Exactly solvable models of adaptive networks

A satisfiability (SAT-UNSAT) transition takes place for many optimization problems when the number of constraints, graphically represented by links between variables nodes, is brought above some threshold. If the network of constraints is allowed to adapt by redistributing its links, the SAT-UNSAT transition may be delayed and preceded by an intermediate phase where the structure self-organizes to satisfy the constraints. We present an analytic approach, based on the recently introduced cavity method for large deviations, which exactly describes the two phase transitions delimiting this adaptive intermediate phase. We give explicit results for random bond models subject to the connectivity or rigidity percolation transitions, and compare them with numerical simulations.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Phase transitions of quasistationary states in the Hamiltonian Mean Field model

The out-of-equilibrium dynamics of the Hamiltonian Mean Field (HMF) model is studied in presence of an externally imposed magnetic field h. Lynden-Bell's theory of violent relaxation is revisited and shown to adequately capture the system dynamics, as revealed by direct Vlasov based numerical simulations in the limit of vanishing field. This includes the existence of an out-of-equilibrium phase transition separating magnetized and non magnetized phases. We also monitor the fluctuations in time of the magnetization, which allows us to elaborate on the choice of the correct order parameter when challenging the performance of Lynden-Bell's theory. The presence of the field h removes the phase transition, as it happens at equilibrium. Moreover, regions with negative susceptibility are numerically found to occur, in agreement with the predictions of the theory.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure

Algebraic damping in the one-dimensional Vlasov equation

We investigate the asymptotic behavior of a perturbation around a spatially non homogeneous stable stationary state of a one-dimensional Vlasov equation. Under general hypotheses, after transient exponential Landau damping, a perturbation evolving according to the linearized Vlasov equation decays algebraically with the exponent -2 and a well defined frequency. The theoretical results are successfully tested against numerical $N$-body simulations, corresponding to the full Vlasov dynamics in the large $N$ limit, in the case of the Hamiltonian mean-field model. For this purpose, we use a weighted particles code, which allows us to reduce finite size fluctuations and to observe the asymptotic decay in the $N$-body simulations.Comment: 26 pages, 8 figures; text slightly modified, references added, typos correcte

Large deviation techniques applied to systems with long-range interactions

We discuss a method to solve models with long-range interactions in the microcanonical and canonical ensemble. The method closely follows the one introduced by Ellis, Physica D 133, 106 (1999), which uses large deviation techniques. We show how it can be adapted to obtain the solution of a large class of simple models, which can show ensemble inequivalence. The model Hamiltonian can have both discrete (Ising, Potts) and continuous (HMF, Free Electron Laser) state variables. This latter extension gives access to the comparison with dynamics and to the study of non-equilibri um effects. We treat both infinite range and slowly decreasing interactions and, in particular, we present the solution of the alpha-Ising model in one-dimension with $0\leq\alpha<1$

How should we define STAT3 as an oncogene and as a potential target for therapy?

Aberrant activation of the STAT3 transcription factor has been reported in a large group of tumors and a strong biological basis now defines this protein as an oncogenic driver. Consequently, STAT3 is considered to be a promising target in the field of cancer therapy. For its inhibition to result in a successful therapeutic approach, the definition of a target tumor population identified by specific and detectable alterations is critical. The canonical activation model of STAT3 relies on a constitutive phosphorylation on its 705 tyrosine site, resulting in its dimerization, nuclear translocation, and the consequent activation of cancer genes. Therefore, it is expected that tumors expressing this phosphorylated form are addicted to STAT3 and will be sensitive to existing drugs which are targeting this dimeric form. However, recent results have shown that STAT3 can function as an oncogene in the absence of this tyrosine phosphorylation. This indicates that different forms of the transcription factor also play an important role in tumor growth and chemotherapy resistance. This complicates the definition of STAT3 as an oncogene and as a potential prognosis and predictive biomarker. The obligation to target a defined tumor type implies that future clinical trials should use a precise definition of STAT3 activation. This will allow tumors addicted to this oncogene to be identified correctly, leading to a strong rationale for patient stratification

Long-range gravitational-like interaction in a neutral atomic cold gas

A quasi-resonant laser induces a long-range attractive force within a cloud of cold atoms. We take advantage of this force to build in the laboratory a system of particles with a one-dimensional gravitational-like interaction, at a fluid level of modeling. We give experimental evidences of such an interaction in a cold Strontium gas, studying the density profile of the cloud, its size as a function of the number of atoms, and its breathing oscillations.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. Published in PRA 87, 013401 (2013

Ensemble Inequivalence in the Spherical Spin Glass Model with Nonlinear Interactions

We investigate the ensemble inequivalence of the spherical spin glass model with nonlinear interactions of polynomial order $p$. This model is solved exactly for arbitrary $p$ and is shown to have first-order phase transitions between the paramagnetic and spin glass or ferromagnetic phases for $p \geq 5$. In the parameter region around the first-order transitions, the solutions give different results depending on the ensemble used for the analysis. In particular, we observe that the microcanonical specific heat can be negative and the phase may not be uniquely determined by the temperature.Comment: 15 pages, 10 figure