Two Polyakov Loop Correlators from D5-branes at Finite Temperature

We study two Polyakov loop correlators in large $N$ limit of ${\cal{N}}=4$ super Yang-Mills theory at finite temperature using the AdS-Schwarzschild black hole. In the case that one of the two loops is of the anti-symmetric representation, we use D5-branes to evaluate them. The phase structure of these correlators is also examined. A previous result, derived in hep-th/9803135 and hep-th/9803137, is realized as a limiting case.}Comment: 12 pages, 2 figure

Classical c=1 Tachyon Scattering and 1/2-BPS Correlators

We study the correlator of chiral primary operators in \Ncal=4 super Yang-Mills theory in large $N$ limit. Through the free fermion picture, we map the gauge group rank and R-charges in SYM to the Fermi level and tachyon momenta, respectively, in the c=1 matrix model. By doing so, it is seen that half-BPS correlators are reproduced by tree-level tachyon scattering amplitudes.Comment: 7 pages, v2: typos corrected and a reference added, v3: PTP versio

D-branes in the Lorentzian Melvin Geometry

We consider string theory on the Lorentzian Melvin geometry, which is obtained by analytically continuing the two-parameter Euclidean Melvin background. Because this model provides a solvable conformal field theory that describes time-dependent twisted string dynamics, we study the string one-loop partition function and the D-brane spectrum. We found that both the wrapping D2-brane and the codimension-one D-string emit winding strings, and this behavior can be traced to the modified open string Hamiltonian on these probe D-branes.Comment: 13 pages, v2,v3,v4: changes and references added, v5: final version in PT

Financial Sector Reforms in Vietnam: Selected Issues and Problems

The purpose of this report is to concentrate on performing in-depth analyses of selected issues of prominence and importance for the future success of the reform process rather than describing the current day-to-day operations and procedures in the financial sector. This eclectic approach implies that other important issues such as the development of a payment system, the state and prospects for the inter-bank markets, and the human capital and organisational issues in the state-owned banks are neglected and/or not analysed in depth. They are, however, omissions due to constraints imposed by funds and time available rather than a failure to comprehend their importance. In this context, the present report should thus be viewed as a first step towards establishing an open dialogue about the nature and speed of the financial sector reforms in Vietnam based on recurrent independent assessments of financial sector issues and problems.Financial Sector Reforms, Vietnam