Flavor independent systematics of excited baryons and intra-band transition

Transitions among excited nucleons are studied within a non-relativistic quark model with a deformed harmonic oscillator potential. The transition amplitudes are factorized into the $l$-th moment and a geometrical factor. This fact leads to an analogous result to the ``Alaga-rule'' for baryons.Comment: 4 Pages, 2 figures, Talk given at XVI International Conference on Particles and Nuclei (PaNic02), Osaka, Japan, Sep.30 - Oct.4, 200

Towards the String representation of the dual Abelian Higgs model beyond the London limit

We perform a path-integral analysis of the string representation of the dual Abelian Higgs (DAH) model beyond the London limit, where the string describing the vortex of a flux tube has a finite thickness. We show that besides an additional vortex core contribution to the string tension, a modified Yukawa interaction appears as a boundary contribution in the type-II dual superconducting vacuum. In the London limit, the modified Yukawa interaction is reduced to the Yukawa one.Comment: 13 pages, JHEP3.cls is used, no figures. The version accepted for publication in JHE

Systematics of flux tubes in the dual Ginzburg–Landau theory and Casimir scaling hypothesis: folklore and lattice facts

The ratios between the string tensions $\sigma_D$ of color-electric flux tubes in higher and fundamental SU(3) representations, $d_{D} \equiv \sigma_{D}/\sigma_{\bf 3}$, are systematically studied in a Weyl symmetric formulation of the DGL theory. The ratio is found to depend on the Ginzburg–Landau (GL) parameter, $\kappa \equiv m_{\chi}/m_{B}$, the mass ratio between the monopoles ($m_{\chi}$) and the masses of the dual gauge bosons ($m_{B}$). While the ratios $d_{D}$ follow a simple flux counting rule in the Bogomol'nyi limit, $\kappa=1.0$, systematic deviations appear with increasing $\kappa$ due to interactions between the fundamental flux inside a higher representation flux tube. We find that in a type-II dual superconducting vacuum near $\kappa = 3.0$ this leads to a consistent description of the ratios $d_{D}$ as observed in lattice QCD simulations

Asthma biomarkers in the age of biologics

Abstract The heterogeneous nature of asthma has been understood for decades, but the precise categorization of asthma has taken on new clinical importance in the era of specific biologic therapy. The simple categories of allergic and non-allergic asthma have given way to more precise phenotypes that hint at underlying biologic mechanisms of variable airflow limitation and airways inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms is of particular importance for the approximately 10% of patients with severe asthma. Biomarkers that aid in phenotyping allow physicians to “personalize” treatment with targeted biologic agents. Unfortunately, testing for these biomarkers is not routine in patients whose asthma is refractory to standard therapy. Scientific advances in the recognition of sensitive and specific biomarkers are steadily outpacing the clinical availability of reliable and non-invasive assessment methods designed for the prompt and specific diagnosis, classification, treatment, and monitoring of severe asthma patients. This article provides a practical overview of current biomarkers and testing methods for prompt, effective management of patients with severe asthma that is refractory to standard therapy

Science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems

We present the science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems, targeting an evolution in technology, that might lead to impacts and benefits reaching into most areas of society. This roadmap was developed within the framework of the European Graphene Flagship and outlines the main targets and research areas as best understood at the start of this ambitious project. We provide an overview of the key aspects of graphene and related materials (GRMs), ranging from fundamental research challenges to a variety of applications in a large number of sectors, highlighting the steps necessary to take GRMs from a state of raw potential to a point where they might revolutionize multiple industries. We also define an extensive list of acronyms in an effort to standardize the nomenclature in this emerging field