A Q-operator for the twisted XXX model

Taking the isotropic limit in a recent representation theoretic construction of Baxter's Q-operators for the XXZ model with quasi-periodic boundary conditions we obtain new results for the XXX model. We show that quasi-periodic boundary conditions are needed to ensure convergence of the Q-operator construction and derive a quantum Wronskian relation which implies two different sets of Bethe ansatz equations, one above the other below the "equator" of total spin zero. We discuss the limit to periodic boundary conditions at the end and explain how this construction might be useful in the context of correlation functions on the infinite lattice. We also identify a special subclass of solutions to the quantum Wronskian for chains up to a length of 10 sites and possibly higher.Comment: 19 page

PT Symmetry of the non-Hermitian XX Spin-Chain: Non-local Bulk Interaction from Complex Boundary Fields

The XX spin-chain with non-Hermitian diagonal boundary conditions is shown to be quasi-Hermitian for special values of the boundary parameters. This is proved by explicit construction of a new inner product employing a "quasi-fermion" algebra in momentum space where creation and annihilation operators are not related via Hermitian conjugation. For a special example, when the boundary fields lie on the imaginary axis, we show the spectral equivalence of the quasi-Hermitian XX spin-chain with a non-local fermion model, where long range hopping of the particles occurs as the non-Hermitian boundary fields increase in strength. The corresponding Hamiltonian interpolates between the open XX and the quantum group invariant XXZ model at the free fermion point. For an even number of sites the former is known to be related to a CFT with central charge c=1, while the latter has been connected to a logarithmic CFT with central charge c=-2. We discuss the underlying algebraic structures and show that for an odd number of sites the superalgebra symmetry U(gl(1|1)) can be extended from the unit circle along the imaginary axis. We relate the vanishing of one of its central elements to the appearance of Jordan blocks in the Hamiltonian.Comment: 37 pages, 5 figure

Auxiliary matrices for the six-vertex model at roots of 1 and a geometric interpretation of its symmetries

The construction of auxiliary matrices for the six-vertex model at a root of unity is investigated from a quantum group theoretic point of view. Employing the concept of intertwiners associated with the quantum loop algebra $U_q(\tilde{sl}_2)$ at $q^N=1$ a three parameter family of auxiliary matrices is constructed. The elements of this family satisfy a functional relation with the transfer matrix allowing one to solve the eigenvalue problem of the model and to derive the Bethe ansatz equations. This functional relation is obtained from the decomposition of a tensor product of evaluation representations and involves auxiliary matrices with different parameters. Because of this dependence on additional parameters the auxiliary matrices break in general the finite symmetries of the six-vertex model, such as spin-reversal or spin conservation. More importantly, they also lift the extra degeneracies of the transfer matrix due to the loop symmetry present at rational coupling values. The extra parameters in the auxiliary matrices are shown to be directly related to the elements in the enlarged center of the quantum loop algebra $U_q(\tilde{sl}_2)$ at $q^N=1$. This connection provides a geometric interpretation of the enhanced symmetry of the six-vertex model at rational coupling. The parameters labelling the auxiliary matrices can be interpreted as coordinates on a three-dimensional complex hypersurface which remains invariant under the action of an infinite-dimensional group of analytic transformations, called the quantum coadjoint action.Comment: 52 pages, TCI LaTex, v2: equation (167) corrected, two references adde

Atmospheric neutrons

Contributions to fast neutron measurements in the atmosphere are outlined. The results of a calculation to determine the production, distribution and final disappearance of atmospheric neutrons over the entire spectrum are presented. An attempt is made to answer questions that relate to processes such as neutron escape from the atmosphere and C-14 production. In addition, since variations of secondary neutrons can be related to variations in the primary radiation, comment on the modulation of both radiation components is made

The functional organization of descending sensory-motor pathways in Drosophila

In most animals, the brain controls the body via a set of descending neurons (DNs) that traverse the neck. DN activity activates, maintains or modulates locomotion and other behaviors. Individual DNs have been well-studied in species from insects to primates, but little is known about overall connectivity patterns across the DN population. We systematically investigated DN anatomy in Drosophila melanogaster and created over 100 transgenic lines targeting individual cell types. We identified roughly half of all Drosophila DNs and comprehensively map connectivity between sensory and motor neuropils in the brain and nerve cord, respectively. We find the nerve cord is a layered system of neuropils reflecting the fly’s capability for two largely independent means of locomotion -- walking and flight -- using distinct sets of appendages. Our results reveal the basic functional map of descending pathways in flies and provide tools for systematic interrogation of neural circuits

The Baxter's Q-operator for the W-algebra WNW_N

The q-oscillator representation for the Borel subalgebra of the affine symmetry $U_q(sl_N^)$ is presented. By means of this q-oscillator representation, we give the free field realizations of the Baxter's Q-operator $Q_j(t)$, $\bar{Q}_j(t)$ for the W-algebra $W_N$. We give the functional relations of the $T$-$Q$ operators, including the higher-rank generalization of the Baxter's $T$-$Q$ relation.Comment: LaTE

Attitudes towards the use and acceptance of eHealth technologies : a case study of older adults living with chronic pain and implications for rural healthcare

Acknowledgements The research described here is supported by the award made by the RCUK Digital Economy programme to the dot.rural Digital Economy Hub; award reference: EP/G066051/1. MC’s time writing the paper is funded by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS) under Theme 8 ‘Vibrant Rural Communities’ of the Food, Land and People Programme (2011–2016). MC is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen. The input of other members of the TOPS research team, Alastair Mort, Fiona Williams, Sophie Corbett, Phil Wilson and Paul MacNamee who contributed to be wider study and discussed preliminary findings reported here with the authors of the paper is acknowledged. We acknowledge the feedback on earlier versions of this paper provided by members of the Trans-Atlantic Rural Research Network, especially Stefanie Doebler and Carmen Hubbard. We also thank Deb Roberts for her comments.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

On the construction of pseudo-hermitian quantum system with a pre-determined metric in the Hilbert space

A class of pseudo-hermitian quantum system with an explicit form of the positive-definite metric in the Hilbert space is presented. The general method involves a realization of the basic canonical commutation relations defining the quantum system in terms of operators those are hermitian with respect to a pre-determined positive definite metric in the Hilbert space. Appropriate combinations of these operators result in a large number of pseudo-hermitian quantum systems admitting entirely real spectra and unitary time evolution. The examples considered include simple harmonic oscillators with complex angular frequencies, Stark(Zeeman) effect with complex electric(magnetic) field, non-hermitian general quadratic form of N boson(fermion) operators, symmetric and asymmetric XXZ spin-chain in complex magnetic field, non-hermitian Haldane-Shastry spin-chain and Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick model.Comment: 29 pages, revtex, minor changes, version to appear in Journal of Physics A(v3