Higher Derivative Operators from Scherk-Schwarz Supersymmetry Breaking on T^2/Z_2

In orbifold compactifications on T^2/Z_2 with Scherk-Schwarz supersymmetry breaking, it is shown that (brane-localised) superpotential interactions and (bulk) gauge interactions generate at one-loop higher derivative counterterms to the mass of the brane (or zero-mode of the bulk) scalar field. These brane-localised operators are generated by integrating out the bulk modes of the initial theory which, although supersymmetric, is nevertheless non-renormalisable. It is argued that such operators, of non-perturbative origin and not protected by non-renormalisation theorems, are generic in orbifold compactifications and play a crucial role in the UV behaviour of the two-point Green function of the scalar field self-energy. Their presence in the action with unknown coefficients prevents one from making predictions about physics at (momentum) scales close to/above the compactification scale(s). Our results extend to the case of two dimensional orbifolds, previous findings for S^1/Z_2 and S^1/(Z_2 x Z_2') compactifications where brane-localised higher derivative operators are also dynamically generated at loop level, regardless of the details of the supersymmetry breaking mechanism. We stress the importance of these operators for the hierarchy and the cosmological constant problems in compactified theories.Comment: 23 pages, LaTeX, one figure, published version in JHE

Application of an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system to thermal comfort and group technology problems

AbstractThe Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is used to design two vague systems, namely thermal comfort and group technologies in production and operations management. Results show that both systems can be modeled successfully by the combined use of a fuzzy approach and neural network learning

The algebra of adjacency patterns: Rees matrix semigroups with reversion

We establish a surprisingly close relationship between universal Horn classes of directed graphs and varieties generated by so-called adjacency semigroups which are Rees matrix semigroups over the trivial group with the unary operation of reversion. In particular, the lattice of subvarieties of the variety generated by adjacency semigroups that are regular unary semigroups is essentially the same as the lattice of universal Horn classes of reflexive directed graphs. A number of examples follow, including a limit variety of regular unary semigroups and finite unary semigroups with NP-hard variety membership problems.Comment: 30 pages, 9 figure

Particles with anomalous magnetic moment in external e.m. fields: the proper time formulation

In this paper we evaluate the expression for the Green function of a pseudo-classical spinning particle interacting with constant electromagnetic external fields by taking into account the anomalous magnetic and electric moments of the particle. The spin degrees of freedom are described in terms of Grassmann variables and the evolution operator is obtained through the Fock-Schwinger proper time method.Comment: 10 page

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 expression by diallyl sulfide on joint inflammation induced by urate crystal and IL-1β

SummaryObjectiveInvestigation of the effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a garlic sulfur compound, on joint tissue inflammatory responses induced by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and interleukin-1β (IL-1β).DesignThe HIG-82 synovial cell line was used to establish the experimental model and DAS regime. Primary cultures of articular chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts obtained from patients undergoing joint replacement for osteoarthritis were used in experimental studies. Cyclooxygenase (COX) expression following MSU crystal and IL-1β stimulation with/without DAS co-incubation was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and immunocytochemistry and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DAS effects on COX gene expression in an MSU crystal-induced acute arthritis in rats were assessed by RT-PCR.ResultsMSU crystals upregulated COX-2 expression in HIG-82 cells and this was inhibited by co-incubation with DAS. DAS inhibited MSU crystal and IL-1β induced elevation of COX-2 expression in primary synovial cells and chondrocytes. Production of PGE2 induced by crystals was suppressed by DAS and celecoxib. MSU crystals had no effect on expression of COX-1 in synovial cells. NF-κB was activated by MSU crystals and this was blocked by DAS. Increased expression of COX-2 in synovium following intraarticular injection of MSU crystals in a rat model was inhibited by co-administration of DAS.ConclusionsDAS prevents IL-1β and MSU crystal induced COX-2 upregulation in synovial cells and chondrocytes and ameliorates crystal induced synovitis potentially through a mechanism involving NF-κB. Anti-inflammatory actions of DAS may be of value in treatment of joint inflammation

Higher Derivative Operators from Transmission of Supersymmetry Breaking on S_1/Z_2

We discuss the role that higher derivative operators play in field theory orbifold compactifications on S_1/Z_2 with local and non-local (Scherk-Schwarz) breaking of supersymmetry. Integrating out the bulk fields generates brane-localised higher derivative counterterms to the mass of the brane (or zero-mode of the bulk) scalar field, identified with the Higgs field in many realistic models. Both Yukawa and gauge interactions are considered and the one-loop results found can be used to study the ``running'' of the scalar field mass with respect to the momentum scale in 5D orbifolds. In particular this allows the study of the behaviour of the mass under UV scaling of the momentum. The relation between supersymmetry breaking and the presence of higher derivative counterterms to the mass of the scalar field is investigated. This shows that, regardless of the breaking mechanism, (initial) supersymmetry cannot, in general, prevent the emergence of such operators. Some implications for phenomenology of the higher derivative operators are also presented.Comment: 29 pages, LaTeX. Added Section 4 ("Phenomenological implications: living with ghosts?") and Appendix

Differential regulation of different human papilloma virus variants by the POU family transcription factor Brn-3a

The Brn-3a POU family transcription factor is over-expressed in human cervical carcinoma biopsies and is able to activate expression of the human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV-16) upstream regulatory region (URR), which drives the expression of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins. Inhibition of Brn-3a expression in human cervical cancer cells inhibits HPV gene expression and reduces cellular growth and anchorage independence in vitro as well as the ability to form tumours in vivo. Here we show that Brn-3a differentially regulates different HPV-16 variants that have previously been shown to be associated with different risks of progression to cervical carcinoma. In human cervical material Brn-3a levels correlate directly with HPV E6 levels in individuals infected with a high risk variant of HPV-16 whereas this is not the case for a low risk variant. Moreover, the URRs of high and intermediate risk variants are activated by Brn-3a in transfection assays whereas the URR of a low risk variant is not. The change of one or two bases in a low risk variant URR to their equivalent in a higher risk URR can render the URR responsive to Brn-3a and vice versa. These results help explain why the specific interplay between viral and cellular factors necessary for the progression to cervical carcinoma, only occurs in a minority of those infected with HPV-16

Epidemiological studies of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and coccidia infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe

Between January 1999 and December 2000 faecal samples from 16 264 cattle at 12 dipping sites in the highveld and nine in the lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) nematode and cestodes eggs, and coccidia oocysts. Strongyle larvae were identified following culture of pooled faecal samples collected at monthly intervals. The effects of region, age, sex and season on the prevalence of GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia were determined. Faecal egg and oocyst counts showed an overall prevalence of GI nematodes of 43 %, coccidia 19.8 % and cestodes 4.8 %. A significantly higher prevalence of infection with GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia was recorded in calves (P < 0.01) than in adults. Pregnant and lactating cows had significantly higher prevalences than bulls, oxen and non-lactating (dry cows) (P < 0.01). The general trend of eggs per gram (epg) of faeces and oocysts per gram (opg) of faeces was associated with the rainfall pattern in the two regions, with high epg and opg being recorded during the wet months. The most prevalent genera of GI nematodes were Cooperia, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus in that order. Strongyloides papillosus was found exclusively in calves. Haemonchus was significantly more prevalent during the wet season than the dry season (P < 0.01). In contrast, Trichostrongylus was present in significantly (P < 0.01) higher numbers during the dry months than the wet months, while Cooperia and Oesophagostomum revealed no significant differences between the wet and dry season. These findings are discussed with reference to their relevance for strategic control of GI parasites in cattle in communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe

One-way multigrid method in electronic structure calculations

We propose a simple and efficient one-way multigrid method for self-consistent electronic structure calculations based on iterative diagonalization. Total energy calculations are performed on several different levels of grids starting from the coarsest grid, with wave functions transferred to each finer level. The only changes compared to a single grid calculation are interpolation and orthonormalization steps outside the original total energy calculation and required only for transferring between grids. This feature results in a minimal amount of code change, and enables us to employ a sophisticated interpolation method and noninteger ratio of grid spacings. Calculations employing a preconditioned conjugate gradient method are presented for two examples, a quantum dot and a charged molecular system. Use of three grid levels with grid spacings 2h, 1.5h, and h decreases the computer time by about a factor of 5 compared to single level calculations.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev. B, Rapid Communication