The 6D SuperSwirl

We present a novel supersymmetric solution to a nonlinear sigma model coupled to supergravity. The solution represents a static, supersymmetric, codimension-two object, which is different to the familiar cosmic strings. In particular, we consider 6D chiral gauged supergravity, whose spectrum contains a number of hypermultiplets. The scalar components of the hypermultiplet are charged under a gauge field, and supersymmetry implies that they experience a simple paraboloid-like (or 2D infinite well) potential, which is minimised when they vanish. Unlike conventional vortices, the energy density of our configuration is not localized to a string-like core. The solutions have two timelike singularities in the internal manifold, which provide the necessary boundary conditions to ensure that the scalars do not lie at the minimum of their potential. The 4D spacetime is flat, and the solution is a continuous deformation of the so-called ``rugby ball'' solution, which has been studied in the context of the cosmological constant problem. It represents an unexpected class of supersymmetric solutions to the 6D theory, which have gravity, gauge fluxes and hyperscalars all active in the background.Comment: 26 pages, 2 figures, JHEP3 class. Typos corrected, analysis expanded, references adde

Comments on M Theory Dynamics on G2 Holonomy Manifolds

We study the dynamics of M-theory on G2 holonomy manifolds, and consider in detail the manifolds realized as the quotient of the spin bundle over S^3 by discrete groups. We analyse, in particular, the class of quotients where the triality symmetry is broken. We study the structure of the moduli space, construct its defining equations and show that three different types of classical geometries are interpolated smoothly. We derive the N=1 superpotentials of M-theory on the quotients and comment on the membrane instanton physics. Finally, we turn on Wilson lines that break gauge symmetry and discuss some of the implications.Comment: 21pages, Latex2e. v2: minor change

Type IIA Orientifold Limit of M-Theory on Compact Joyce 8-Manifold of Spin(7)-Holonomy

We show that M-theory compactified on a compact Joyce 8-manifold of $Spin(7)$-holonomy, which yields an effective theory in $D = 3$ with $\N$ = 1 supersymmetry, admits at some special points in it moduli space a description in terms of type IIA theory on an orientifold of compact Joyce 7-manifold of $G_2$-holonomy. We find the evidence in favour of this duality by computing the massless spectra on both M-thory side and type IIA side. For the latter, we compute the massless spectra by going to the orbifold limit of the Joyce 7-manifold.Comment: 26 pages, 2 eps figures, Latex file, two references and one footnote added, corrected some typo

Categorizing Different Approaches to the Cosmological Constant Problem

We have found that proposals addressing the old cosmological constant problem come in various categories. The aim of this paper is to identify as many different, credible mechanisms as possible and to provide them with a code for future reference. We find that they all can be classified into five different schemes of which we indicate the advantages and drawbacks. Besides, we add a new approach based on a symmetry principle mapping real to imaginary spacetime.Comment: updated version, accepted for publicatio

Hepatitis A outbreak disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in the European Union and European Economic Area, June 2016 to May 2017

Free PMC Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6205254/Between 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017, 17 European Union (EU) and European Economic Area countries reported 4,096 cases associated with a multi-country hepatitis A (HA) outbreak. Molecular analysis identified three co-circulating hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains of genotype IA: VRD_521_2016, V16-25801 and RIVM-HAV16-090. We categorised cases as confirmed, probable or possible, according to the EU outbreak case definitions. Confirmed cases were infected with one of the three outbreak strains. We investigated case characteristics and strain-specific risk factors for transmission. A total of 1,400 (34%) cases were confirmed; VRD_521_2016 and RIVM-HAV16-090 accounted for 92% of these. Among confirmed cases with available epidemiological data, 92% (361/393) were unvaccinated, 43% (83/195) travelled to Spain during the incubation period and 84% (565/676) identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Results depict an HA outbreak of multiple HAV strains, within a cross-European population, that was particularly driven by transmission between non-immune MSM engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. The most effective preventive measure to curb this outbreak is HAV vaccination of MSM, supplemented by primary prevention campaigns that target the MSM population and promote protective sexual behaviour.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Non-local models for the formation of hepatocyte-stellate cell aggregates

Liver cell aggregates may be grown in vitro by co-culturing hepatocytes with stellate cells. This method results in more rapid aggregation than hepatocyte-only culture, and appears to enhance cell viability and the expression of markers of liver-specific functions. We consider the early stages of aggregate formation, and develop a new mathematical model to investigate two alternative hypotheses (based on evidence in the experimental literature) for the role of stellate cells in promoting aggregate formation. Under Hypothesis 1, each population produces a chemical signal which affects the other, and enhanced aggregation is due to chemotaxis. Hypothesis 2 asserts that the interaction between the two cell types is by direct physical contact: the stellates extend long cellular processes which pull the hepatocytes into the aggregates. Under both hypotheses, hepatocytes are attracted to a chemical they themselves produce, and the cells can experience repulsive forces due to overcrowding. We formulate non-local (integro-partial differential) equations to describe the densities of cells, which are coupled to reaction-diffusion equations for the chemical concentrations. The behaviour of the model under each hypothesis is studied using a combination of linear stability analysis and numerical simulations. Our results show how the initial rate of aggregation depends upon the cell seeding ratio, and how the distribution of cells within aggregates depends on the relative strengths of attraction and repulsion between the cell types. Guided by our results, we suggest experiments which could be performed to distinguish between the two hypotheses.J. E. F. Green, S. L. Waters, J. P. Whiteley, L. Edelstein-Keshet, K. M. Shakesheff and H. M. Byrn

