Viscous dissipative effects in isotropic brane cosmology

We consider the dynamics of a viscous cosmological fluid in the generalized Randall-Sundrum model for an isotropic brane. To describe the dissipative effects we use the Israel-Hiscock-Stewart full causal thermodynamic theory. In the limiting case of a stiff cosmological fluid with pressure equal to the energy density, the general solution of the field equations can be obtained in an exact parametric form for a cosmological fluid with constant bulk viscosity and with a bulk viscosity coefficient proportional to the square root of the energy density, respectively. The obtained solutions describe generally non-inflationary brane worlds, starting from a singular state. During this phase of evolution the comoving entropy of the Universe is an increasing function of time, and thus a large amount of entropy is created in the brane world due to viscous dissipative processes.Comment: 15 pages, 11 figure

Relativistic Mean-Field and Beyond Approaches for Deformed Hypernuclei

We report the recent progress in relativistic mean-field (RMF) and beyond approaches for the low-energy structure of deformed hypernuclei. We show that the $\Lambda$ hyperon with orbital angular momentum $\ell=0$ (or $\ell>1$) generally reduces (enhances) nuclear quadrupole collectivity. The beyond mean-field studies of hypernuclear low-lying states demonstrate that there is generally a large configuration mixing between the two components $[^{A-1}Z (I^+) \otimes \Lambda p_{1/2}]^J$ and $[^{A-1}Z (I\pm2 ^+) \otimes \Lambda p_{3/2}]^J$ in the hypernuclear $1/2^-_1, 3/2^-_1$ states. The mixing weight increases as the collective correlation of nuclear core becomes stronger. Finally, we show how the energies of hypernuclear low-lying states are sensitive to parameters in the effective $N \Lambda$ interaction, the uncertainty of which has a large impact on the predicted maximal mass of neutron stars.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures. A plenary talk given at the 13th International Conference on Hypernuclear and Strange Particle Physics, June 24-29, 2018, Portsmouth, V

Disappearance of nuclear deformation in hypernuclei: a perspective from a beyond-mean-field study

The previous mean-field calculation [Myaing Thi Win and K. Hagino, Phys. Rev. C{\bf 78}, 054311 (2008)] has shown that the oblate deformation in $^{28,30,32}$Si disappears when a $\Lambda$ particle is added to these nuclei. We here investigate this phenomenon by taking into account the effects beyond the mean-field approximation. To this end, we employ the microscopic particle-rotor model based on the covariant density functional theory. We show that the deformation of $^{30}$Si does not completely disappear, even though it is somewhat reduced, after a $\Lambda$ particle is added if the beyond-mean-field effect is taken into account. We also discuss the impurity effect of $\Lambda$ particle on the electric quadrupole transition, and show that an addition of a $\Lambda$ particle leads to a reduction in the $B(E2)$ value, as a consequence of the reduction in the deformation parameter.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. The version to appear in Phys. Rev.

Rotational Perturbations of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Type Brane-World Cosmological Models

First order rotational perturbations of the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric are considered in the framework of the brane-world cosmological models. A rotation equation, relating the perturbations of the metric tensor to the angular velocity of the matter on the brane is derived under the assumption of slow rotation. The mathematical structure of the rotation equation imposes strong restrictions on the temporal and spatial dependence of the brane matter angular velocity. The study of the integrable cases of the rotation equation leads to three distinct models, which are considered in detail. As a general result we find that, similarly to the general relativistic case, the rotational perturbations decay due to the expansion of the matter on the brane. One of the obtained consistency conditions leads to a particular, purely inflationary brane-world cosmological model, with the cosmological fluid obeying a non-linear barotropic equation of state.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures, REVTEX

Quasi-optical SIS mixers with normal metal tuning structures

We recently reported (1996) a quasi-optical SIS mixer which used Nb/Al-oxide/Nb tunnel junctions and a normal-metal (Al) tuning circuit to achieve an uncorrected receiver noise temperature of 840 K (DSB) at 1042 GHz. Here we present results on several different device designs, which together cover the 300-1200 GHz frequency range. The mixers utilize an antireflection-coated silicon hyper-hemispherical lens, a twin-slot antenna, and a two-junction tuning circuit. The broad-band frequency response was measured using Fourier transform spectrometry (FTS), and is in good agreement with model calculations. Heterodyne tests were carried out from 400 GHz up to 1040 GHz, and these measurements agree well with the FTS results and with calculations based on Tucker's theory (1985)

Running Neutrino Masses, Leptonic Mixing Angles and CP-Violating Phases: From MZM_{\rm Z} to ΛGUT\Lambda_{\rm GUT}

We derive renormalization group equations for neutrino masses, leptonic mixing angles and CP-violating phases running at energies above the seesaw threshold, both in the Standard Model and in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model extended with three right-handed neutrinos. With these equations, we carry out a systematic study of the radiative correction that may arise to neutrino parameters, via their renormalization group evolution from the electroweak scale ($M_{\rm Z}$) to the scale of Grand Unified theories ($\Lambda_{\rm GUT}$). We study in detail three typically interesting neutrino mass patterns: normal hierarchy, near degeneracy and inverted hierarchy. Magnitudes of possible corrections in each case are carefully investigated. We also emphasize the significance of CP-violating phases in controlling the evolution behavior of all neutrino parameters.Comment: 45 pages, 2 tables, 10 figures; a misplaced graph in Figure 6 correcte

Polyetheretherketone as a Biomaterial for Spinal Applications

Threaded lumbar interbody spinal fusion devices (TIBFD) made from titanium have been reported to be 90% effective for single-level lumbar interbody fusion, although radiographic determination of fusion has been intensely debated in the literature. Using blinded radiographic, biomechanic, histologic, and statistical measures, we evaluated a radiolucent polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-threaded interbody fusion device packed with autograft or rhBMP-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge in 13 sheep at 6 months. Radiographic fusion, increased spinal level biomechanical stiffness, and histologic fusion were demonstrated for the PEEK cages filled with autograft or rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge. No device degradation or wear debris was observed. Only mild chronic inflammation consisting of a few macrophages was observed in peri-implant tissues. Based on these results, the polymeric biomaterial PEEK may be a useful biomaterial for interbody fusion cages due to the polymer\u27s increased radiolucency and decreased stiffness