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The Snake is a remarkable Galactic center radio filament with a morphology characterized by two kinks along its $\sim 20'$ extent. The major and minor kinks are located where the filament is most distorted from a linear magnetized structure running perpendicular to the Galactic plane. We present {\em Chandra}, VLA, and MeerKAT data and report the detection of an X-ray and radio source at the location of the major kink. High-resolution radio images of the major kink reveal a compact source with a steep spectrum with spectral index alpha ~ -2.7 surrounded by extended emission. The radio luminosity and steep spectrum of the compact source are consistent with a pulsar. We also show flattening of the spectrum and enhanced synchrotron emissivity away from the position of the major kink along the Snake, which suggests injection of relativistic particles along the Snake. We argue that the major kink is created by a fast-moving (~500-1000 km/s), object punching into the Snake, distorting its magnetic structure, and producing X-ray emission. X-ray emission pinpoints an active acceleration site where the interaction is taking place. A secondary kink is argued to be induced by the impact of the high-velocity object producing the major kink., Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, MNRAS (in press)

We provide a framework to classify hyperbolic monopoles with continuous symmetries and find a Structure Theorem, greatly simplifying the construction of all those with spherically symmetry. In doing so, we reduce the problem of finding spherically symmetric hyperbolic monopoles to a problem in representation theory. Additionally, we determine constraints on the structure groups of such monopoles. Using these results, we construct novel spherically symmetric $\mathrm{Sp}(n)$ hyperbolic monopoles., Comment: 38 pages, 2 figures, published version

We study solutions to Nahm's equations with continuous symmetries and, under certain (mild) hypotheses, we classify the corresponding Ans\"atze. Using our classification, we construct novel Nahm data, and prescribe methods for generating further solutions. Finally, we use these results to construct new BPS monopoles with spherical symmetry., Comment: 37 pages, 1 table, 2 figures. Theorem 4.1 improved

Above the pseudocritical temperature T_c of chiral symmetry restoration a chiral spin symmetry (a symmetry of the color charge and of electric confinement) emerges in QCD. This implies that QCD is in a confining mode and there are no free quarks. At the same time correlators of operators constrained by a conserved current behave as if quarks were free. This explains observed fluctuations of conserved charges and the absence of the rho-like structures seen via dileptons. An independent evidence that one is in a confining mode is very welcome. Here we suggest a new tool how to distinguish free quarks from a confining mode. If we put the system into a finite box, then if the quarks are free one necessarily obtains a remarkable diffractive pattern in the propagator of a conserved current. This pattern is clearly seen in a lattice calculation in a finite box and it vanishes in the infinite volume limit as well as in the continuum. In contrast, the full QCD calculations in a finite box show the absence of the diffractive pattern implying that the quarks are confined., Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. A new figure has been added and discussion that clarifies the main point of the paper has been expanded. Accepted by EPJA

Properties of QCD matter change significantly around the chiral crossover temperature, and the effects on $U(1)_A$ and topological susceptibilities, as well as the meson spectrum have been studied with much care. Baryons and the effect of parity doubling in this temperature range have been analyzed previously by various other groups employing different setups. Here we construct suitable operators to investigate chiral and axial $U(1)_A$ symmetries in the baryon spectrum. Measurements for different volumes and quark-masses are done with two flavors of chirally symmetric domain-wall fermions at temperatures above the critical one. The possibility of emergent $SU(4)$ and $SU(2)_{CS}$ symmetries is discussed., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, talk presented at the 37th International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (Lattice 2019), 16-22 June 2019, Wuhan, China. Updated numerical data in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2

Based on a complete set of $J = 0$ and $J=1$ spatial isovector correlation functions calculated with $N_F = 2$ domain wall fermions we identify an intermediate temperature regime of $T \sim 220 - 500$ MeV ($1.2T_c$--$2.8T_c$), where chiral symmetry is restored but the correlators are not yet compatible with a simple free quark behavior. More specifically, in the temperature range $T \sim 220 - 500$ MeV we identify a multiplet structure of spatial correlators that suggests emergent $SU(2)_{CS}$ and $SU(4)$ symmetries, which are not symmetries of the free Dirac action. The symmetry breaking effects in this temperature range are less than 5%. Our results indicate that at these temperatures the chromo-magnetic interaction is suppressed and the elementary degrees of freedom are chirally symmetric quarks bound into color-singlet objects by the chromo-electric component of the gluon field. At temperatures between 500 and 660 MeV the emergent $SU(2)_{CS}$ and $SU(4)$ symmetries disappear and one observes a smooth transition to the regime above $T \sim 1$ GeV where only chiral symmetries survive, which are finally compatible with quasi-free quarks., Comment: A new figure and discussion added. Accepted for publication in PRD