Total Cross Section Measurements With π- , Σ- And Protons On Nuclei And Nucleons Around 600 Gev/c

Total cross sections for Σ- and π- on beryllium, carbon, polyethylene and copper as well as total cross sections for protons on beryllium and carbon have been measured in a broad momentum range around 600GeV/c . These measurements were performed with a transmission technique in the SELEX hyperon-beam experiment at Fermilab. We report on results obtained for hadron-nucleus cross sections and on results for σtot(Σ-N) and σtot(π-N) , which were deduced from nuclear cross sections. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.57901/02/15277312Langland, J.L., (1995) Ph.D. Thesis, , University of IowaKleinfelder, S.A., (1988) IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., 35 (1)Dersch, U., (1998) Ph.D. Thesis, HeidelbergBiagi, S.F., (1981) Nucl. Phys. B, 186, pp. 1-21Bellettini, G., (1966) Nucl. Phys., 79, pp. 609-624Schiz, A.M., (1980) Phys. Rev. D, 21, pp. 3010-3022Murthy, P.V.R., (1975) Nucl. Phys. B, 92, pp. 269-308Caso, C., (1998) Eur. Phys. J. C, 3. , http://pdg.lbl.gov/1998/contents_plots.html, and data on total cross sections from computer readable filesSchiz, A.M., (1979) Ph.D. Thesis, , Yale University(1973) Landolt Börnstein Tables, 7. , Springer editionEngler, J., (1970) Phys. Lett. B, 32, pp. 716-719Babaev, A., (1974) Phys. Lett. B, 51, pp. 501-504Glauber, R.J., (1959) Boulder Lectures, pp. 315-413Franco, V., (1972) Phys. Rev. C, 6, pp. 748-757Karmanov, V.A., Kondratyuk, L.A., (1973) JETP Lett., 18, pp. 266-268Burq, J.P., (1983) Nucl. Phys. B, 217, pp. 285-335Gross, D., (1978) Phys. Rev. Lett., 41, pp. 217-220Beznogikh, G.G., (1972) Phys. Lett. B, 39, pp. 411-413Vorobyov, A.A., (1972) Phys. Lett. B, 41, pp. 639-641Foley, K.J., (1967) Phys. Rev. Lett., 19, pp. 857-859Fajardo, L.A., (1981) Phys. Rev. D, 24, pp. 46-65Jenni, P., (1977) Nucl. Phys. B, 129, pp. 232-252Breedon, R.E., (1989) Phys. Rev. Lett. B, 216, pp. 459-465Amos, N., (1983) Phys. Rev. Lett. B, 128, pp. 343-348Amaldi, U., (1977) Phys. Rev. Lett. B, 66, pp. 390-394Amos, N., (1985) Nucl. Phys. B, 262, pp. 689-714Akopin, V.D., (1977) Sov. J. Nucl. Phys., 25, pp. 51-55Amirkhanov, I.V., (1973) Sov. J. Nucl. Phys., 17, pp. 636-637Foley, K.J., (1969) Phys. Rev., 181, pp. 1775-1793Apokin, V.D., (1976) Nucl. Phys. B, 106, pp. 413-429Burq, J.P., (1982) Phys. Lett. B, 109, pp. 124-127Dakhno, L.G., (1983) Sov. J. Nucl. Phys., 37, pp. 590-598Kazarinov, M., (1976) Sov. Phys. JETP, 43, pp. 598-606De Jager, C.W., (1974) At. Data Nucl. Data Tables, 14, pp. 479-508Donnachie, A., Landshoff, P.V., (1992) Phys. Lett. B, 296, pp. 227-232Lipkin, H., (1975) Phys. Rev. D, 11, pp. 1827-1831Barnett, R.M., (1996) Phys. Rev. D, 54, pp. 191-192Carroll, A.S., (1979) Phys. Lett. B, 80, pp. 423-427Badier, J., (1972) Phys. Lett. B, 41, pp. 387-39

Total Cross Section Measurements with pi-, Sigma- and Protons on Nuclei and Nucleons around 600 GeV/c

Total cross sections for Sigma- and pi- on beryllium, carbon, polyethylene and copper as well as total cross sections for protons on beryllium and carbon have been measured in a broad momentum range around 600GeV/c. These measurements were performed with a transmission technique adapted to the SELEX hyperon-beam experiment at Fermilab. We report on results obtained for hadron-nucleus cross sections and on results for sigma_tot(Sigma- N) and sigma_tot(pi- N), which were deduced from nuclear cross sections.Comment: 42 pages, submitted to Nucl.Phys.

Using curriculum differentiation to respond to students’ diversity

The article observes the results of the questionnaire of 1923 tenth-formers and their mathematics teachers. Statistical analysis of these results has been done using SPSS 13.0. The practice of curriculum differentiation in Lithuania is the subject of the observation. The research has shown that about 70 per cent of teachers more or less base their syllabus on the content of the textbook. The students’ achievements are dependent both on the teacher‘s understanding that syllabus has to be adapted to the students and ability to do that effectively. The following conclusion could be done: about 60 per cent of mathematics teachers should improve their competence in planning and developing syllabus. Organizing learning process about 80 per cent of teachers basically use reproductive teaching-learning method which requires little independent students’ activity. The institutions that prepare teachers and care about their competence should pay more attention to teachers’ qualification to apply teaching and learning methods in practice. The article has also observed the students and teachers’ understanding of principles and criteria and assessment used in schools and the quality of students’ feet-back.More attention should be paid to teachers’ competence providing faster and more efficient feet-back to students and help they needVytauto Didžiojo universitetasŠvietimo akademij