1mb{1\over m_b} and 1mt{1\over m_t} Expansion of the Weak Mixing Matrix

We perform a $1/m_b$ and $1/m_t$ expansion of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi- Maskawa mixing matrix. Data suggest that the dominant parts of the Yukawa couplings are factorizable into sets of numbers $\vert r>$, $\vert s>$, and $\vert s'>$, associated, respectively, with the left-handed doublets, the right-handed up singlets, and the right- handed down singlets. The first order expansion is consistent with Wolfenstein parameterization, which is an expansion in $sin \theta _c$ to third order. The mixing matrix elements in the present approach are partitioned into factors determined by the relative orientations of $\vert r>$, $\vert s>$, and $\vert s'>$ and the dynamics provided by the subdominant mass matrices. A short discussion is given of some experimental support and a generalized Fritzsch model is used to contrast our approach.Comment: A set of references has been added to ealier related wor

Social Security Benefits Taxation: Issues And Present Status

Taxation of Social Security benefits was introduced in 1983 as part of a general restructuring of Social Security. As part of the 1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, taxation of benefits was revised and expanded. Inclusion of social security benefits as part of taxable income is determined by comparing a modification of adjusted gross income and half of social security benefits to threshold amounts established in each tax law. Unlike most amounts used to determine tax, the thresholds were not subject to indexation or revision. This paper examines the current state of social security taxation in light of personal income changes, social security benefit revisions and federal income tax rate and bracket modifications that have taken place over the fourteen years since the last revision in taxation of benefits

Neutrino masses from discrete gauge symmetries

We investigate a model with an extra $Z_{2}$ gauge symmetry in the Standard Model. We assume that only the scalars and the leptons carry non-zero charge. The symmetry gives a structure to the mass matrix for the neutrinos. With two extra Higgs singlets and two extra singlet right-handed neutrinos we can build a model that fits the requirements of the MSW-solution of the Solar neutrino problem. With a third singlet right-handed neutrino it is also possible to have a 10 eV neutrino, a dark matter candidate.Comment: SNUTP 92-105, Late

Nonzero θ13\theta_{13} and Neutrino Masses from Modified Neutrino Mixing Matrix

The nonzero and relatively large $\theta_{13}$ have been reported by Daya Bay, T2K, MINOS, and Double Chooz Collaborations. In order to accommodate the nonzero $\theta_{13}$, we modified the tribimaximal (TB), bimaxima (BM), and democratic (DC) neutrino mixing matrices. From three modified neutrino mixing matrices, two of them (the modified BM and DC mixing matrices) can give nonzero $\theta_{13}$ which is compatible with the result of the Daya Bay and T2K experiments. The modified TB neutrino mixing matrix predicts the value of $\theta_{13}$ greater than the upper bound value of the latest experimental results. By using the modified neutrino mixing matrices and impose an additional assumption that neutrino mass matrices have two zeros texture, we then obtain the neutrino mass in normal hierarchy when $(M_{\nu})_{22}=(M_{\nu})_{33}=0$ for the neutrino mass matrix from the modified TB neutrino mixing matrix and $(M_{\nu})_{11}=(M_{\nu})_{13}=0$ for the neutrino mass matrix from the modified DC neutrino mixing matrix. For these two patterns of neutrino mass matrices, either the atmospheric mass squared difference or the solar mass squared difference can be obtained, but not both of them simultaneously. From four patterns of two zeros texture to be considered on the obtained neutrino mass matrix from the modified BM neutrino mixing matrix, none of them can predict correctly neutrino mass spectrum (normal or inverted hierarchy).Comment: 13 pages, no figure, some references added, and slight revision due to reviewer(s) comments, to be published in IJMP

