the possible number of convolutional codes

Subwavelength localization and toroidal dipole moment of spoof surface plasmon polaritons

We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate subwavelength scale localization of spoof surface plasmon polaritons at a point defect in a two-dimensional groove metal array. An analytical expression for dispersion relation of spoof surface plasmon polaritons substantiates the existence of a band gap where a defect mode can be introduced. A waveguide coupling method allows us to excite localized spoof surface plasmon polariton modes and measure their resonance frequencies. Numerical calculations confirm that localized modes can have a very small modal volume and a high Q factor both of which are essential in enhancing light-matter interactions. Interestingly, we find that the localized spoof surface plasmon polariton has a significant toroidal dipole moment, which is responsible for the high Q factor, as well as an electric quadrupole moment. In addition, the dispersion properties of spoof surface plasmon polaritons are analyzed using a modal expansion method and numerical calculations

Spotted Seals, Phoca largha, in Alaska

The worldwide literature on management of spotted seals, Phoca largha, was reviewed and updated, and aerial surveys weref lown in 1992 and 1993 to determine the species' distribution and abundance in U.S. waters. In April, spotted seals were found only in the Bering Sea ice front. In June, they were seen along deteriorating ice floes and fast ice in Norton Sound. Surveys along most of Alaska's western coast in August and September found over 2,500 spotted seals in Kuskokwim Bay and concentrations of 100-400 seals around Nunivak Island, Scammon Bay, Golovnin Bay/Norton Sound, Cape Espenberg/Kotzebue Sound, and Kasegaluk Lagoon. All of these sites have been used by spotted seals in the past. The sum of the highest counts, irrespective of year, was 3,570 seals (CV =0.06). This is not an abundance estimate for all spotted seals in the Bering Sea, because it does not account for animals in the water, and we did not survey the Asian coast and some islands. Also, spotted seals and harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, are too similar in appearance to be identified accurately from the air, so our results probably include a mix of these species where their ranges overlap

Continuous catalytic decomposition of methane

Water is conserved by employing sequence of reactions whereby 75 percent of methane from Sabatier reaction is decomposed to solid carbon and hydrogen; hydrogen is then separated from residual methane and utilized in usual Sabatier reaction to reduce remaining metabolic carbon dioxide