Gender Identities and Feminism

Many feminists (e.g. T. Bettcher and B. R. George) argue for a principle of first person authority (FPA) about gender, i.e. that we should (at least) not disavow people's gender self-categorisations. However, there is a feminist tradition resistant to FPA about gender, which I call "radical feminism”. Feminists in this tradition define gender-categories via biological sex, thus denying non-binary and trans self-identifications. Using a taxonomy by B. R. George, I begin to demystify the concept of gender. We are also able to use the taxonomy to model various feminist approaches. It becomes easier to see how conceptualisations ofgender which allow for FPA often do not allow for understanding female subjugation as being rooted in reproductive biology. I put forward a conceptual scheme: radical FPA feminism. If we accept FPA, but also radical feminist concerns, radical FPA feminism is an attractive way of conceptualising gender

Transitions between nonsymmetric and symmetric steady states near a triple eigenvalue

We examine the existence of nonuniform steady-state solutions of a certain class of reaction-diffusion equations. Our analysis concentrates on the case where the first bifurcation is near a triple eigenvalue. We derive the conditions for a continuous transition between nonsymmetric and symmetric solutions when the bifurcation parameter progressively increases from zero. Finally, we give an example of a four variables model which presents the possibility of a triple eigenvalue

Imperfect Bifurcation Near a Double Eigenvalue: Transitions Between Nonsymmetric and Symmetric Patterns

We examine the existence of nonsymmetric and symmetric steady state solutions of a general class of reaction-diffusion equations. Our study consists of two parts: (i) By analyzing the bifurcation from a uniform reference state to nonuniform regimes, we demonstrate the existence of a unique symmetric solution (basic wave number two) which becomes linearly stable when it surpasses a critical amplitude. (We assume that the first bifurcation point corresponds to the emergence of the simplest nonsymmetric steady state solutions.) (ii) This result is not affected when a parameter is nonuniformly distributed in the system. However, one of the two possible branches of nonsymmetric solutions may disappear from the bifurcation diagram. Our analysis is motivated by the fact that experimental observations of pattern transitions during morphogenesis are interpreted in terms of the dynamics of stable concentration gradients. We have shown that in addition to the values of the physico-chemical parameters, these structures can be selected by two different mechanisms: (i) the linear stability of the nonuniform patterns, (ii) the effects of a small and nonuniform variation of a parameter in the spatial domain

Vector-valued covariant differential operators for the M\"obius transformation

We obtain a family of functional identities satisfied by vector-valued functions of two variables and their geometric inversions. For this we introduce particular differential operators of arbitrary order attached to Gegenbauer polynomials. These differential operators are symmetry breaking for the pair of Lie groups $(SL(2,\mathbb C), SL(2,\mathbb R))$ that arise from conformal geometry.Comment: To appear in Springer Proceedings in Mathematics and Statistic

Excited Baryons in Large NcN_c QCD

This talk reviews recent developments in the use of large $N_c$ QCD in the description of baryonic resonances. The emphasis is on the model-independent nature of the approach. Key issues discussed include the spin-flavor symmetry which emerges at large $N_c$ and the direct use of scattering observables. The connection to quark model approaches is stressed.Comment: Talk at "Baryons 04", Palaiseau, October 200

Financial and Health Burdens of Chronic Conditions Grow

Points to rising rates of chronic conditions and obesity; growing numbers of patients with problems paying medical bills, even with insurance; and contributing factors such as declining private coverage and delays in accessing care. Outlines implications