Long-Distance Three-Color Neuronal Tracing in Fixed Tissue Using NeuroVue Dyes

Dissecting development of neuronal connections is critical for understanding neuronal function in both normal and diseased states. Charting the development of the multitude of connections is a monumental task, since a given neuron typically receives hundreds of convergent inputs from other neurons and provides divergent outputs for hundreds of other neurons. Although progress is being made utilizing various mutants and/or genetic constructs expressing fluorescent proteins like GFP, substantial work remains before a database documenting the development and final location of the neuronal pathways in an adult animal is completed. The vast majority of developing neurons cannot be specifically labeled with antibodies and making specific GFP-expressing constructs to tag each of them is an overwhelming task. Fortunately, fluorescent lipophilic dyes have emerged as very useful tools to systematically compare changes in neuronal networks between wild-type and mutant mice. These dyes diffuse laterally along nerve cell membranes in fixed preparations, allowing tracing of the position of a given neuron within the neuronal network in murine mutants fixed at various stages of development. Until recently, however, most evaluations have been limited to one, or at most, two color analyses. We have previously reported three color neuronal profiling using the novel lipophilic dyes NeuroVue (NV) Green, Red and Maroon (Fritzsch et al., Brain. Res. Bull. 66:249–258, 2005). Unfortunately such three color experiments have been limited by the fact that NV Green and its brighter successor, NV Emerald, both exhibit substantially decreased signal intensities when times greater than 48 hours at 37°C are required to achieve neuronal profile filling (unpublished observations). Here we describe a standardized test system developed to allow comparison of candidate dyes and its use to evaluate a series of 488 nm-excited green-emitting lipophilic dyes. The best of these, NV Jade, has spectral properties well matched to NV Red and NV Maroon, better solubility in DMF than DiO or DiA, improved thermostability compared with NV Emerald, and the ability to fill neuronal profiles at rates of 1 mm per day for periods of at least 5 days. Use of NV Jade in combination with NV Red and NV Maroon substantially improves the efficiency of connectional analysis in complex mutants and transgenic models where limited numbers of specimens are available

Universal Texture of Quark and Lepton Mass Matrices and a Discrete Symmetry Z_3

Recent neutrino data have been favourable to a nearly bimaximal mixing, which suggests a simple form of the neutrino mass matrix. Stimulated by this matrix form, a possibility that all the mass matrices of quarks and leptons have the same form as in the neutrinos is investigated. The mass matrix form is constrained by a discrete symmetry Z_3 and a permutation symmetry S_2. The model, of course, leads to a nearly bimaximal mixing for the lepton sectors, while, for the quark sectors, it can lead to reasonable values of the CKM mixing matrix and masses.Comment: 24 pages, RevTEX, no figure, some references and comments were adde

Quark-lepton mass unification at TeV scales

A scenario combining a model of early (TeV) unification of quarks and leptons with the physics of large extra dimensions provides a natural mechanism linking quark and lepton masses at TeV scale. This has been dubbed as early quark-lepton mass unification by one of us (PQH) in one of the two models of early quark-lepton unification, which are consistent with data, namely SU(4)_PS \otimes SU(2)_L \otimes SU(2)_R \otimes SU(2)_H. In particular, it focused on the issue of naturally light Dirac neutrino. The present paper will focus on similar issues in the other model, namely SU(4)_PS \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes SU(3)_H.Comment: Accepted for publication in PRD: The new version is in agreement with the accepted manuscrip

Tips For Maximizing The Value Of Your Retirement Investment Portfolio

Recent studies suggest that many retired and near-retirement age individuals do not understand basic investment strategy.  One study concludes that “Boomers are in a state of financial paralysis” (Guardian Life, 2004).  This article provides tips about which types of securities to include in various retirement accounts to maximize the value of the retirement portfolio.  The article also considers social security and its possible effect on retirement investment strategy

Practical Guidance For Including A Roth 401 (K) In Your Retirement Investment Portfolio

This paper discusses details of the Roth 401 (k) and provides practical guidance for making the appropriate decisions about including this relatively new investment opportunity in your retirement portfolio