Isospin and a possible interpretation of the newly observed X(1576)

Recently, the BES collaboration observed a broad resonant structure X(1576) with a large width being around 800 MeV and assigned its $J^{PC}$ number to $1^{--}$. We show that the isospin of this resonant structure should be assigned to 1. This state might be a molecule state or a tetraquark state. We study the consequences of a possible $K^*(892)$-${\bar \kappa}$ molecular interpretation. In this scenario, the broad width can easily be understood. By using the data of $B(J/\psi\to X\pi^0)\cdot B(X\to K^+K^-)$, the branching ratios $B(J/\psi\to X\pi^0)\cdot B(X\to \pi^+\pi^-)$ and $B(J/\psi\to X\pi^0)\cdot B(X\to K^+K^-\pi^+\pi^-)$ are further estimated in this molecular state scenario. It is shown that the $X\to \pi^+\pi^-$ decay mode should have a much larger branching ratio than the $X\to K^+K^-$ decay mode has. As a consequence, this resonant structure should also be seen in the $J/\psi\to \pi^+\pi^-\pi^0$ and $J/\psi\to K^+K^-\pi^+\pi^-\pi^0$ processes, especially in the former process. Carefully searching this resonant structure in the $J/\psi\to \pi^+\pi^-\pi^0$ and $J/\psi\to K^+K^-\pi^+\pi^-\pi^0$ decays should be important for understanding the structure of X(1567).Comment: 5 pages, ReVTeX4, 3 figures. Version accepted for publication as a brief report in Phys. Rev.

Comment on " a unified scheme for flavored mesons and baryons"

We would comment on the results of the paper "a unified scheme for flavored mesons and baryons" (P.C.Vinodkumar, J.N.Panandya, V.M.Bannur, and S.B.Khadkikar Eur. Phys. J. A4(1999)83), and point out some inconsistencies and mistakes in the work for solving the Dirac equation. In terms of an example for a single particle we investigate the reliability of the perturbative method for computing the Coulomb energy and discuss the contribution to the wavefunction at origin from the Coulomb potential. We conclude that the accuracy of their numerical results needs to be reconsidered.Comment: Latex file, 11page

Comparison of gold- and graphene-based resonant nano-structures for terahertz metamaterials and an ultra-thin graphene-based modulator

Graphene exhibits unique material properties and in electromagnetic wave technology, it raises the prospect of devices miniaturized down to the atomic length scale. Here we study split-ring resonator metamaterials made from graphene and we compare them to gold-based metamaterials. We find that graphene's huge reactive response derived from its large kinetic inductance allows for deeply subwavelength resonances, although its resonance strength is reduced due to higher dissipative loss damping and smaller dipole coupling. Nevertheless, tightly stacked graphene rings may provide for negative permeability and the electric dipole resonance of graphene meta-atoms turns out to be surprisingly strong. Based on these findings, we present a terahertz modulator based on a metamaterial with a multi-layer stack of alternating patterned graphene sheets separated by dielectric spacers. Neighbouring graphene flakes are biased against each other, resulting in modulation depths of over 75% at a transmission level of around 90%.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

Protecting the Aging Retina

Aging retina, notably the aging macula, is prone to develop degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of visual loss in individuals aged 65 or above in developed countries. However, current treatments are very limited. Since degeneration, dysfunction, and death of retinal neurons are demonstrated in the pathogenesis of AMD, neuroprotective strategies could serve as a possible way to treat AMD. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce risk factors, pathophysiology, affected neurons, classification, clinical manifestation, and current treatments of AMD. Finally, neuroprotection in both AMD animal models and patients will be discussed

Lutein and the Aging Eye

Lutein is a carotenoid highly concentrated in the macula of the retina. Lutein cannot be synthesized and must be supplied in the diet, for example, dark green leafy vegetable and egg yolk. Lutein is believed to absorb blue light, leading to the protection of retina from light-related damage. It can also protect the retina against oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, dietary and supplementary lutein have been shown to be associated with possible reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of elderly blindness, attributed largely to lutein’s antioxidant properties. Lutein is also beneficial as a nutritional supplement in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, lutein is very safe and widely used. In this chapter, we will discuss the basic chemistry of lutein; its uptake, transport, distribution, and functions in the normal eye. Lastly, the effects of lutein in age-related eye diseases will be summarized