Morphogenesis, the process by which an adult organism emerges from a single cell, has fascinated humans for a long time. Modelling this process can provide novel insights into development and the principles that orchestrate the developmental processes. This chapter focusses on the mathematical description and numerical simulation of developmental processes. In particular, we discuss the mathematical representation of morphogen and tissue dynamics on static and grow- ing domains, as well as the corresponding tissue mechanics. In addition, we give an overview of numerical methods that are routinely used to solve the resulting systems of partial differential equations. These include the finite element method and the Lattice Boltzmann method for the discretisation as well as the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method and the Diffuse-Domain method to numerically treat deforming domains.

In situations where the low lying eigenmodes of the Dirac operator are suppressed one observed degeneracies of some meson masses. Based on these results a hidden symmetry was conjectured, which is not a symmetry of the Lagrangian but emerges in the quantization process. We show here how the difference between classes of meson propagators is governed by the low modes and shrinks when they disappear., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures; final version, accepted at Phys.Rev.D

We present results from our recent lattice QCD study of $N\pi$ scattering in the positive-parity nucleon channel, where the puzzling Roper resonance $N^*(1440)$ resides in experiment. Using a variety of hadron operators, that include $qqq$-like, $N\pi$ in $p$-wave and $N\sigma$ in $s$-wave, we systematically extract the excited lattice spectrum in the nucleon channel up to 1.65 GeV. Our lattice results indicate that N$\pi$ scattering in the elastic approximation alone does not describe a low-lying Roper. Coupled channel effects between $N\pi$ and $N\pi\pi$ seem to be crucial to render a low-lying Roper in experiment, reinforcing the notion that this state could be a dynamically generated resonance. After giving a brief motivation for studying the Roper channel and the relevant technical details to this study, we will discuss the results and the conclusions based on our lattice investigation and in comparison with other lattice calculations., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, presented at the 35th International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, 18-24 June 2017, Granada, Spain

We study spatial isovector meson correlators in $N_f=2$ QCD with dynamical domain-wall fermions on $32^3\times 8$ lattices at temperatures $T=220-380$ MeV. We measure the correlators of spin-one ($J=1$) operators including vector, axial-vector, tensor and axial-tensor. Restoration of chiral $U(1)_A$ and $SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R$ symmetries of QCD implies degeneracies in vector--axial-vector ($SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R$) and tensor--axial-tensor ($U(1)_A$) pairs, which are indeed observed at temperatures above $T_c$. Moreover, we observe an approximate degeneracy of all $J=1$ correlators with increasing temperature. This approximate degeneracy suggests emergent $SU(2)_{CS}$ and $SU(4)$ symmeries at high temperatures, that mix left- and right-handed quarks., Comment: This revised version contains all corrections that will appear in the forthcoming erratum

We use a combination of quark-antiquark and $B^{(*)}K$ interpolating fields to predict the mass of two QCD bound states below the $B^*K$ threshold in the quantum channels $J^P=0^+$ and $1^+$. The mesons correspond to the b-quark cousins of the $D_{s0}^*(2317)$ and $D_{s1}(2460)$ and have not yet been observed in experiment, even though they are expected to be found by LHCb. In addition to these predictions, we obtain excellent agreement of the remaining p-wave energy levels with the known $B_{s1}(5830)$ and $B_{s2}^*(5840)$ mesons. The results from our first principles calculation are compared to previous model-based estimates. More recently the D0 collaboration claimed the existence of an exotic resonance $X(5568)$ with exotic flavor content $\bar{b}s\bar{d}u$. If such a state with $J^P=0^+$ exists, only the decay into $B_s\pi$ is open which makes a lattice search for this state much cleaner and simpler than for other exotic candidates involving heavy quarks. We conclude, however, that we do not find such a candidate in agreement with a recent LHCb result., Comment: 7 pages; Proceedings for the 34th International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, 24-30 July 2016, University of Southampton, UK

