On the dynamics of BMN operators of finite size and the model of string bits

We consider the discretization effects of a string-bit model simulating the near-BMN operators in the super--Yang--Mills model. The fermionic sector of this model is altered by the so called species doubling. We analyze the possibilities to cure this disease and propose an alternative formulation of the fermionic sector free from the above drawbacks. Also we propose a formulation of string bits with exact supersymmetry, which produces however an even number of continuous strings in the limit $J\to\infty$.Comment: 10 pages, Contribution to BW2003 Workshop, 29 August - 02 September, 2003 Vrnjacka Banja, Serbi

Sexual Harassment:A Long-Dormant Demon

Because of its service nature, the hospitality industry is especially prone to cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly from female employees. The author discusses Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the legal and moral implications of its guidelines for the industry

The geometry of N=4 twisted string

We compare N=2 string and N=4 topological string within the framework of the sigma model approach. Being classically equivalent on a flat background, the theories are shown to lead to different geometries when put in a curved space. In contrast to the well studied Kaehler geometry characterising the former case, in the latter case a manifold has to admit a covariantly constant holomorphic two-form in order to support an N=4 twisted supersymmetry. This restricts the holonomy group to be a subgroup of SU(1,1) and leads to a Ricci--flat manifold. We speculate that, the N=4 topological formalism is an appropriate framework to smooth down ultraviolet divergences intrinsic to the N=2 theory.Comment: 20 pages, LaTe

Crossover from Luttinger liquid to Coulomb blockade regime in carbon nanotubes

We develop a theoretical approach to the low-energy properties of 1D electron systems aimed to encompass the mixed features of Luttinger liquid and Coulomb blockade behavior observed in the crossover between the two regimes. For this aim we extend the Luttinger liquid description by incorporating the effects of a discrete single-particle spectrum. The intermediate regime is characterized by a power-law behavior of the conductance, but with an exponent oscillating with the gate voltage, in agreement with recent experimental observations. Our construction also accounts naturally for the existence of a crossover in the zero-bias conductance, mediating between two temperature ranges where the power-law behavior is preserved but with different exponent.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Making the hyper--K\"ahler structure of N=2 quantum string manifest

We show that the Lorentz covariant formulation of N=2 string in a curved space reveals an explicit hyper--K\"ahler structure. Apart from the metric, the superconformal currents couple to a background two--form. By superconformal symmetry the latter is constrained to be holomorphic and covariantly constant and allows one to construct three complex structures obeying a (pseudo)quaternion algebra.Comment: 8 pages, no figures, PACS: 04.60.Ds; 11.30.Pb, Keywords: N=2 string, hyper-K\"ahler geometry. Presentation improved, references added. The version to appear in PR

Constant magnetic field and 2d non-commutative inverted oscillator

We consider a two-dimensional non-commutative inverted oscillator in the presence of a constant magnetic field, coupled to the system in a ``symplectic'' and ``Poisson'' way. We show that it has a discrete energy spectrum for some value of the magnetic field.Comment: 7 pages, LaTeX file, no figures, PACS number: 03.65.-

Non-Commutative Corrections to the MIC-Kepler Hamiltonian

Non-commutative corrections to the MIC-Kepler System (i.e. hydrogen atom in the presence of a magnetic monopole) are computed in Cartesian and parabolic coordinates. Despite the fact that there is no simple analytic expression for non-commutative perturbative corrections to the MIC-Kepler spectrum, there is a term that gives rise to the linear Stark effect which didn't exist in the standard hydrogen model.Comment: 5 page

Legionella Pneumophila: A Continuing Threat

Legionnaires\u27 Disease has been a continuing source of concern to researchers and to medical personnel. As a result of the questions regarding how it is spread, innkeepers must take certain precautions to protect their property and their guests. The authors offer several legal cautions as well as background information for everyone in the industry

Suppression of electron-electron repulsion and superconductivity in Ultra Small Carbon Nanotubes

Recently, ultra-small-diameter Single Wall Nano Tubes with diameter of $\sim 0.4 nm$ have been produced and many unusual properties were observed, such as superconductivity, leading to a transition temperature $T_c\sim 15^oK$, much larger than that observed in the bundles of larger diameter tubes. By a comparison between two different approaches, we discuss the issue whether a superconducting behavior in these carbon nanotubes can arise by a purely electronic mechanism. The first approach is based on the Luttinger Model while the second one, which emphasizes the role of the lattice and short range interaction, is developed starting from the Hubbard Hamiltonian. By using the latter model we predict a transition temperature of the same order of magnitude as the measured one.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, to appear in J. Phys.-Cond. Ma