554 research outputs found
Supersymmetric black holes in 2D dilaton supergravity: baldness and extremality
We present a systematic discussion of supersymmetric solutions of 2D dilaton
supergravity. In particular those solutions which retain at least half of the
supersymmetries are ground states with respect to the bosonic Casimir function
(essentially the ADM mass). Nevertheless, by tuning the prepotential
appropriately, black hole solutions may emerge with an arbitrary number of
Killing horizons. The absence of dilatino and gravitino hair is proven.
Moreover, the impossibility of supersymmetric dS ground states and of
nonextremal black holes is confirmed, even in the presence of a dilaton. In
these derivations the knowledge of the general analytic solution of 2D dilaton
supergravity plays an important role. The latter result is addressed in the
more general context of gPSMs which have no supergravity interpretation.
Finally it is demonstrated that the inclusion of non-minimally coupled
matter, a step which is already nontrivial by itself, does not change these
features in an essential way.Comment: 30 pages, LaTeX, v2: mayor revision (rearranged title, shortened
abstract, revised introduction, inserted section from appendix to main text,
added subsection with new material on non-SUGRA gPSMs, added clarifying
remarks at some places, updated references); v3: corrected minor misprints,
added note with a new referenc
Graded Poisson-Sigma Models and Dilaton-Deformed 2D Supergravity Algebra
Fermionic extensions of generic 2d gravity theories obtained from the graded
Poisson-Sigma model (gPSM) approach show a large degree of ambiguity. In
addition, obstructions may reduce the allowed range of fields as given by the
bosonic theory, or even prohibit any extension in certain cases. In our present
work we relate the finite W-algebras inherent in the gPSM algebra of
constraints to algebras which can be interpreted as supergravities in the usual
sense (Neuveu-Schwarz or Ramond algebras resp.), deformed by the presence of
the dilaton field. With very straightforward and natural assumptions on them
--like demanding rigid supersymmetry in a certain flat limit, or linking the
anti-commutator of certain fermionic charges to the Hamiltonian constraint-- in
the ``genuine'' supergravity obtained in this way the ambiguities disappear, as
well as the obstructions referred to above. Thus all especially interesting
bosonic models (spherically reduced gravity, the Jackiw-Teitelboim model etc.)\
under these conditions possess a unique fermionic extension and are free from
new singularities. The superspace supergravity model of Howe is found as a
special case of this supergravity action. For this class of models the relation
between bosonic potential and prepotential does not introduce obstructions as
well.Comment: 22 pages, LaTeX, JHEP class. v3: Final version, to appear in JHE
Generalized Kahler Geometry from supersymmetric sigma models
We give a physical derivation of generalized Kahler geometry. Starting from a
supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model, we rederive and explain the results of
Gualtieri regarding the equivalence between generalized Kahler geometry and the
bi-hermitean geometry of Gates-Hull-Rocek.
When cast in the language of supersymmetric sigma models, this relation maps
precisely to that between the Lagrangian and the Hamiltonian formalisms.
We also discuss topological twist in this context.Comment: 18 page
3d printing and testing of rose thorns or limpet teeth inspired anchor device for tendon tissue repair
Purposes: Advancements in medical technology have enabled medical specialists to resolve significant problems concerning tendon
injuries. However, despite the latest improvements, surgical tendon repair remains challenging. This study aimed to explore the capabilities of the current state-of-the-art technologies for implantable devices. Methods: After performing extensive patent landscaping and
literature review, an anchored tissue fixation device was deemed the most suitable candidate. This design was firstly investigated numerically, realizing a Finite Element Model of the device anchored to two swine tendons stumps, to simulate its application on a severed
tendon. Two different hook designs, both bio-inspired, were tested while retaining the same device geometry and anchoring strategy.
Then, the applicability of a 3D-printed prototype was tested on swine tendons. Finally, the device-tendon stumps ensemble was subjected
to uniaxial tensile tests. Results: The results show that the investigated device enables a better load distribution during the immobilized
limb period in comparison to standard suture-based approaches, yet it still presents several design flaws. Conclusions: The current implantable solutions do not ensure an optimal result in terms of strength recovery. This and other weak points of the currently available
proposals will serve as a starting point for future works on bio-inspired implantable devices for tendon repair
Are there sex differences in muscle coordination of the upper girdle during a sustained motor task?
A human neuronal model of Niemann Pick C disease developed from stem cells isolated from patient's skin.