We present a lattice QCD study of $N\pi$ scattering in the positive-parity nucleon channel, where the puzzling Roper resonance $N^*(1440)$ resides in experiment. The study is based on the PACS-CS ensemble of gauge configurations with $N_f=2+1$ Wilson-clover dynamical fermions, $m_\pi \simeq 156~$MeV and $L\simeq 2.9~$fm. In addition to a number of $qqq$ interpolating fields, we implement operators for $N\pi$ in $p$-wave and $N\sigma$ in $s$-wave. In the center-of-momentum frame we find three eigenstates below 1.65 GeV. They are dominated by $N(0)$, $N(0)\pi(0)\pi(0)$ (mixed with $N(0)\sigma(0)$) and $N(p)\pi(-p)$ with $p\simeq 2\pi/L$, where momenta are given in parentheses. This is the first simulation where the expected multi-hadron states are found in this channel. The experimental $N\pi$ phase-shift would -- in the approximation of purely elastic $N\pi$ scattering -- imply an additional eigenstate near the Roper mass $m_R\simeq 1.43~$GeV for our lattice size. We do not observe any such additional eigenstate, which indicates that $N\pi$ elastic scattering alone does not render a low-lying Roper. Coupling with other channels, most notably with $N\pi\pi$, seems to be important for generating the Roper resonance, reinforcing the notion that this state could be a dynamically generated resonance. Our results are in line with most of previous lattice studies based just on $qqq$ interpolators, that did not find a Roper eigenstate below $1.65~$GeV. The study of the coupled-channel scattering including a three-particle decay $N\pi\pi$ remains a challenge., Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, version published in Phys. Rev. D plus additional footnote and reference

Operators for simulating the scattering of two particles with spin are constructed. Three methods are shown to give the consistent lattice operators for PN, PV, VN and NN scattering, where P, V and N denote pseudoscalar meson, vector meson and nucleon. The projection method leads to one or several operators $O_{\Gamma,r,n}$ that transform according to a given irreducible representation $\Gamma$ and row r. However, it gives little guidance on which continuum quantum numbers of total J, spin S, orbital momentum L or single-particle helicities $\lambda_{1,2}$ will be related with a given operator. This is remedied with the helicity and partial-wave methods. There first the operators with good continuum quantum numbers $(J,P,\lambda_{1,2})$ or $(J,L,S)$ are constructed and then subduced to the irreps $\Gamma$ of the discrete lattice group. The results indicate which linear combinations $O_{\Gamma,r,n}$ of various n have to be employed in the simulations in order to enhance couplings to the states with desired continuum quantum numbers. The total momentum of two hadrons is restricted to zero since parity P is a good quantum number in this case., Comment: 7 pages, talk presented at the 34th International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, 24-30 July 2016, Southampton, UK

We present NH3 and H64a+H63a VLA observations of the Radio Arc region, including the M0.20-0.033 and G0.10-0.08 molecular clouds. These observations suggest the two velocity components of M0.20-0.033 are physically connected in the south. Additional ATCA observations suggest this connection is due to an expanding shell in the molecular gas, with the centroid located near the Quintuplet cluster. The G0.10-0.08 molecular cloud has little radio continuum, strong molecular emission, and abundant CH3OH masers, similar to a nearby molecular cloud with no star formation: M0.25+0.01. These features detected in G0.10-0.08 suggest dense molecular gas with no signs of current star formation., Comment: IAUS322: The Multi-Messenger Astrophysics of the Galactic Centre

We construct operators for simulating the scattering of two hadrons with spin on the lattice. Three methods are shown to give the consistent operators for PN, PV, VN and NN scattering, where P, V and N denote pseudoscalar, vector and nucleon. Explicit expressions for operators are given for all irreducible representations at lowest two relative momenta. Each hadron has a good helicity in the first method. The hadrons are in a certain partial wave L with total spin S in the second method. These enable the physics interpretations of the operators obtained from the general projection method. The correct transformation properties of the operators in all three methods are proven. The total momentum of two hadrons is restricted to zero since parity is a good quantum number in this case., Comment: 29 pages, updated to match the version published by JHEP. The relation between partial-wave and helicity operators is now provided (Eq. 4.13) and proved (Appendix D). Discussions on the applicability of the constructed operators and higher partial-waves have been extended

We investigate $B_s\pi^+$ scattering in s-wave using lattice QCD in order to search for an exotic resonance X(5568) with flavor $\bar b s \bar d u$; such a state was recently reported by D0 but was not seen by LHCb. If X(5568) with $J^P=0^+$ exists, it can strongly decay only to $B_s\pi^+$ and lies significantly below all other thresholds, which makes a lattice search for X(5568) cleaner and simpler than for other exotic candidates. Both an elastic resonance in $B_s\pi^+$ as well as a deeply bound $B^+\bar K^0$ would lead to distinct signatures in the energies of lattice eigenstates, which are not seen in our simulation. We therefore do not find a candidate for X(5568) with $J^P=0^+$ in agreement with the recent LHCb result. The extracted $B_s\pi^+$ scattering length is compatible with zero within the error., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, version to appear in Phys. Rev. D, new Section III added which provides details of the calculation, results and conclusions unchanged

We present the first results from an on-going survey to characterize the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of the massive high-redshift galaxies detected as submillimeter galaxies (SMGs). We constructed a parent sample of 163 SMG-QSO pairs with separations less than $\sim$36 arcsec by cross-matching far-infrared-selected galaxies from Herschel with spectroscopically confirmed QSOs. The Herschel sources were selected to match the properties of SMGs. We determined the sub-arcsecond positions of six Herschel sources with the Very Large Array and obtained secure redshift identification for three of those with near-infrared spectroscopy. The QSO sightlines probe transverse proper distances of 112, 157, and 198 kpc at foreground redshifts of 2.043, 2.515, and 2.184, respectively, which are comparable to the virial radius of the $\sim10^{13}$ Msun halos expected to host SMGs. High-quality absorption-line spectroscopy of the QSOs reveals systematically strong HI Lyman-alpha absorption around all three SMGs, with rest-frame equivalent widths of $\sim2-3$ \AA. However, none of the three absorbers exhibits compelling evidence for optically thick HI gas or metal absorption, in contrast to the dominance of strong neutral absorbers in the CGM of luminous $z \sim 2$ QSOs. The low covering factor of optically thick HI gas around SMGs tentatively indicates that SMGs may not have as prominent cool gas reservoirs in their halos as the co-eval QSOs and that they may inhabit less massive halos than previously thought., Comment: ApJ accepted after minor revision

Working with a pion mass $m_\pi \approx 150$ MeV, we study $\pi\pi$ and $K\pi$ scattering using two flavours of non-perturbatively improved Wilson fermions at a lattice spacing $a\approx 0.071$ fm. Employing two lattice volumes with linear spatial extents of $N_s=48$ and $N_s=64$ points and moving frames, we extract the phase shifts for p-wave $\pi\pi$ and $K\pi$ scattering near the $\rho$ and $K^*$ resonances.Comparing our results to those of previous lattice studies, that used pion masses ranging from about 200 MeV up to 470 MeV, we find that the coupling $g_{\rho\pi\pi}$ appears to be remarkably constant as a function of $m_{\pi}$., Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, v2: "and $N_f=2$" added to the title, references updated, some figures replaced, including improved summary plots, alternative parametrizations are considered and analytical continations are performed to determine pole positions on the second Riemann sheet

Lattice calculations for hadrons are now entering the domain of resonances and scattering, necessitating a better understanding of the observed discrete energy spectrum. This is a reviewing survey about recent lattice QCD results, with some emphasis on spectrum and scattering., Comment: Invited talk at the XVI International Conference on Hadron Spectroscopy September 13-18, 2015, Newport News

We study the positive parity charmed strange mesons using lattice QCD, the only reliable ab initio method to study QCD at low energies. Especially the experimentally observed $D_{s0}^*(2317)$ and $D_{s1}(2460)$ have challenged theory for quite some time. The dynamical lattice QCD simulations are performed at two distinct pion masses, $m_{\pi}$ = 266 MeV and 156 MeV, using both $\bar{c}s$ as well as $DK$ and $D^*K$ scattering operators in the construction of the correlation matrix in order to take into the account threshold effects. While the $J^P = 0^+$ channel benefited most from the inclusion of scattering operators, it was also crucial for the case of the $D_{s1}(2460)$. Using the L\"uscher method, which relates the finite volume spectrum to the infinite volume scattering matrix, we were able to determine the near threshold behavior of the scattering amplitude. From it we extracted the binding momenta and the masses of the below-threshold bound states $D_{s0}^*(2317)$ and $D_{s1}(2460)$ by determining the pole positions of the scattering amplitudes. Our results compare well with experiment, resolving a long standing discrepancy between theory and experiment., Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, Contribution to the International Symposium on Lepton Photon Interactions at High Energies 2015, minor corrections to text

We discuss a recent lattice study of charmonium-like mesons with $J^{PC}=1^{++}$ and three quark contents $\bar cc\bar du$, $\bar cc(\bar uu + \bar dd)$ and $\bar cc\bar ss$, where the latter two can mix with $\bar cc$. In this quantum channel, the long known exotic candidate, X(3872), resides. This simulation employs $N_f=2$, $m_\pi=266~$MeV and a large basis of $\bar cc$, two-meson and diquark-antidiquark interpolating fields, with diquarks in both anti-triplet and sextet color representations. It aims at the possible signatures of four-quark exotic states. Along the way, we discuss the relations between the diquark-antidiquark operators and the two-meson operators via the Fierz transformations., Comment: 7 pages, Talk given at the 33rd International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (Lattice 2015), 14-18 July 2015, Kobe International Conference Center, Kobe, Japan

We present new observations of the quiescent giant molecular cloud GCM0.253+0.016 in the Galactic center, using the upgraded Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. Observations were made at wavelengths near 1 cm, at K (24 to 26 GHz) and Ka (27 and 36 GHz) bands, with velocity resolutions of 1-3 km/s and spatial resolutions of ~0.1 pc, at the assumed 8.4 kpc distance of this cloud. The continuum observations of this cloud are the most sensitive yet made, and reveal previously undetected emission which we attribute primarily to free-free emission from external ionization of the cloud. In addition to the sensitive continuum map, we produce maps of 12 molecular lines: 8 transitions of NH3 -- (1,1),(2,2),(3,3),(4,4),(5,5),(6,6),(7,7) and (9,9), as well as the HC3N (3-2) and (4-3) lines, and CH3OH 4(-1) - 3(0) the latter of which is known to be a collisionally-excited maser. We identify 148 CH3OH 4(-1) - 3(0) (36.2 GHz) sources, of which 68 have brightness temperatures in excess of the highest temperature measured for this cloud (400 K) and can be confirmed to be masers. The majority of these masers are concentrated in the southernmost part of the cloud. We find that neither these masers nor the continuum emission in this cloud provide strong evidence for ongoing star formation in excess of that previously inferred by the presence of an H2O maser., Comment: 33 pages, 4 tables, 9 figures; ApJ Accepted

We perform an exploratory lattice QCD simulation of $D \bar D$ scattering, aimed at determining the masses as well as the decay widths of charmonium resonances above open charm threshold. Neglecting coupling to other channels, the resulting phase shift for $D \bar D$ scattering in p-wave yields the well-known vector resonance $\psi(3770)$. For $m_\pi = 156$ MeV, the extracted resonance mass and the decay width agree with experiment within large statistical uncertainty. The scalar charmonium resonances present a puzzle, since only the ground state $\chi_{c0}(1P)$ is well understood, while there is no commonly accepted candidate for its first excitation. We simulate $D \bar D$ scattering in s-wave in order to shed light on this puzzle. The resulting phase shift supports the existence of a yet-unobserved narrow resonance with a mass slightly below 4 GeV. A scenario with this narrow resonance and a pole at $\chi_{c0}(1P)$ agrees with the energy-dependence of our phase shift. Further lattice QCD simulations and experimental efforts are needed to resolve the puzzle of the excited scalar charmonia., Comment: 24 pages, 8 figures, updated to match published version

