In Search of Fundamental Discreteness in 2+1 Dimensional Quantum Gravity

Inspired by previous work in 2+1 dimensional quantum gravity, which found evidence for a discretization of time in the quantum theory, we reexamine the issue for the case of pure Lorentzian gravity with vanishing cosmological constant and spatially compact universes of genus larger than 1. Taking as our starting point the Chern-Simons formulation with Poincare gauge group, we identify a set of length variables corresponding to space- and timelike distances along geodesics in three-dimensional Minkowski space. These are Dirac observables, that is, functions on the reduced phase space, whose quantization is essentially unique. For both space- and timelike distance operators, the spectrum is continuous and not bounded away from zero.Comment: 29 pages, 18 figure

Vector and Axial Nucleon Form Factors:A Duality Constrained Parameterization

We present new parameterizations of vector and axial nucleon form factors. We maintain an excellent descriptions of the form factors at low momentum transfers, where the spatial structure of the nucleon is important, and use the Nachtman scaling variable xi to relate elastic and inelastic form factors and impose quark-hadron duality constraints at high momentum transfers where the quark structure dominates. We use the new vector form factors to re-extract updated values of the axial form factor from neutrino experiments on deuterium. We obtain an updated world average value from neutrino-d and pion electroproduction experiments of M_A = 1.014 +- 0.014 GeV/c2. Our parameterizations are useful in modeling neutrino interactions at low energies (e.g. for neutrino oscillations experiments). The predictions for high momentum transfers can be tested in the next generation electron and neutrino scattering experiments.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, to be published in EPJ

A Non-Parametric Analysis Of Efficiency Performances: The Case Of United Arab Emirates Banks

Competition and over-banking in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) indicates serious efficiency challenges facing the UAE banking sector prior to full compliance of the Bassel II capital accord in 2007. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), this paper investigates the relative efficiency measures. Six measures of efficiency performance are used: allocative, cost, pure technical, technical, scale and overall, using data from the annual financial reports from 1998 to 2002. Despite overall growing profits in the industry, results reveal evidence of over-banking and cost inefficiency in the money market. In particular, evidence suggests that regulatory and not managerial policy implications are attributed to poor cost efficiency results. Interestingly, and contrary to the benefits of economies of scale, the most efficient banks are not always the largest banks. Further evidence identifies contributory structural reasons for UAE banking inefficiency such as extensive capital adequacy ratios. At a time of growing global competition, data transparency and compliance with the World Trade Organisation, some individual banks need to address their financial positions to sustain high future profits

Ambiguities of neutrino(antineutrino) scattering on the nucleon due to the uncertainties of relevant strangeness form factors

Strange quark contributions to neutrino(antineutrino) scattering are investigated on the nucleon level in the quasi-elastic region. The incident energy range between 500 MeV and 1.0 GeV is used for the scattering. All of the physical observable by the scattering are investigated within available experimental and theoretical results for the strangeness form factors of the nucleon. In specific, a newly combined data of parity violating electron scattering and neutrino scattering is exploited. Feasible quantities to be explored for the strangeness contents are discussed for the application to neutrino-nucleus scattering.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures, submit to J. Phys.

miR-9 Acts as an OncomiR in Prostate Cancer through Multiple Pathways That Drive Tumour Progression and Metastasis

Identification of dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in prostate cancer is critical not only for diagnosis, but also differentiation between the aggressive and indolent forms of the disease. miR-9 was identified as an oncomiR through both miRNA panel RT-qPCR as well as high-throughput sequencing analysis of the human P69 prostate cell line as compared to its highly tumorigenic and metastatic subline M12, and found to be consistently upregulated in other prostate cell lines including DU-145 and PC3. While miR-9 has been characterized as dysregulated either as an oncomiR or tumour suppressor in a variety of other cancers including breast, ovarian, and nasopharyngeal carcinomas, it has not been previously evaluated and proven as an oncomiR in prostate cancer. miR-9 was confirmed an oncomiR when found to be overexpressed in tumour tissue as compared to adjacent benign glandular epithelium through laser-capture microdissection of radical prostatectomy biopsies. Inhibition of miR-9 resulted in reduced migratory and invasive potential of the M12 cell line, and reduced tumour growth and metastases in male athymic nude mice. Analysis showed that miR-9 targets e-cadherin and suppressor of cytokine signalling 5 (SOCS5), but not NF-ĸB mRNA. Expression of these proteins was shown to be affected by modulation in expression of miR-9

Extraction of the Axial Nucleon Form Factor from Neutrino Experiments on Deuterium

We present new parameterizations of vector and axial nucleon form factors. We maintain an excellent descriptions of the form factors at low momentum transfers ($Q^2$), where the spatial structure of the nucleon is important, and use the Nachtman scaling variable $\xi$ to relate elastic and inelastic form factors and impose quark-hadron duality constraints at high $Q^2$ where the quark structure dominates. We use the new vector form factors to re-extract updated values of the axial form factor from \numu experiments on deuterium. We obtain an updated world average value from \numud, \numubarH and pion electroproduction experiments of $M_{A}$ = $1.014 \pm 0.014 GeV/c^2$. Our parameterizations are useful in modeling $\nu$ interactions at low energies (e.g. for \numu oscillations experiments). The predictions for high $Q^2$ can be tested in the next generation electron and \numu scattering experiments.Comment: Presented by A. Bodek at the European Physical Society Meeting, EPS2007, Manchester, England, July 2007, 4 pages, 2 figure

EFFECTS OF FRONT SQUAT TRAINING METHODS ON FRONT SQUAT ONE REPETITION MAX AND CLEAN PULL FORCE PRODUCTION

This study examined effects of a 6 week front squat training program using a standard weight lifting technique (control) or a time under tension (TUT) technique on clean pull peak ground reaction force (pGRF) and front squat one rep maximum (1RM). Male collegiate subjects (n=9) with strength training experience performed a front squat 1RM. They also did a clean pull with their reported clean 1RM on force platforms pre and post training to determine pGRF. Front squat 1RM and pGRF for the clean didn’t differ between groups (p\u3e0.05) from pre to post-testing. Front squat 1RM increased 5.3% from pre to post in the TUT group, and 2.9% in the control group. Overall from pre to post-training there was a significant increase in front squat 1RM and relative strength (

EFFECTS OF CUTTING WEIGHT VIA SAUNA ON FORCE PRODUCTION AND RATE OF FORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE OLYMPIC SNATCH PULL

This study examined the effects of cutting weight on ground reaction force (GRF), rate of force development (RFD) for the snatch pull. Vertical jump (VJ) was also tested compared to normal conditions. Olympic male weightlifters (n=7) used sauna and food/water restrictions (SW) to achieve 1-2% body mass loss. Snatch pull peak vertical GRF, RFD and VJ height after SW didn’t differ from control pulls (p >0.05). Mean (±SD) GRF for control = 2405 ± 381 N; while after cutting weight and sauna = 2241 ± 404 N. VJ control after pulls mean = 56.0 ± 9.7 cm. Vertical jump on the weight cut day after pulls mean = 58.0 ± 9.2 cm. GRF decreased by 12.7% and VJ increased by 3.4% after weight cutting compared to control; however, these performance variables were not significantly different from the control condition (p > 0.05)