Niemann Pick C (NPC) disease is a neurovisceral lysosomal storage disorder due to mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 genes, characterized by the accumulation of endocytosed unesterified cholesterol, gangliosides and other lipids within the lysosomes/late endosomes. Even if the neurodegeneration is the main feature of the disease, the analysis of the molecular pathways linking the lipid accumulation and cellular damage in the brain has been challenging due to the limited availability of human neuronal models.The aim of this study was to develop a human neuronal model of NPC disease by inducing neuronal differentiation of multipotent adult stem cells (MASC) isolated from NPC patients.Stem cells were isolated from 3 NPC patients and 3 controls both from skin biopsies and previously established skin fibroblast cultures. Cells were induced to differentiate along a neuronal fate adapting methods previously described by Beltrami et al, 2007. The surface immunophenotype of stem cells was analyzed by FACS. Stem cell and neuronal markers expression were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Intracellular accumulation of cholesterol and gangliosides were assessed by filipin staining and immunofluorescence, respectively. A morphometric analysis was performed using a Neurite outgrowth image program.After 3 passages in selective medium, MASC isolated either from skin biopsies or previously established skin fibroblast cultures displayed an antigenic pattern characteristic of mesenchymal stem cells and expressed the stem cell markers Oct-4, Nanog, Sox-2 and nestin. A massive lysosomal accumulation of cholesterol was observed only in cells isolated from NPC patients. After the induction of neural differentiation, remarkable morphologic changes were observed and cells became positive to markers of the neuronal lineage NeuN and MAP2. Differentiated cells from NPC patients displayed characteristic features of NPC disease, they showed intracellular accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and GM2 ganglioside and presented morphological differences with respect to cells derived from healthy donors.In conclusion, we generated a human neuronal model of NPC disease through the induction of differentiation of stem cells obtained from patient's easily accessible sources. The strategy described here may be applied to easily generate human neuronal models of other neurodegenerative diseases
Poisson sigma model on the sphere
We evaluate the path integral of the Poisson sigma model on sphere and study
the correlators of quantum observables. We argue that for the path integral to
be well-defined the corresponding
Poisson structure should be unimodular. The construction of the finite
dimensional BV theory is presented and we argue that it is responsible for the
leading semiclassical contribution. For a (twisted) generalized Kahler manifold
we discuss the gauge fixed action for the Poisson sigma model. Using the
localization we prove that for the holomorphic Poisson structure the
semiclassical result for the correlators is indeed the full quantum result.Comment: 38 page
Determinação polarografica do zinco em plantas, após a sua separação em resina trocadora de íons
O presente trabalho relata os dados obtidos na determinaçao do zinco em plantas segundo uma nova técnica. Esta nova técnica consistiu em se aliar a separação do zinco de outros interferentes, através do emprego de uma coluna de resina trocadora de anions, ao método polarografico da dosagem do citado elemento. A amostra de planta (1, 000g) foi incinerada em copo de Pyrex a 450-5009C durante 90 minutos e o zinco foi extraido da cinza com solução de HC1 2N. A separação do zinco de outros elementos interferentes foi feita pela passagem da solução através da resina trocadora de anions, Amberlite, IRA-401. Após a eluiçao do zinco da coluna, a solução obtida foi levada ao polarografo registrador. (Sargent, modelo XXI) para a determinação, Trabalhando-se com um conjunto de 10 (dez) a 12 (doze) colunas de resina, pode-se executar 10 (dez) a 12 (doze) determinações num periodo de 6 (seis) horas.This paper deals with the polarographic determination of zinc in plants after its separation with an anion exchange resin column. One gram of plant was ashed in a 20 ml beaker at 4505009C for 90-100 minutes. The solution of plant ash in 2N hydrochloric acid was passed through the column formed by a resin bed (Amerlite IRA-401) of 9 cm of length, which adsorbed zinc in the form of an anion an allowed to pass all the interfering ions. Twenty ml of 0,125 N sodium nitrate solution was used to elute the zinc and the effluent was dried in silica dish in vapour bath. Ten ml of 0, 35 N ammonium hydroxide with 0, 0125 % of gelatin, were added to the dish and the solution was stirred in order to dissolve the zinc. Three to five ml of solution were transferred to one special cell of the Sargent Visible Recording Polarograph Model XXI and the polarogram were obtained with the dropping mercury electrode and the stationary pool of mercury as the second electrode. Some of the obtained data are presented: PLANT Micrograms of zinc Micrograms %Recuperation added to the sample of zinc found (average) Coffee (leaves) 0,0 9,2 Coffee (leaves) 0,0 9,2 Coffee (leaves) 0,0 9,2 Coffee (leaves) 20,0 29,2 Coffee (leaves) 20,0 30,4 101,4 Coffee (leaves) 20,0 29,2 Sweet Clover (aerial part) 0,0 22,4 Sweet Clover (aerial part) 0,0 22,4 Sweet Clover (aerial part) 0,0 21,2 Sweet Clover (aerial part) 20,0 42,4 Sweet Clover (aerial part) 20,0 43,6 101,9 Sweet Clover (aerial part) 20,0 42,4 Sugar Cane (leaves) 0,0 12,0 Sugar Cane (leaves) 0,0 12,0 Sugar Cane (leaves) 0,0 10,8 Sugar Cane (leaves) 20,0 31,8 Sugar Cane (leaves) 20,0 31,8 100,6 Sugar Cane (leaves) 20,0 31,8 With the proposed method it is possible to analyse ten to twelve plant samples in six hours
The Complete Solution of 2D Superfield Supergravity from graded Poisson-Sigma Models and the Super Pointparticle
Recently an alternative description of 2d supergravities in terms of graded
Poisson-Sigma models (gPSM) has been given. As pointed out previously by the
present authors a certain subset of gPSMs can be interpreted as "genuine"
supergravity, fulfilling the well-known limits of supergravity, albeit deformed
by the dilaton field. In our present paper we show that precisely that class of
gPSMs corresponds one-to-one to the known dilaton supergravity superfield
theories presented a long time ago by Park and Strominger. Therefore, the
unique advantages of the gPSM approach can be exploited for the latter: We are
able to provide the first complete classical solution for any such theory. On
the other hand, the straightforward superfield formulation of the point
particle in a supergravity background can be translated back into the gPSM
frame, where "supergeodesics" can be discussed in terms of a minimal set of
supergravity field degrees of freedom. Further possible applications like the
(almost) trivial quantization are mentioned.Comment: 48 pages, 1 figure. v3: after final version, typos correcte
On the quest for unification - simplicity and antisimplicity
The road towards unification of elementary interactions is thought to start
on the solid ground of a universal local gauge principle. I discuss the
different types of bosonic gauge symmetries in gravitational and
nongravitational (standard model) interactions and their extensions both
fermionic, bosonic and with respect to space-time dimensions. The apparently
paradoxical size and nature of the cosmological constant is sketched, which at
first sight does not readily yield a clue as to the envelopping symmetry
structure of a unified theory. Nevertheless a tentative outlook is given
encouraging to proceed on this road.Comment: 29 pages, 4 figure
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