SU(3) trimer resonating-valence-bond state on the square lattice

We propose and study an SU(3) trimer resonating-valence-bond (tRVB) state with $C_{4v}$ point-group symmetry on the square lattice. By devising a projected entangled-pair state representation, we show that all (connected) correlation functions between local operators in this SU(3) tRVB state decay exponentially, indicating its gapped nature. We further calculate the modular $S$ and $T$ matrices by constructing all nine topological sectors on a torus and establish the existence of $\mathbb{Z}_3$ topological order in this SU(3) tRVB state.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Berry phase modification to the energy spectrum of excitons

By quantizing the semiclassical motion of excitons, we show that the Berry curvature can cause an energy splitting between exciton states with opposite angular momentum. This splitting is determined by the Berry curvature flux through the $\bm k$-space area spanned by the relative motion of the electron-hole pair in the exciton wave function. Using the gapped two-dimensional Dirac equation as a model, we show that this splitting can be understood as an effective spin-orbit coupling effect. In addition, there is also an energy shift caused by other "relativistic" terms. Our result reveals the limitation of the venerable hydrogenic model of excitons, and highlights the importance of the Berry curvature in the effective mass approximation.Comment: 4.5 pages, 2 figures, reference updated and minor change

Prediction of the Maximum Temperature for Life Based on the Stability of Metabolites to Decomposition in Water

The components of life must survive in a cell long enough to perform their function in that cell. Because the rate of attack by water increases with temperature, we can, in principle, predict a maximum temperature above which an active terrestrial metabolism cannot function by analysis of the decomposition rates of the components of life, and comparison of those rates with the metabolites’ minimum metabolic half-lives. The present study is a first step in this direction, providing an analytical framework and method, and analyzing the stability of 63 small molecule metabolites based on literature data. Assuming that attack by water follows a first order rate equation, we extracted decomposition rate constants from literature data and estimated their statistical reliability. The resulting rate equations were then used to give a measure of confidence in the half-life of the metabolite concerned at different temperatures. There is little reliable data on metabolite decomposition or hydrolysis rates in the literature, the data is mostly confined to a small number of classes of chemicals, and the data available are sometimes mutually contradictory because of varying reaction conditions. However, a preliminary analysis suggests that terrestrial biochemistry is limited to environments below ~150–180 °C. We comment briefly on why pressure is likely to have a small effect on this

Comparative Analysis of In situ Fibronectin Using ToF-SIMS, SPI-MS, and dropDESI-MS in a Microfluidic Reactor

Fibronectin is an important biomolecule due to its role in cell differentiation, growth, kinesis, and adhesion. Such biological responses are mediated through membrane recognition and signaling; where fibronectin is found. Studying the outer molecular surface of fibronectin allows deeper insight into the microbiological reactions that occur during these processes. In situ mass spectrometry analysis in aqueous solution accurately represents fibronectin’s chemical components, made possible by a vacuum compatible microfluidic reactor, SALVI (System for Analysis at the Liquid Vacuum Interface). SALVI was paired with the analytical tools: time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS), single photon ionization mass spectrometer (SPI-MS) and drop desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (dropDESI-MS). ToF-SIMS employed a bismuth liquid metal ion beam. Positive and negative ion spectral plots were constructed and analyzed. The advanced light source (ALS) SPI-MS), using a synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light, elicited data depending on varying photoionization efficiencies (PIE). PIE plots were examined for the initial detection of photons of a mass to charge ratio (m/z), resulting in the determination of the ionization efficiency (IE) of a corresponding compound. Both ToF-SIMS and SPI-MS are surface tools, with ion beam impact no further than the second monolayer. DropDESI-MS, analyzed under ambient conditions, utilized a capillary connecting the electrode spray to the mass spectrometer. Charged microdroplets were used to introduce samples to the mass analyzer. Central masses (m/z) from all three apparatuses were identified to their most possible compounds or constituents, demonstrating complementary results. Mass identifications were based on literature survey and results from peer reviewed articles. Our results suggest the need for further research of organic compounds, like fibronectin, to understand their surface compositions in aqueous solution

Possible singlet and triplet superconductivity on honeycomb lattice

We study the possible superconducting pairing symmetry mediated by spin and charge fluctuations on the honeycomb lattice using the extended Hubbard model and the random-phase-approximation method. From $2\%$ to $20\%$ doping levels, a spin-singlet $d_{x^{2}-y^{2}}+id_{xy}$-wave is shown to be the leading superconducting pairing symmetry when only the on-site Coulomb interaction $U$ is considered, with the gap function being a mixture of the nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor pairings. When the offset of the energy level between the two sublattices exceeds a critical value, the most favorable pairing is a spin-triplet $f$-wave which is mainly composed of the next-nearest-neighbor pairing. We show that the next-nearest-neighbor Coulomb interaction $V$ is also in favor of the spin-triplet $f$-wave pairing.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Feasibility of Improving Cone Beam CT Number Consistency with a Scatter-Correction Algorithm

Purpose: To explore the feasibility of improving Elekta cone beam CT (CBCT) number consistency using a scatter-correction algorithm, with the aim of using CBCT images for treatment planning with heterogeneity correction. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) 52nd Annual Meeting July 18-22, Philadelphia, P