We determine the spectrum of $B_s$ 1P states using lattice QCD. For the $B_{s1}(5830)$ and $B_{s2}^*(5840)$ mesons, the results are in good agreement with the experimental values. Two further mesons are expected in the quantum channels $J^P=0^+$ and $1^+$ near the $BK$ and $B^{*}K$ thresholds. A combination of quark-antiquark and $B^{(*)}$ meson-Kaon interpolating fields are used to determine the mass of two QCD bound states below the $B^{(*)}K$ threshold, with the assumption that mixing with $B_s^{(*)}\eta$ and isospin-violating decays to $B_s^{(*)}\pi$ are negligible. We predict a $J^P=0^+$ bound state $B_{s0}$ with mass $m_{B_{s0}}=5.711(13)(19)$ GeV. With further assumptions motivated theoretically by the heavy quark limit, a bound state with $m_{B_{s1}}= 5.750(17)(19)$ GeV is predicted in the $J^P=1^+$ channel. The results from our first principles calculation are compared to previous model-based estimates., Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures; Final version

We study the isoscalar and isovector $J=0,1$ mesons with the overlap operator within two flavour lattice QCD. After subtraction of the lowest-lying Dirac eigenmodes from the valence quark propagator all disconnected contributions vanish and all possible point-to-point $J=0$ correlators become identical, signaling a simultaneous restoration of both $SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R$ and $U(1)_A$ symmetries. The ground states of the $\pi,\sigma,a_0,\eta$ mesons do not survive this truncation. All possible $J=1$ states have a very clean exponential decay and become degenerate, demonstrating a $SU(4)$ symmetry of a dynamical QCD-like string., Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, Proceedings from the 32nd International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory

Several charged charmonium-like hadrons called $Z_c$ have been recently discovered by different experiments. In contrast to conventional hadrons these contain at least two valence quarks and antiquarks ($\bar{c}c\bar{d}u$). We perform a lattice QCD simulation of the $I^G(J^{PC})=1^+(1^{+-})$ channel including all relevant two-meson operators under 4.3 GeV: $J/\psi \pi$, $\psi_{2S}\pi$, $\psi_{1D}\pi$, $D \bar{D}^*$, $D^* \bar{D}^*$, $\eta_c \rho$ as well as additional diquark anti-diquark operators. In our $N_f = 2$ simulation with pion mass at 266 MeV we are able to identify all two-meson levels within the energy region of interest. However we find no additional level identifiable as a candidate for $Z_c$., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, Contribution to the 32nd International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (Lattice 2014), 23-28 June 2014, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; updated references

In a dynamical lattice simulation with the overlap Dirac operator and $N_f=2$ mass degenerate quarks we study all possible $J=0$ and $J=1$ correlators upon exclusion of the low lying "quasi-zero" modes from the valence quark propagators. After subtraction of a small amount of such Dirac eigenmodes all disconnected contributions vanish and all possible point-to-point $J=0$ correlators with different quantum numbers become identical, signaling a restoration of the $SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R \times U(1)_A$. The original ground state of the $\pi$ meson does not survive this truncation, however. In contrast, in the $I=0$ and $I=1$ channels for the $J=1$ correlators the ground states have a very clean exponential decay. All possible chiral multiplets for the $J=1$ mesons become degenerate, indicating a restoration of an $SU(4)$ symmetry of the dynamical QCD-like string., Comment: 10 pages, 13 figures

We study the three $D_s$ quantum channels $J^P = 0^+$, $1^+$ and $2^+$ where experiments have identified the charm-strange states $D^*_{s0} (2317)$, $D_{s1}(2460)$, $D_{s1}(2536)$ near the $DK$ and $D^*K$ thresholds, and $D^*_{s2}(2573)$. We consider correlation functions for sets of $\overline q q$ operators and, for $J^P = 0^+$, $1^+$, also the $DK$ and $D^*K$ meson-meson interpolators and determine for these cases values of the elastic scattering amplitude. Constructing the full set of correlators requires propagators which connect any pair of lattice sites. For one ensemble of gauge configurations ($32^3\times 64$, $m_\pi\approx 156$ MeV) a stochastic distillation variant is employed and for another ensemble ($16^3\times 32$, $m_\pi\approx 266$ MeV) we use the full distillation method. Both, $D^*_{s0} (2317)$ and $D_{s1}(2460)$, are found as bound states below threshold, whereas $D_{s1}(2536)$, and $D^*_{s2}(2573)$ are identified as narrow resonances close to the experimental masses., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures; Contribution to the 32nd International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, 23-28 June, 2014, Columbia University New York, NY

