Toward a more realistic holographic QCD model

By matching the $Dp-Dq$ system in type II superstring theory with the Regge trajectories of vector and axial-vector meson spectra, a possible 5-dimension metric of a $Dp-Dq$ soft-wall model has been determined. The dependence of the metric parameters on Regge trajectory parameters has been demonstrated. It is shown that the models defined in $Dp$ brane background for $p=3$ or 4 can be consistent with experimental data.Comment: 8 pages, proceedings for the YITP International Symposium "Fundamental Problems in Hot and/or Dense QCD", March 3-6, 2008, Kyoto, Japa

Dynkin Game of Convertible Bonds and Their Optimal Strategy

This paper studies the valuation and optimal strategy of convertible bonds as a Dynkin game by using the reflected backward stochastic differential equation method and the variational inequality method. We first reduce such a Dynkin game to an optimal stopping time problem with state constraint, and then in a Markovian setting, we investigate the optimal strategy by analyzing the properties of the corresponding free boundary, including its position, asymptotics, monotonicity and regularity. We identify situations when call precedes conversion, and vice versa. Moreover, we show that the irregular payoff results in the possibly non-monotonic conversion boundary. Surprisingly, the price of the convertible bond is not necessarily monotonic in time: it may even increase when time approaches maturity.Comment: 28 pages, 9 figures in Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Application, 201

Galantamine protects against hydrochloric acid aspirationinduced acute respiratory distress syndrome in rabbits

Purpose: To study the effect of galantamine on anti-inflammatory responses in acid aspiration-induced acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS), and the underlying mechanism.Methods: Six groups of male rabbits (156), i.e., control group, ARDS group, galantamine + ARDS (GAL) group, galantamine + ARDS + methyllycaconitine (MLA) group, galantamine + ARDS + vagotomy (Vag) group, and galantamine + ARDS + atropine sulfate (ATS) group. ARDS model was produced by acid aspiration. After 4 h, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were assayed in lung tissue, while corticosterone levels were determined in blood. Histopathological lesions and wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio of lung tissue (n = 10) were assessed. After 12 h, HMGB1 protein and corticosterone levels were determined in lung tissue and blood, respectively. Mortality rate was determined after 72 h.Results: Acid aspiration-induced ARDS induced disorganization of lung structure, and elevated TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and HMGB1activities, and lung W/D weight ratio. The acid-induced ARDS, as well as increases in W/D weight ratio, pro-inflammatory cytokines and lung lesions were significantly decreased by galantamine pretreatment. Methyllycaconitin, vagotomy and atropine sulfate abolished the galantamine-induced suppression of acute inflammatory response, pathological changes in lungs, and W/D weight ratio. However, serum corticosterone levels were not significantly altered in each group.Conclusion: Galantamine reduces inflammation in acid aspiration-induced ARDS by the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.Keywords: Galantamine, Hydrochloric acid, Aspiration-induced, Respiratory distress syndrome, Methyllycaconitin, Vagotomy, Atropine sulfat

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