Three Dimensional Topological Field Theory induced from Generalized Complex Structure

We construct a three-dimensional topological sigma model which is induced from a generalized complex structure on a target generalized complex manifold. This model is constructed from maps from a three-dimensional manifold $X$ to an arbitrary generalized complex manifold $M$. The theory is invariant under the diffeomorphism on the world volume and the $b$-transformation on the generalized complex structure. Moreover the model is manifestly invariant under the mirror symmetry. We derive from this model the Zucchini's two dimensional topological sigma model with a generalized complex structure as a boundary action on $\partial X$. As a special case, we obtain three dimensional realization of a WZ-Poisson manifold.Comment: 18 page

An Alternative Topological Field Theory of Generalized Complex Geometry

We propose a new topological field theory on generalized complex geometry in two dimension using AKSZ formulation. Zucchini's model is $A$ model in the case that the generalized complex structuredepends on only a symplectic structure. Our new model is $B$ model in the case that the generalized complex structure depends on only a complex structure.Comment: 29 pages, typos and references correcte

LOX/LH2 propulsion system for launch vehicle upper stage, test results

The test results of small LOX/LH2 engines for two propulsion systems, a pump fed system and a pressure fed system are reported. The pump fed system has the advantages of higher performances and higher mass fraction. The pressure fed system has the advantages of higher reliability and relative simplicity. Adoption of these cryogenic propulsion systems for upper stage of launch vehicle increases the payload capability with low cost. The 1,000 kg thrust class engine was selected for this cryogenic stage. A thrust chamber assembly for the pressure fed propulsion system was tested. It is indicated that it has good performance to meet system requirements

Topological A-Type Models with Flux

We study deformations of the A-model in the presence of fluxes, by which we mean rank-three tensors with antisymmetrized upper/lower indices, using the AKSZ construction. Generically these are topological membrane models, and we show that the fluxes are related to deformations of the Courant bracket which generalize the twist by a closed 3-from $H$, in the sense that satisfying the AKSZ master equation implies the integrability conditions for an almost generalized complex structure with respect to the deformed Courant bracket. In addition, the master equation imposes conditions on the fluxes that generalize $dH=0$. The membrane model can be defined on a large class of $U(m)$- and $U(m) \times U(m)$-structure manifolds, including geometries inspired by $(1,1)$ supersymmetric $\sigma$-models with additional supersymmetries due to almost complex (but not necessarily complex) structures in the target space. Furthermore, we show that the model can be defined on three particular half-flat manifolds related to the Iwasawa manifold. When only $H$-flux is turned on it is possible to obtain a topological string model, which we do for the case of a Calabi-Yau with a closed 3-form turned on. The simplest deformation from the A-model is due to the $(2,0)+ (0,2)$ component of a non-trivial $b$-field. The model is generically no longer evaluated on holomorphic maps and defines new topological invariants. Deformations due to $H$-flux can be more radical, completely preventing auxiliary fields from being integrated out.Comment: 30 pages. v2: Improved Version. References added. v3: Minor changes, published in JHE

Cosmic Rays at the highest energies

After a century of observations, we still do not know the origin of cosmic rays. I will review the current state of cosmic ray observations at the highest energies, and their implications for proposed acceleration models and secondary astroparticle fluxes. Possible sources have narrowed down with the confirmation of a GZK-like spectral feature. The anisotropy observed by the Pierre Auger Observatory may signal the dawn of particle astronomy raising hopes for high energy neutrino observations. However, composition related measurements point to a different interpretation. A clear resolution of this mystery calls for much larger statistics than the reach of current observatories.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, in the Proceedings of TAUP 201

Gene therapy for articular cartilage repair

Articular cartilage serves as the gliding surface of joints. It is susceptible to damage from trauma and from degenerative diseases. Restoration of damaged articular cartilage may be achievable through the use of cell-regulatory molecules that augment the reparative activities of the cells, inhibit the cells\u27; degradative activities, or both. A variety of such molecules have been identified. These include insulin-like growth factor I, fibroblast growth factor 2, bone morphogenetic proteins 2, 4, and 7, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. It is now possible to transfer the genes encoding such molecules into articular cartilage and synovial lining cells. Although preliminary, data from in-vitro and in-vivo studies suggest that gene therapy can deliver such potentially therapeutic agents to protect existing cartilage and to build new cartilage. Keywords: gene therapy, vectors, articular cartilage, arthritis, animal model

Genetic Research Initiatives for Sustainable Aquaculture Production in the Philippines

Symposium mini revie

Ab-initio calculations of the optical properties of the Si(113)3x2ADI surface

We investigated the stable silicon (113) surface with a 3x2ADI reconstruction by ab-initio methods. The ground state properties have been obtained using the density-functional theory. We present the dispersion of the electronic band structure, where the surface bands have been distinguished from the projected bulk bands by calculating their localization in the slab. The optical spectra, here the reflectance anisotropy (RAS), have been obtained within the independent particle random phase approximation. We identified surface features in the spectra tracing them back to the responsible electronic states and, studied their localization in the slab. A comparison with available experimental data for the band structure and the RAS shows a good agreement.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure