Upsilon Transverse Momentum at Hadron Colliders

We predict the shape of the transverse momentum p_T spectrum of Upsilon production. The distribution at low p_T is dominated by the region of small impact parameter b and may be computed reliably in perturbation theory. We resum to all orders in the strong coupling alpha_s the process-independent large logarithmic contributions that arise from initial-state gluon showers in the small p_T (< M_Upsilon) region. The cross section at large p_T is represented by the alpha_s^3 lowest-order non-vanishing perturbative contribution.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures. Presented at the 2004 Meeting of the APS Division of Particles and Fields, University of California, Riverside, CA, Aug 26-31, 200

Breakdown of Conventional Factorization for Isolated Photon Cross Sections

Using $e^+e^-\rightarrow\gamma + X$ as an example, we show that the conventional factorization theorem in perturbative quantum chromodynamics breaks down for isolated photon cross sections in a well defined part of phase space. Implications and physical consequences are discussed.Comment: 11 pages, RevTex, 1 figure in postscrip

Modular Equations and Distortion Functions

Modular equations occur in number theory, but it is less known that such equations also occur in the study of deformation properties of quasiconformal mappings. The authors study two important plane quasiconformal distortion functions, obtaining monotonicity and convexity properties, and finding sharp bounds for them. Applications are provided that relate to the quasiconformal Schwarz Lemma and to Schottky's Theorem. These results also yield new bounds for singular values of complete elliptic integrals.Comment: 23 page

Self-shadowing Effects of Slim Accretion Disks in Active Galactic Nuclei: Diverse Appearance of the Broad-line Region

Supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) undergo a wide range of accretion rates, which lead to diversity of appearance. We consider the effects of anisotropic radiation from accretion disks on the broad-line region (BLR), from the Shakura-Sunyaev regime to slim disks with super-Eddington accretion rates. The geometrically thick funnel of the inner region of slim disks produces strong self-shadowing effects that lead to very strong anisotropy of the radiation field. We demonstrate that the degree of anisotropy of the radiation fields grows with increasing accretion rate. As a result of this anisotropy, BLR clouds receive different spectral energy distributions depending on their location relative to the disk, resulting in diverse observational appearance of the BLR. We show that the self-shadowing of the inner parts of the disk naturally produces two dynamically distinct regions of the BLR, depending on accretion rate. These two regions manifest themselves as kinematically distinct components of the broad H$\beta$ line profile with different line widths and fluxes, which jointly account for the Lorentzian profile generally observed in narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies. In the time domain, these two components are expected reverberate with different time lags with respect to the varying ionizing continuum, depending on the accretion rate and the viewing angle of the observer. The diverse appearance of the BLR due to the anisotropic ionizing energy source can be tested by reverberation mapping of H$\beta$ and other broad emission lines (e.g., \feii), providing a new tool to diagnose the structure and dynamics of the BLR. Other observational consequences of our model are also explored.Comment: emulatapj style, 15 pages, 6 figures, in pres

A Global Photoionization Response to Prompt Emission and Outliers: Different Origin of Long Gamma-ray Bursts?

By using the line ratio \ion{C}{4}$\lambda1549$/\ion{C}{2}$\lambda1335$ as a tracer of ionization ratio of the interstellar medium (ISM) illuminated by a long gamma-ray burst (LGRB), we identify a global photoionization response of the ionization ratio to the photon luminosity of the prompt emission assessed by either $L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E_{\mathrm{peak}}$ or $L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E^2_{\mathrm{peak}}$. The ionization ratio increases with both $L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E_{\mathrm{peak}}$ and $L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E^2_{\mathrm{peak}}$ for a majority of the LGRBs in our sample, although there are a few outliers. The identified dependence of \ion{C}{4}/\ion{C}{2} on $L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E^2_{\mathrm{peak}}$ suggests that the scatter of the widely accepted Amati relation is related with the ionization ratio in ISM. The outliers tend to have relatively high \ion{C}{4}/\ion{C}{2} values as well as relatively high \ion{C}{4}$\lambda1549$/\ion{Si}{4}$\lambda1403$ ratios, which suggests an existence of Wolf-Rayet stars in the environment of these LGRBs. We finally argue that the outliers and the LGRBs following the identified \ion{C}{4}/\ion{C}{2}$-L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E_{\mathrm{peak}}$ ($L_{\mathrm{iso}}/E^2_{\mathrm{peak}}$) correlation might come from different progenitors with different local environments.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures and 2 tables, to be published in Ap

Dynamic changes in connexin expression correlate with key events in the wound healing process.

Wound healing is a complex process requiring communication for the precise co-ordination of different cell types. The role of extracellular communication through growth factors in the wound healing process has been extensively documented, but the role of direct intercellular communication via gap junctions has scarcely been investigated. We have examined the dynamics of gap junction protein (Connexins 26, 30, 31.1 and 43) expression in the murine epidermis and dermis during wound healing, and we show that connexin expression is extremely plastic between 6 hours and 12 days post-wounding. The immediate response (6 h) to wounding is to downregulate all connexins in the epidermis, but thereafter the expression profile of each connexin changes dramatically. Here, we correlate the changing patterns of connexin expression with key events in the wound healing process

A Time Evolution Study of the Superhumps of the Dwarf Nova 1RXS J232953.9+062814 by Wavelet Transform

The time evolution behaviour of the superhumps of the dwarf nova 1RXS J232953.9+062814 is investigated with the wavelet analysis method. On the basis of two nights CCD photometry performed during its first superoutburst as well as other published brightness data, we reveal the superhump's time-dependence as a function of periods and time. Our light curves, which phased in the rapid decay ending portion of the superoutburst and in the dawn of a following normal outburst, are important to help trace the superhump evolution for the star. Evident amplitude variations of the superhumps, reflecting the fading of outbursts, are detected. The general profile of brightness fading over the outbursts roughly followed an exponential decay law or a form of a five-order polynomial. Both the superhump period and the orbital period of the binary system are detected in the present data. We obtain P_sh=0.04575(5) d and P_orb=0.04496(5) d. They agree with the existing values based on additional data. The two periods exchanged their roles during the superhump evolution.Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures, submitted to Astronomy & Astrophysic