Non-linear sigma-models in noncommutative geometry: fields with values in finite spaces

We study sigma-models on noncommutative spaces, notably on noncommutative tori. We construct instanton solutions carrying a nontrivial topological charge q and satisfying a Belavin-Polyakov bound. The moduli space of these instantons is conjectured to consists of an ordinary torus endowed with a complex structure times a projective space $CP^{q-1}$.Comment: Latex, 10 page

Asymptotic structure of perturbative series for τ\tau lepton decay observables: ms2m_s^2 corrections

In a previous paper we performed an analysis of asymptotic structure of perturbation theory series for semileptonic $\tau$-lepton decays in massless limit. We extend our analysis to the Cabibbo suppressed $\Delta S=1$ decay modes of the $\tau$ lepton. In particular we address the problem of $m_s^2$ corrections to theoretical formulas. The properties of the asymptotic behavior of the finite order perturbation theory series for the coefficient functions of the $m_s^2$ corrections are studied.Comment: 25 page

Determination of the strange quark mass from Cabibbo-suppressed tau decays with resummed perturbation theory in an effective scheme

We present an analysis of the m_s^2-corrections to Cabibbo-suppressed tau lepton decays employing contour improved resummation within an effective scheme which is an essential new feature as compared to previous analyses. The whole perturbative QCD dynamics of the tau-system is described by the beta-function of the effective coupling constant and by two gamma-functions for the effective mass parameters of the strange quark in different spin channels. We analyze the stability of our results with regard to high-order terms in the perturbative expansion of the renormalization group functions. A numerical value for the strange quark mass in the MS scheme is extracted m_s(M_\tau)=130\pm 27_{exp}\pm 9_{th} MeV. After running to the scale 1 GeV this translates into m_s(1 GeV)=176 \pm 37_{exp}\pm 13_{th} MeV.Comment: 32 pages, latex, 4 postscript figures, revised version to appear in European Physical Journal C, discussion of the choice of the moments added, some errors correcte

Asymptotic structure of perturbative series for tau lepton observables

We analyze tau lepton decay observables, namely moments of the hadronic spectral density in the finite energy interval (0,M_\tau), within finite order perturbation theory including \alpha_s^4 corrections. The start of asymptotic growth of perturbation theory series is found at this order in a scheme invariant manner. We establish the ultimate accuracy of finite order perturbation theory predictions and discuss the construction of optimal observables.Comment: 21 page

On the noncommutative standard model

We propose a pedestrian review of the noncommutative standard model in its present state.Comment: dedicated to Alain Connes on the occasion of his 60th birthda

Renormalization group-like proof of the universality of the Tutte polynomial for matroids

In this paper we give a new proof of the universality of the Tutte polynomial for matroids. This proof uses appropriate characters of Hopf algebra of matroids, algebra introduced by Schmitt (1994). We show that these Hopf algebra characters are solutions of some differential equations which are of the same type as the differential equations used to describe the renormalization group flow in quantum field theory. This approach allows us to also prove, in a different way, a matroid Tutte polynomial convolution formula published by Kook, Reiner and Stanton (1999). This FPSAC contribution is an extended abstract.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, conference proceedings, 25th International Conference on Formal Power Series and Algebraic Combinatorics, Paris, France, June 201

Changes in the morphology of the acinar cells of the rat pancreas in the oedematous and necrotic types of experimental acute pancreatitis

Limited experimental models of the oedematous and necrotic types of acute pancreatitis provide some understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. Wistar rats were treated with cerulein at 10 mg/kg of body weight or with L-arginine at 1.5 or 3 g/kg of body weight in order to induce the oedematous or necrotic type of acute pancreatitis. After the induction period we examined samples of pancreata with light and electron microscopes. Morphological examination showed profound changes in the histology of the pancreas and its acinar cells and subcellular structures, especially in the group of rats which received a higher dose of L-arginine, amounting to 3 g/kg body weight. These included parenchymal haemorrhage and widespread acinar cell necrotic changes. 4-OH-TEMPO successfully prevented morphological deterioration as well as amylase release, suggesting that the severity of the two types of disease strongly depends on the intensity of the oxidative stress. Our results lend support to the assumption that reactive oxygen species play an axial role in the pathogenesis of both types of acute pancreatitis

Location and Direction Dependent Effects in Collider Physics from Noncommutativity

We examine the leading order noncommutative corrections to the differential and total cross sections for e+ e- --> q q-bar. After averaging over the earth's rotation, the results depend on the latitude for the collider, as well as the direction of the incoming beam. They also depend on scale and direction of the noncommutativity. Using data from LEP, we exclude regions in the parameter space spanned by the noncommutative scale and angle relative to the earth's axis. We also investigate possible implications for phenomenology at the future International Linear Collider.Comment: version to appear in PR

The form factors existing in the b->s g^* decay and the possible CP violating effects in the noncommutative standard model

We study the form factors appearing in the inclusive decay b -> s g^*, in the framework of the noncommutative standard model. Here g^* denotes the virtual gluon. We get additional structures and the corresponding form factors in the noncommutative geometry. We analyse the dependencies of the form factors to the parameter p\Theta k where p (k) are the four momenta of incoming (outgoing) b quark (virtual gluon g^*, \Theta is a parameter which measures the noncommutativity of the geometry. We see that the form factors are weaklyComment: 8 pages, 7 figure

Experimental investigation on the bending behaviour of hybrid and steel thin walled box beams—The role of adhesive joints

In the automotive design, nowadays there are two fundamental drivers. On one hand there are the environmental problems, on the other hand there are the safety matters. Within this contest, the weight reduction has become a key driver in the design of vehicles and it is necessary to consider and to study the use of nonconventional materials taking advantage from their high potential of weight reduction and energy absorption capability. In this perspective, the aim of this work is the study of the structural behaviour of box beams by means of a series of three points bending tests. The examined cross sections are those typically used in automotive construction. Different type of materials (steel, composite) and joining technologies (adhesive, spot weld) have been examined, considering different configurations. The work put in evidence the advantages coming from the use of adhesive, which allows structures with important weight reduction and better mechanical properties than traditional joining solution