Torsion matrices over commutative integral group rings

Let ZA be the integral group ring of a finite abelian group A, and n a positive integer greater than 5. We provide conditions on n and A under which every torsion matrix U, with identity augmentation, in GLn(ZA) is conjugate in GLn(QA) to a diagonal matrix with group elements on the diagonal. When A is infinite, we show that under similar conditions, U has a group trace and is stably conjugate to such a diagonal matrix

Zerobrane Matrix Mechanics, Monopoles and Membrane Approach in QCD

We conjecture that a T-dual form of pure QCD describes dynamics of point-like monopoles. T-duality transforms the QCD Lagrangian into a matrix quantum mechanics of zerobranes which we identify with monopoles. At generic points of the monopole moduli space the SU(N) gauge group is broken down to $U(1)^{N-1}$ reproducing the key feature of 't Hooft's Abelian projection. There are certain points in the moduli space where monopole positions coincide, gauge symmetry is enhanced and gluons emerge as massless excitations. We show that there is a linearly rising potential between zerobranes. This indicates the presence of a stretched flux tube between monopoles. The lowest energy state is achieved when monopoles are sitting on top of each other and gauge symmetry is enhanced. In this case they behave as free massive particles and can condense. In fact, we find a constant eigenfunction of the corresponding Hamiltonian which describes condensation of monopoles. Using the monopole quantum mechanics, we argue that large $N$ QCD in this T-dual picture is a theory of a closed bosonic membrane propagating in {\em five} dimensional space-time. QCD point-like monopoles can be regarded in this approach as constituents of the membrane.Comment: 16 pages, new section and references adde

Multiaxis thrust vectoring using axisymmetric nozzles and postexit vanes on an F/A-18 configuration vehicle

A ground-based investigation was conducted on an operational system of multiaxis thrust vectoring using postexit vanes around an axisymmetric nozzle. This thrust vectoring system will be tested on the NASA F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) aircraft. The system provides thrust vectoring capability in both pitch and yaw. Ground based data were gathered from two separate tests at NASA Langley Research Center. The first was a static test in the 16-foot Transonic Tunnel Cold-Jet Facility with a 14.25 percent scale model of the axisymmetric nozzle and the postexit vanes. The second test was conducted in the 30 by 60 foot wind tunnel with a 16 percent F/A-18 complete configuration model. Data from the two sets are being used to develop models of jet plume deflection and thrust loss as a function of vane deflection. In addition, an aerodynamic interaction model based on plume deflection angles will be developed. Results from the scale model nozzle test showed that increased vane deflection caused exhaust plume turning. Aerodynamic interaction effects consisted primarily of favorable interaction of moments and unfavorable interaction of forces caused by the vectored jet plume

Gut biogeography of the bacterial microbiota

Animals assemble and maintain a diverse but host-specific gut microbial community. In addition to characteristic microbial compositions along the longitudinal axis of the intestines, discrete bacterial communities form in microhabitats, such as the gut lumen, colonic mucus layers and colonic crypts. In this Review, we examine how the spatial distribution of symbiotic bacteria among physical niches in the gut affects the development and maintenance of a resilient microbial ecosystem. We consider novel hypotheses for how nutrient selection, immune activation and other mechanisms control the biogeography of bacteria in the gut, and we discuss the relevance of this spatial heterogeneity to health and disease

Feasibility of Rayleigh Scattering Flow Diagnostics in the National Transonic Facility

Laser-based Rayleigh light scattering (RLS) was performed in the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA Langley Research Center. The goal was to determine if the free-stream flow undergoes clustering (early stage of condensation from gas to liquid) or remains in a pure diatomic molecular phase. Data indicate that clusters are not observable down to levels of 10% of the total light scatter for a variety of total pressures at one N2 cryogenic-mode total temperature (Tt = -50 F = 227 K) and one air-mode temperature (Tt = +130 F = 327 K). Thus RLS appears viable as a qualitative or quantitative diagnostic for flow density in NTF in the future. Particles are distinguished from optically unresolvable clusters because they are much larger and individually resolvable in the laser beam image with Mie scattering. The same RLS apparatus was also used, without modification, to visualize naturally occurring particles entrained in the flow for both cryogenic and air-modes. Estimates of the free-stream particle flux are presented, which may be important for interpretation of laminar-to-turbulent boundary-layer transition studies.

Dynamical Behavior of the BTZ Black Hole

We study the dynamical behavior of the BTZ (Banados-Teitelboim-Zanelli) black hole with the low-energy string effective action. The perturbation analysis around the BTZ black hole reveals a mixing between the dilaton and other fields. Introducing the new gauge (dilaton gauge), we disentangle this mixing completely and obtain one decoupled dilaton equation. We obtain the decay rate $\Gamma$ of BTZ black hole.Comment: minor typhographical corrections, ReVTeX, 9 pages with no figure

Vortices and extreme black holes: the question of flux expulsion

It has been claimed that extreme black holes exhibit a phenomenon of flux expulsion for abelian Higgs vortices, irrespective of the relative width of the vortex to the black hole. Recent work by two of the authors showed a subtlety in the treatment of the event horizon, which cast doubt on this claim. We analyse in detail the vortex/extreme black hole system, showing that while flux expulsion can occur, it does not do so in all cases. We give analytic proofs for both expulsion and penetration of flux, in each case deriving a bound for that behaviour. We also present extensive numerical work backing up, and refining, these claims, and showing in detail how a vortex can end on a black hole in all situations. We also calculate the backreaction of the vortex on the geometry, and comment on the more general vortex-black hole system.Comment: 28 pages revtex, 10 figures, minor changes, reference adde

Scalar Mesons a0(1450) and sigma(600) from Lattice QCD

We study the a0 and sigma mesons with the overlap fermion in the chiral regime with the pion mass as low as 182 MeV in the quenched approximation. After the eta'pi ghost states are separated, we find that the a0 mass with q\bar{q} interpolation field to be almost independent of the quark mass in the region below the strange quark mass. The chirally extrapolated results are consistent with a0(1450) being the u\bar{d} meson and K0*(1430) being the u\bar{s} meson with calculated masses at 1.42+_0.13 GeV and 1.41+_ 0.12 GeV respectively. We also calculate the scalar mesonium with a tetraquark interpolation field. In addition to the two pion scattering states, we find a state at around 550 MeV. Through the study of volume dependence, we confirm that this state is a one-particle state, in contrast to the two-pion scattering states. This suggests that the observed state is a tetraquark mesonium which is quite possibly the sigma(600) meson.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.