Extracting black hole physics from the lattice

We perform lattice simulations of N D0-branes at finite temperature in the decoupling limit, namely 16 supercharge SU(N) Yang-Mills quantum mechanics in the 't Hooft limit. At low temperature this theory is conjectured to be dual to certain supergravity black holes. We emphasize that the existence of a non-compact moduli space renders the partition function of the quantum mechanics theory divergent, and we perform one loop calculations that demonstrate this explicitly. In consequence we use a scalar mass term to regulate this divergence and argue that the dual black hole thermodynamics may be recovered in the appropriate large N limit as the regulator is removed. We report on simulations for N up to 5 including the Pfaffian phase, and N up to 12 in the phase quenched approximation. Interestingly, in the former case, where we may calculate this potentially difficult phase, we find that it appears to play little role dynamically over the temperature range tested, which is certainly encouraging for future simulations of this theory.Comment: 36 pages, 7 figure

Meson-meson Scattering in QCD-like Theories

We discuss meson-meson scattering at next-to-next-to-leading order in the chiral expansion for QCD-like theories with general $n$ degenerate flavours for the cases with a complex, real and pseudo-real representation. I.e. with global symmetry and breaking pattern $SU(n)_L\times SU(n)_R\to SU(n)_V$, $SU(2n)\to SO(2n)$ and $SU(2n)\to Sp(2n)$. We obtain fully analytical expressions for all these cases. We discuss the general structure of the amplitude and the structure of the possible intermediate channels for all three cases. We derive the expressions for the lowest partial wave scattering length in each channel and present some representative numerical results. We also show various relations between the different cases in the limit of large $n$.Comment: 61 page

Direct test of the gauge-gravity correspondence for Matrix theory correlation functions

We study correlation functions in (0+1)-dimensional maximally supersymmetric U(N) Yang-Mills theory, which was proposed by Banks et al. as a non-perturbative definition of 11-dimensional M-theory in the infinite-momentum frame. We perform first-principle calculations using Monte Carlo simulations, and compare the results against the predictions obtained previously based on the gauge-gravity correspondence from 10 dimensions. After providing a self-contained review on these predictions, we present clear evidence that the predictions in the large-N limit actually hold even at small N such as N=2 and 3. The predicted behavior seems to continue to the far infrared regime, which goes beyond the naive range of validity of the 10D supergravity analysis. This suggests that the correlation functions also contain important information on the M-theory limit.Comment: v1: 43 pages, 16 figures. v2, v3: minor correction

Progress in Understanding and Treating SCN2A-Mediated Disorders

Advances in gene discovery for neurodevelopmental disorders have identified SCN2A dysfunction as a leading cause of infantile seizures, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. SCN2A encodes the neuronal sodium channel NaV1.2. Functional assays demonstrate strong correlation between genotype and phenotype. This insight can help guide therapeutic decisions and raises the possibility that ligands that selectively enhance or diminish channel function may improve symptoms. The well-defined function of sodium channels makes SCN2A an important test case for investigating the neurobiology of neurodevelopmental disorders more generally. Here, we discuss the progress made, through the concerted efforts of a diverse group of academic and industry scientists as well as policy advocates, in understanding and treating SCN2A-related disorders

Interleukin-1β sequesters hypoxia inducible factor 2α to the primary cilium.