Recently experimentalists have discovered several charged charmonium-like hadrons $Z_c^+$ with unconventional quark content $\bar cc\bar d u$. We perform a search for $Z_c^+$ with mass below $4.2~$GeV in the channel $I^G(J^{PC})=1^+(1^{+-})$ using lattice QCD. The major challenge is presented by the two-meson states $J/\psi\, \pi$, $\psi_{2S}\pi$, $\psi_{1D}\pi$, $D\bar D^*$, $D^*\bar D^*$, $\eta_c\rho$ that are inevitably present in this channel. The spectrum of eigenstates is extracted using a number of meson-meson and diquark-antidiquark interpolating fields. For our pion mass of 266~MeV we find all the expected two-meson states but no additional candidate for $Z_c^+$ below $4.2~$GeV. Possible reasons for not seeing an additional eigenstate related to $Z_c^+$ are discussed. We also illustrate how a simulation incorporating interpolators with a structure resembling low-lying two-mesons states seems to render a $Z_c^+$ candidate, which is however not robust after further two-meson states around $4.2~$GeV are implemented., Comment: Version published in PRD. Minor changes with respect to v2. Changes with respect to v1: extended basis of interpolating fields; modified conclusions, text and figures; 11 pages, 6 figures

$D_s$ mesons are studied in three quantum channels ($J^P=0^+$, $1^+$ and $2^+$), where experiments have identified the very narrow $D_{s0}^*(2317)$, $D_{s1}(2460)$ and narrow $D_{s1}(2536)$, $D_{s2}^*(2573)$. We explore the effect of nearby $DK$ and $D^*K$ thresholds on the subthreshold states using lattice QCD. Our simulation is done on two very different ensembles of gauge configurations (2 or 2+1 dynamical quarks, Pion mass of 266 or 156 MeV, lattice size $16^3\times 32$ or $32^3\times 64$). In addition to $\bar{q}q$ operators we also include meson-meson interpolators in the correlation functions. This clarifies the identification of the states above and below the scattering thresholds. The ensemble with $m_\pi \simeq 156~$MeV renders the $D_{s1}(2460)$ as a strong interaction bound state 44(10)MeV below $D^*K$ threshold, which is in agreement with the experiment. The $D_{s0}^*(2317)$ is found 37(17)MeV below $DK$ threshold, close to experiment value of 45MeV. The narrow resonances $D_{s1}(2536)$ and $D_{s2}^*(2573)$ are also found close to the experimental masses., Comment: 17 pages, 9 figures

Using the chirally invariant overlap Dirac operator we remove its lowest-lying quasizero modes from the valence quark propagators and study evolution of isovector mesons with J=1. At the truncation level about 50 MeV SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R and U(1)_A symmetries get restored. However, we observe a degeneracy not only within the chiral and U(1)_A multiplets, but also a degeneracy of all possible chiral multiplets, i.e., the observed quantum levels have a symmetry larger than U(2)_L \times U(2)_R and their energy does not depend on the spin orientation of quarks and their parities. We offer a possible interpretation of these energy levels as the quantum levels of the dynamical QCD string. The structure of the radial J=1 spectrum is compatible with E =(n_r +1)\hbar\omega with \hbar\omega = 900 \pm 70 MeV., Comment: 5 pp. The title has been changed, the paper has been restructured and a few references have been added. To appear in PRD

At a distance of 8 kpc, the center of our Galaxy is the nearest galactic nucleus, and has been the subject of numerous key projects undertaken by great observatories such as Chandra, Spitzer, and Herschel. However, there are still no surveys of molecular gas properties in the Galactic center with less than 30" (1 pc) resolution. There is also no sensitive polarization survey of this region, despite numerous nonthermal magnetic features apparently unique to the central 300 parsecs. In this paper, we outline the potential the VLASS has to fill this gap. We assess multiple considerations in observing the Galactic center, and recommend a C-band survey with 10 micro-Jy continuum RMS and sensitive to molecular gas with densities greater than 10^4 cm^{-3}, covering 17 square degrees in both DnC and CnB configurations ( resolution ~5"), totaling 750 hours of observing time. Ultimately, we wish to note that the upgraded VLA is not just optimized for fast continuum surveys, but has a powerful correlator capable of simultaneously observing continuum emission and dozens of molecular and recombination lines. This is an enormous strength that should be fully exploited and highlighted by the VLASS, and which is ideally suited for surveying the center of our Galaxy., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, a White Paper submitted to provide input in planning the Very Large Array Sky Survey

The light axial-vector resonances $a_1(1260)$ and $b_1(1235)$ are explored in Nf=2 lattice QCD by simulating the corresponding scattering channels $\rho\pi$ and $\omega\pi$. Interpolating fields $\bar{q} q$ and $\rho\pi$ or $\omega\pi$ are used to extract the s-wave phase shifts for the first time. The $\rho$ and $\omega$ are treated as stable and we argue that this is justified in the considered energy range and for our parameters $m_\pi\simeq 266~$MeV and $L\simeq 2~$fm. We neglect other channels that would be open when using physical masses in continuum. Assuming a resonance interpretation a Breit-Wigner fit to the phase shift gives the $a_1(1260)$ resonance mass $m_{a1}^{res}=1.435(53)(^{+0}_{-109})$ GeV compared to $m_{a1}^{exp}=1.230(40)$ GeV. The $a_1$ width $\Gamma_{a1}(s)=g^2 p/s$ is parametrized in terms of the coupling and we obtain $g_{a_1\rho\pi}=1.71(39)$ GeV compared to $g_{a_1\rho\pi}^{exp}=1.35(30)$ GeV derived from $\Gamma_{a1}^{exp}=425(175)$ MeV. In the $b_1$ channel, we find energy levels related to $\pi(0)\omega(0)$ and $b_1(1235)$, and the lowest level is found at $E_1 \gtrsim m_\omega+m_\pi$ but is within uncertainty also compatible with an attractive interaction. Assuming the coupling $g_{b_1\omega\pi}$ extracted from the experimental width we estimate $m_{b_1}^{res}=1.414(36)(^{+0}_{-83})$., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, updated to match published version

We present a survey of molecules in a sample of Galactic center molecular clouds using the Karl G. Jansky Very large Array, which includes M0.25+0.01, the clouds near Sgr A, and Sgr B2. The molecules detected are primarily NH3 and HC3N; in Sgr B2-N we also detect nonmetastable NH3, vibrationally-excited HC3N, torsionally-excited CH3OH, and numerous isotopologues of these species. 36 GHz Class I CH3OH masers are ubiquitous in these fields, and in several cases are associated with new NH3 (3,3) maser candidates. We also find that NH3 and HC3N are depleted or absent toward several of the highest dust column density peaks identified in submillimeter observations, which are associated with water masers and are thus likely in the early stages of star formation., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, to appear in Proceedings of the IAU Symposium No. 303, "The Galactic Center: Feeding and Feedback in a Normal Galactic Nucleus"

Results for excited light and strange hadrons from the lattice with two flavors of Chirally Improved sea quarks are presented. We perform simulations at several values of the pion mass ranging from 250 to 600 MeV and extrapolate to the physical pion mass. The variational method is applied to extract excited energy levels but also to discuss the content of the states. Among others, we explore the flavor singlet/octet content of Lambda states. In general, our results agree well with experiment, in particular we confirm the Lambda(1405) and its dominant flavor singlet structure., Comment: Contribution to the XV International Conference on Hadron Spectroscopy "Hadron 2013", 4-8 November 2013, Nara, Japan

We report on the discovery of an apparent triple radio structure hidden inside the radio bubble of the ultraluminous X-ray source Holmberg II X-1. The morphology is consistent with a collimated jet structure, which is observed to emit optically thin synchrotron radiation. The central component has a steep radio spectrum and is brighter than the outer components indicating a renewed radio activity. We estimate a minimum time-averaged jet power of 2 x 10^{39} erg/s that is associated with a time-averaged isotropic X-ray luminosity of at least 4 x 10^{39} erg/s. Our results suggest that Holmberg II X-1 is powered by a black hole of M_BH \geq 25 M_sun, that is inferred to be accreting at a high Eddington rate with intermittent radio activity., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS Letters