Twisted equivariant K-theory with complex coefficients

Using a global version of the equivariant Chern character, we describe the complexified twisted equivariant K-theory of a space with a compact Lie group action in terms of fixed-point data. We apply this to the case of a compact Lie group acting on itself by conjugation, and relate the result to the Verlinde algebra and to the Kac numerator at q=1. Verlinde's formula is also discussed in this context.Comment: Final version, to appear in Topology. Exposition improved, rational homotopy calculation completely rewritte

Ramond-Ramond Fields, Fractional Branes and Orbifold Differential K-Theory

We study D-branes and Ramond-Ramond fields on global orbifolds of Type II string theory with vanishing H-flux using methods of equivariant K-theory and K-homology. We illustrate how Bredon equivariant cohomology naturally realizes stringy orbifold cohomology. We emphasize its role as the correct cohomological tool which captures known features of the low-energy effective field theory, and which provides new consistency conditions for fractional D-branes and Ramond-Ramond fields on orbifolds. We use an equivariant Chern character from equivariant K-theory to Bredon cohomology to define new Ramond-Ramond couplings of D-branes which generalize previous examples. We propose a definition for groups of differential characters associated to equivariant K-theory. We derive a Dirac quantization rule for Ramond-Ramond fluxes, and study flat Ramond-Ramond potentials on orbifolds.Comment: 46 pages; v2: typos correcte

Transcription regulation of the Escherichia coli pcnB gene coding for poly(A) polymerase I: roles of ppGpp, DksA and sigma factors

Poly(A) polymerase I (PAP I), encoded by the pcnB gene, is a major enzyme responsible for RNA polyadenylation in Escherichia coli, a process involved in the global control of gene expression in this bacterium through influencing the rate of transcript degradation. Recent studies have suggested a complicated regulation of pcnB expression, including a complex promoter region, a control at the level of translation initiation and dependence on bacterial growth rate. In this report, studies on transcription regulation of the pcnB gene are described. Results of in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that (a) there are three σ70-dependent (p1, pB, and p2) and two σS-dependent (pS1 and pS2) promoters of the pcnB gene, (b) guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) and DksA directly inhibit transcription from pB, pS1 and pS2, and (c) pB activity is drastically impaired at the stationary phase of growth. These results indicate that regulation of the pcnB gene transcription is a complex process, which involves several factors acting to ensure precise control of PAP I production. Moreover, inhibition of activities of pS1 and pS2 by ppGpp and DksA suggests that regulation of transcription from promoters requiring alternative σ factors by these effectors of the stringent response might occur according to both passive and active models

Cosmic ray oriented performance studies for the JEM-EUSO first level trigger

JEM-EUSO is a space mission designed to investigate Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos (E > 5 ⋅ 1019 eV) from the International Space Station (ISS). Looking down from above its wide angle telescope is able to observe their air showers and collect such data from a very wide area. Highly specific trigger algorithms are needed to drastically reduce the data load in the presence of both atmospheric and human activity related background light, yet retain the rare cosmic ray events recorded in the telescope. We report the performance in offline testing of the first level trigger algorithm on data from JEM-EUSO prototypes and laboratory measurements observing different light sources: data taken during a high altitude balloon flight over Canada, laser pulses observed from the ground traversing the real atmosphere, and model landscapes reproducing realistic aspect ratios and light conditions as would be seen from the ISS itself. The first level trigger logic successfully kept the trigger rate within the permissible bounds when challenged with artificially produced as well as naturally encountered night sky background fluctuations and while retaining events with general air-shower characteristics

Application of pixe method to coal analysis

In many countries coal is used to a great scale for energy production. Determination of contents of different elements in coal, provide data for predicting the environmental impact of burning coals Additionally, the coal composition play very important role in the selection of method of coal gasification1/ Analysis of coal samples with proton irradiation offers possibilities of fast determination of content of both major and trace elements2/ The additional advantage of the PIXE method consists here in the fact that the matrix element, coal is outside of the detection range. In the present paper the results of elemental analysis of 47 coal samples from several Polish mines are presented

High pressure impact on changes in potato starch granules

Air dry potato starch (84.9% d.s.) was subjected to pressurizing under the pressure of 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 2000 MPa for 1 h. The physical properties of pressurized starch, such as morphology, surface and crystalline structure, gelatinization parameters, were studied by means of scanning and atomic force microscopy (SEM/AFM), X-ray diffraction (X-ray), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The susceptibility to the amylolytic enzyme (α-amylase) was also measured. Application of pressure in the range of 50–2000 MPa results in an increase in the compressed potato starch bulk density, change in the contours of the granules from oval to polyhedral, increase in the roughness of the granule surface, vanishing of the X-ray reflexes generated by the orthogonal structure and weakening of the reflexes generated by the hexagonal structure, lowering of the enthalpy of starch gelatinization, and the enhancement of hydrolytic susceptibility of starch granules to the amylolytic enzyme