BACKGROUND: The primary cilium coordinates signalling in development, health and disease. Previously we have shown that the cilium is essential for the anabolic response to loading and the inflammatory response to interleukin-1β (IL-1β). We have also shown the primary cilium elongates in response to IL-1β exposure. Both anabolic phenotype and inflammatory pathology are proposed to be dependent on hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α). The present study tests the hypothesis that an association exists between the primary cilium and HIFs in inflammatory signalling. RESULTS: Here we show, in articular chondrocytes, that IL-1β-induces primary cilia elongation with alterations to cilia trafficking of arl13b. This elongation is associated with a transient increase in HIF-2α expression and accumulation in the primary cilium. Prolyl hydroxylase inhibition results in primary cilia elongation also associated with accumulation of HIF-2α in the ciliary base and axoneme. This recruitment and the associated cilia elongation is not inhibited by blockade of HIFα transcription activity or rescue of basal HIF-2α expression. Hypomorphic mutation to intraflagellar transport protein IFT88 results in limited ciliogenesis. This is associated with increased HIF-2α expression and inhibited response to prolyl hydroxylase inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that ciliary sequestration of HIF-2α provides negative regulation of HIF-2α expression and potentially activity. This study indicates, for the first time, that the primary cilium regulates HIF signalling during inflammation

Complex Langevin dynamics in the SU(3) spin model at nonzero chemical potential revisited

The three-dimensional SU(3) spin model is an effective Polyakov loop model for QCD at nonzero temperature and density. It suffers from a sign problem at nonzero chemical potential. We revisit this model using complex Langevin dynamics and assess in particular the justification of this approach, using analyticity at small mu^2 and the criteria for correctness developed recently. Finite-stepsize effects are discussed in some detail and a higher-order algorithm is employed to eliminate leading stepsize corrections. Our results strongly indicate that complex Langevin dynamics is reliable in this theory in both phases, including the critical region. This is in sharp contrast to the case of the XY model, where correct results were obtained in only part of the phase diagram.Comment: 23 pages, several figures, minor typos corrected, to appear in JHE

Successful radiation treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the right cardiac atrium and ventricle in a pacemaker-dependent patient

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy, which is known to metastasize to the heart. We report a case of a patient with ATC with metastatic involvement of the pacemaker leads within the right atrium and right ventricle. The patient survived external beam radiation treatment to his heart, with a radiographic response to treatment. Cardiac metastases are usually reported on autopsy; to our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful treatment of cardiac metastases encasing the leads of a pacemaker, and of cardiac metastases from ATCs, with a review of the pertinent literature

Review for the generalist: evaluation of pediatric hip pain

Hip pathology may cause groin pain, referred thigh or knee pain, refusal to bear weight or altered gait in the absence of pain. A young child with an irritable hip poses a diagnostic challenge. Transient synovitis, one of the most common causes of hip pain in children, must be differentiated from septic arthritis. Hip pain may be caused by conditions unique to the growing pediatric skeleton including Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis and apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis. Hip pain may also be referred from low back or pelvic pathology. Evaluation and management requires a thorough history and physical exam, and understanding of the pediatric skeleton. This article will review common causes of hip and pelvic musculoskeletal pain in the pediatric population

Plastisol Foaming Process. Decomposition of the Foaming Agent, Polymer Behavior in the Corresponding Temperature Range and Resulting Foam Properties

The decomposition of azodicarbonamide, used as foaming agent in PVC - plasticizer (1/1) plastisols was studied by DSC. Nineteen different plasticizers, all belonging to the ester family, two being polymeric (polyadipates), were compared. The temperature of maximum decomposition rate (in anisothermal regime at 5 K min-1 scanning rate), ranges between 434 and 452 K. The heat of decomposition ranges between 8.7 and 12.5 J g -1. Some trends of variation of these parameters appear significant and are discussed in terms of solvent (matrix) and viscosity effects on the decomposition reactions. The shear modulus at 1 Hz frequency was determined at the temperature of maximum rate of foaming agent decomposition, and differs significantly from a sample to another. The foam density was determined at ambient temperature and the volume fraction of bubbles was used as criterion to judge the efficiency of the foaming process. The results reveal the existence of an optimal shear modulus of the order of 2 kPa that corresponds roughly to plasticizer molar masses of the order of 450 ± 50 g mol-1. Heavier plasticizers, especially polymeric ones are too difficult to deform. Lighter plasticizers such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) deform too easily and presumably facilitate bubble collapse