q→Λq \to \Lambda Fragmentation Function and Nucleon Transversity Distribution in a Diquark Model

Based on a simple quark-diquark model, we propose a set of unpolarized, longitudinally polarized and transversely polarized fragmentation functions for the $\Lambda$ by fitting the unpolarized $\Lambda$ production data in $e^+ e ^-$ annihilation. It is found that the helicity structure of the obtained $\Lambda$ fragmentation functions is supported by the all available experimental data on the longitudinal $\Lambda$ polarization. Within the same framework of the diquark model, the nucleon transversity distributions are presented and consistent descriptions of the available HERMES data on the azimuthal spin asymmetries in pion electroproduction are obtained. Furthermore, the spin transfers to the transversely polarized $\Lambda$ in the charged lepton DIS on a transversely polarized nucleon target are predicted for future experiments.Comment: Talk given in a seminar of U. Santa Mari

SU(5) Completion of the Dark Scalar Doublet Model of Radiative Neutrino Mass

Adding a second scalar doublet (eta^+,eta^0) and three neutral singlet fermions N_{1,2,3} to the Standard Model of particle interactions with a new Z_2 symmetry, it has been shown that eta^0_R or eta^0_I is a good dark-matter candidate and seesaw neutrino masses are generated radiatively. A minimal extension of this new idea is proposed to allow for its SU(5) completion. Supersymmetric unification is then possible, and leptoquarks of a special kind are predicted at the TeV scale.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, 1 tabl

Triplicity of Quarks and Leptons

Quarks come in three colors and have electric charges in multiples of one-third. There are also three families of quarks and leptons. Whereas the first two properties can be understood in terms of unification symmetries such as SU(5), SO(10), or E_6, why there should only be three families remains a mystery. I propose how all three properties involving the number three are connected in a fivefold application of the gauge symmetry SU(3).Comment: 10 pages, including 2 figure

Efficacious Additions to the Standard Model

If split supersymmetry can be advocated as a means to have gauge-coupling unification as well as dark matter, another plausible scenario is to enlarge judiciously the particle content of the Standard Model to achieve the same goals without supersymmetry. A simple efficacious example is presented.Comment: 6 pages, no figure, one reference added, version to appear in PL

Sivers function in light-cone quark model and azimuthal spin asymmetries in pion electroproduction

We perform a calculation of Sivers function in a light-cone SU(6) quark-diquark model with both scalar diquark and vector diquark spectators. We derive the transverse momentum dependent light-cone wave function of the proton by taking into account the Melosh-Wigner rotation. By adopting one-gluon exchange, we obtain a non-vanishing Sivers function of $down$ quark from interference of proton spin amplitudes. We analyze the $\frac{|P_{h\perp}|}{M}$ weighted Sivers asymmetries in $\pi^+$, $\pi^-$ and $\pi^0$ electroproduction off transverse polarized proton target, averaged and not averaged by the kinematics of HERMES experiment.Comment: 17 LaTex pages, 2 figures. Final version for journal publicatio

Towards a Casimir force measurement between micromachined parallel plate structures

Ever since its prediction, experimental investigation of the Casimir force has been of great scientific interest. Many research groups have successfully attempted quantifying the force with different device geometries; however, measurement of the Casimir force between parallel plates with sub-micron separation distance is still a challenging task, since it becomes extremely difficult to maintain sufficient parallelism between the plates. The Casimir force can significantly influence the operation of micro devices and to realize reliable and reproducible devices it is necessary to understand and experimentally verify the influence of the Casimir force at sub-micron scale. In this paper, we present the design principle, fabrication and characterization of micromachined parallel plate structures that could allow the measurement of the Casimir force with tunable separation distance in the range of 100 to 1000 nm. Initially, a gold coated parallel plate structure is explored to measure the Casimir force, but also other material combinations could be investigated. Using gold-silicon eutectic bonding, a reliable approach to bond chips with integrated suspended plates together with a well-defined separation distance in the order of 1–2 μm is developed

Momentum sum rules for fragmentation functions

Momentum sum rules for fragmentation functions are considered. In particular, we give a general proof of the Sch\"afer-Teryaev sum rule for the transverse momentum dependent Collins function. We also argue that corresponding sum rules for related fragmentation functions do not exist. Our model-independent analysis is supplemented by calculations in a simple field-theoretical model.Comment: 12 pages; v2: Eqs. (44,46) added, minor additional changes, to appear in Phys. Lett.

Sivers vs. Collins effect in azimuthal single spin asymmetries in pion production in SIDIS

Recently it has been argued that the transverse momentum dependent twist-2 Sivers distribution function does not vanish in QCD. Therefore both, the Collins and Sivers effects, should be considered in order to explain the azimuthal single spin asymmetries A(UL) in pion production in semi-inclusive deeply inelastic lepton scattering of a longitudinally polarized target. On the basis of presently available phenomenological information on the Sivers function we estimate that for those asymmetries A(UL) in the kinematic region of the HERMES experiments the Sivers effect can be neglected with respect to the Collins effect. It is argued that the same feature holds also for the COMPASS and CLAS experiments. This justifies theoretical approaches to understand the HERMES data on the basis of the Collins effect only.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures. References added, small changes in text, Appendix adde

Azimuthal single spin asymmetries in SIDIS in the light of chiral symmetry breaking

An attempt is made to understand the z-dependence of the azimuthal single spin asymmetries observed by the HERMES collaboration in terms of chiral models based on effective quark and Goldstone boson degrees of freedom. The effects of respectively neglecting and considering Gaussian intrinsic parton transverse momenta and the Sivers effect are explored. Predictions for the transverse target polarization experiment at HERMES are presented.Comment: 14 pages, 18 figure

Demonstration project on epilepsy in Brazil - Outcome assessment

Purpose: To assess the outcome of patients with epilepsy treated at primary care health units under the framework of the demonstration project on epilepsy in Brazil, part of the WHO/ILAE/IBE Global Campaign Against Epilepsy. Method. We assessed the outcome of patients treated at four primary health units. The staff of the health units underwent information training in epilepsy. The outcome assessment was based on: 1) reduction of seizure frequency, 2) subjective perception from the patient's and the physician's point of view, 3) reduction of absenteeism, 4) social integration (school and work), and 5) sense of independence. Results: A total of 181 patients (93 women - 51%) with a mean age of 38 (range from 2 to 86) years were studied. The mean follow-up was 26 months (range from 1 to 38 months, 11 patients had follow-up of less than 12 months). Seizure frequency was assessed based on a score system, ranging from 0 (no seizure in the previous 24 months) to 7 (> 10 seizure/day). The baseline median seizure-frequency score was 3 (one to three seizures per month). At the end of the study the median seizure-frequency score was 1 (one to three seizures per year). The patients' and relatives' opinions were that in the majority (59%) the health status had improved a lot, some (19%) had improved a little, 20% experienced no change and in 2% the health status was worse. With regard to absenteeism, social integration and sense of independence, there were some modest improvements only. Discussion: The development of a model of epilepsy treatment at primary health level based on the existing health system, with strategic measures centred on the health care providers and the community, has proved to be effective providing important reductions in seizure frequency, as well as in general well being. This model can be applied nationwide, as the key elements already exist provided that strategic measures are put forward in accordance with local health providers and managers