Gravitational and axial anomalies for generalized Euclidean Taub-NUT metrics

The gravitational anomalies are investigated for generalized Euclidean Taub-NUT metrics which admit hidden symmetries analogous to the Runge-Lenz vector of the Kepler-type problem. In order to evaluate the axial anomalies, the index of the Dirac operator for these metrics with the APS boundary condition is computed. The role of the Killing-Yano tensors is discussed for these two types of quantum anomalies.Comment: 23 page

Boundary value problems of elasticity theory for plane domains with one-dimensional elastic reinforcements

This article is a translation of an article published in Zhurnal Prikladnoi Mekhaniki i Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, No 1, pp 103-114 Jan-Feb 1991.Many authors have examined problems related to the load transmission from an elastic rod to an elastic plane. It was assumed in the majority of investigationa that the stringer is a thin rectilinear rod transmitting only longitudinal forces while the rod contact with the plane is realized along a line. different modifications of sheet contact with a rectilinear tensile stringer considered as an inner stringer of finite length or as an infinite edge stringer were analyzed in [1, 2]. Problems about the reinforcement of holes in a plate by a thin rod of constant section that possesses bending and longitudinal stiffnesses were solved in [3]. The eccentricity of the connection between the shell middle surface and the rod was taken into account in [4] in a study of shells reinforced by thin curvilinear rods. Other models of the one-dimensional element connected to an elastic medium without taking account of its bending stiffness were analyzed in [5, 6]. Solutions of a number of problems with circular reinforcing elements are obtained in [7]. An isotropic finite or infinite, linearly elastic plate reinforced along part or all of the boundary and along certain internal lines by elastic curvilinear rods possessing variable longitudinal and bending stiffnesses, variable curvature and thickness, the eccentricity of the connection to the plate and with an arbitrary transverse section shape symmetric relative to the plate middle surface are studied in this paper. Boundary conditions on the line of plate contact with the inner or edge elastic rods are obtained for the reinforcement models generalizing [1, 2] by using the theory of elastic rods in the case of a plane state of stress. Existence and uniqueness theorems are proved for appropriate boundary value problems; the singularity of the stresses at angles and tips of the rods are proved. The relationships obtained carry over completely to the plane strain problem for an elastic cylinder reinforced by homogeneous cylindrical shells along the generator. Some of the results described here are represented in [8]

How postcolonial is post-Western IR? Mimicry and mētis in the international politics of Russia and Central Asia

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from CUP via the DOI in this record.Scholars in International Relations have called for the creation of a Post-Western IR that reflects the global and local contexts of the declining power and legitimacy of the West. Recognizing this discourse as indicative of the postcolonial condition, we deploy Homi Bhabha’s concept of mimicry and James C. Scott’s notion of mētis to assess whether international political dynamics of a hybrid kind are emerging. Based on interviews with Central Asian political, economic and cultural elites, we explore the emergence of a new global politics of a Post-Western type. We find that Russia substantively mimics the West as a post-Western power and that there are some suggestive examples of the role of mētis in its foreign policy. Among Central Asian states, the picture is more equivocal. Formal mimicry and mētis of a basic kind are observable, but these nascent forms suggest that the dialectical struggle between colonial clientelism and anti-colonial nationalism remains in its early stages. In this context, a post-Western international politics is emerging with a postcolonial aspect but without the emergence of the substantive mimicry and hybrid spaces characteristic of established postcolonial relations.This paper was produced thanks to the time afforded under the ESRC research project Rising Powers and Conflict Management in Central Asia’ (ES/J013056/1)

Two-phase stretching of molecular chains

While stretching of most polymer chains leads to rather featureless force-extension diagrams, some, notably DNA, exhibit non-trivial behavior with a distinct plateau region. Here we propose a unified theory that connects force-extension characteristics of the polymer chain with the convexity properties of the extension energy profile of its individual monomer subunits. Namely, if the effective monomer deformation energy as a function of its extension has a non-convex (concave up) region, the stretched polymer chain separates into two phases: the weakly and strongly stretched monomers. Simplified planar and 3D polymer models are used to illustrate the basic principles of the proposed model. Specifically, we show rigorously that when the secondary structure of a polymer is mostly due to weak non-covalent interactions, the stretching is two-phase, and the force-stretching diagram has the characteristic plateau. We then use realistic coarse-grained models to confirm the main findings and make direct connection to the microscopic structure of the monomers. We demostrate in detail how the two-phase scenario is realized in the \alpha-helix, and in DNA double helix. The predicted plateau parameters are consistent with single molecules experiments. Detailed analysis of DNA stretching demonstrates that breaking of Watson-Crick bonds is not necessary for the existence of the plateau, although some of the bonds do break as the double-helix extends at room temperature. The main strengths of the proposed theory are its generality and direct microscopic connection.Comment: 16 pges, 22 figure

Discrete breathers in polyethylene chain

The existence of discrete breathers (DBs), or intrinsic localized modes (localized periodic oscillations of transzigzag) is shown. In the localization region periodic contraction-extension of valence C-C bonds occurs which is accompanied by decrease-increase of valence angles. It is shown that the breathers present in thermalized chain and their contribution dependent on temperature has been revealed.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Vibrational Tamm states at the edges of graphene nanoribbons

We study vibrational states localized at the edges of graphene nanoribbons. Such surface oscillations can be considered as a phonon analog of Tamm states well known in the electronic theory. We consider both armchair and zigzag graphene stripes and demonstrate that surface modes correspond to phonons localized at the edges of the graphene nanoribbon, and they can be classified as in-plane and out-of-plane modes. In addition, in armchair nanoribbons anharmonic edge modes can experience longitudinal localization in the form of self-localized nonlinear modes, or surface breather solitons.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure