Algorithm for probing the unitarity of topologically massive models

An uncomplicated and easy handling prescription that converts the task of checking the unitarity of massive, topologically massive, models into a straightforward algebraic exercise, is developed. The algorithm is used to test the unitarity of both topologically massive higher-derivative electromagnetism (TMHDE) and topologically massive higher-derivative gravity (TMHDG). The novel and amazing features of these effective field models are also discussed.

A two band model for superconductivity: probing interband pair formation

We propose a two band model for superconductivity. It turns out that the simplest nontrivial case considers solely interband scattering, and both bands can be modeled as symmetric (around the Fermi level) and flat, thus each band is completely characterized by its half-band width Wn (n=1,2). A useful dimensionless parameter is d, proportional to W2 - W1. The case delta = 0 retrieves the conventional BCS model. We probe the specific heat, the ratio gap over critical temperature, the thermodynamic critical field and tunneling conductance as functions of d and temperature (from zero to Tc). We compare our results with experimental results for MgB2 and good quantitative agreement is obtained, indicating the relevance of interband coupling. Work in progress also considers the inclusion of band hybridization and general interband as well as intra-band scattering mechanisms.

Assessment of body surface temperature in cetaceans: an iterative approach

A transferência de energia térmica da superfície corporal para a água é provavelmente o aspecto mais importante do equilíbrio térmico em mamíferos marinhos, mas os respectivos cálculos dependem do conhecimento da temperatura da superfície, T S, cuja medição direta em animais em liberdade constitui um problema difícil de resolver. Um método iterativo é proposto para a predição de T S de cetáceos em liberdade, a partir da temperatura corporal profunda, da velocidade de deslocamento e da temperatura e propriedades termodinâmicas da água.

Resistance inducing agents on the biology and probing behaviour of the greenbug in wheat

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

STM probing of local oscillations of the Fano-Kondo effect: a Doniach-Sunjic approach for the Kondo peak

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

ACCELERATING ITERATIVE ALGORITHMS FOR SYMMETRICAL LINEAR COMPLEMENTARITY-PROBLEMS

We propose a method for accelerating iterative algorithms for solving symmetric linear complementarity problems. The method consists in performing a one-dimensional optimization in the direction generated by a splitting method even for non-descent directions. We give strong convergence proofs and present numerical experiments that justify using this acceleration.

Probing the kinetics of single molecule protein folding

We propose an approach to integrate the theory, simulations, and experiments in protein-folding kinetics. This is realized by measuring the mean and high-order moments of the first-passage time and its associated distribution. The full kinetics is revealed in the current theoretical framework through these measurements. In the experiments, information about the statistical properties of first-passage times can be obtained from the kinetic folding trajectories of single molecule experiments ( for example, fluorescence). Theoretical/simulation and experimental approaches can be directly related. We study in particular the temperature-varying kinetics to probe the underlying structure of the folding energy landscape. At high temperatures, exponential kinetics is observed; there are multiple parallel kinetic paths leading to the native state. At intermediate temperatures, nonexponential kinetics appears, revealing the nature of the distribution of local traps on the landscape and, as a result, discrete kinetic paths emerge. At very low temperatures, exponential kinetics is again observed; the dynamics on the underlying landscape is dominated by a single barrier. The ratio between first-passage-time moments is proposed to be a good variable to quantitatively probe these kinetic changes. The temperature-dependent kinetics is consistent with the strange kinetics found in folding dynamics experiments. The potential applications of the current results to single-molecule protein folding are discussed.

ITERATIVE NUMERICAL-SOLUTION OF SCATTERING PROBLEMS

An iterative Neumann series method, employing a real auxiliary scattering integral equation, is used to calculate scattering lengths and phase shifts for the atomic Yukawa and exponential potentials. For these potentials the original Neumann series diverges. The present iterative method yields results that are far better, in convergence, stability and precision, than other momentum space methods. Accurate result is obtained in both cases with an estimated error of about 1 in 10(10) after some 8-10 iterations.

Probing Higgs couplings in e(+)e(-)->gamma gamma gamma

We investigate the existence of anomalous Higgs boson couplings, H gamma gamma and HZ gamma, through the analysis of the process e(+)e(-) gamma gamma gamma at LEP2 energies. We suggest some kinematical cuts to improve the signal to background ratio and determine the capability of LEP2 to impose bounds on those couplings by looking for a Higgs boson signal in this reaction.

Probing neutralino properties in minimal supergravity with bilinear R-parity violation

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Variational iterative method for scattering problems

A parameter-free variational iterative method is proposed for scattering problems. The present method yields results that are far better, in convergence, stability and precision, than any other momentum space method. Accurate result is obtained for the atomic exponential (Yukawa) potential with an estimated error of less than 1 in 1015 (1010) after some 13 (10) iterations.

Probing SU(2) symmetry breaking in the nucleon sea

Investigation of invariant cross-sections for production of K*- and K*0, in the fragmentation region of the proton, in p - p and γ - p reactions, gives a direct and unambiguous probe to the symmetry breaking of the nucleon sea. Based on existing data, we clearly found a large asymmetry of the sea. Our result is in excellent agreement with NA51 measurement, signaling lack of any nuclear effect. The measurement can be carried out in a single experimental set up. The ratio K*-/K*0 is equivalent to ū/d̄, with easy access to the x-dependence of the asymmetry. The observed asymmetry from available experimental data is used to improve the valon-recombination model. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.