1,311 research outputs found
Group Field Theory: An overview
We give a brief overview of the properties of a higher dimensional
generalization of matrix model which arises naturally in the context of a
background independent approach to quantum gravity, the so called group field
theory. We show that this theory leads to a natural proposal for the physical
scalar product of quantum gravity. We also show in which sense this theory
provides a third quantization point of view on quantum gravity.Comment: 10 page
Plebanski Theory and Covariant Canonical Formulation
We establish an equivalence between the Hamiltonian formulation of the
Plebanski action for general relativity and the covariant canonical formulation
of the Hilbert-Palatini action. This is done by comparing the symplectic
structures of the two theories through the computation of Dirac brackets. We
also construct a shifted connection with simplified Dirac brackets, playing an
important role in the covariant loop quantization program, in the Plebanski
framework. Implications for spin foam models are also discussed.Comment: 18 page
Consistently Solving the Simplicity Constraints for Spinfoam Quantum Gravity
We give an independent derivation of the Engle-Pereira-Rovelli spinfoam model
for quantum gravity which recently appeared in [arXiv:0705.2388]. Using the
coherent state techniques introduced earlier in [arXiv:0705.0674], we show that
the EPR model realizes a consistent imposition of the simplicity constraints
implementing general relativity from a topological BF theory.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, v2: typos correcte
Projected Spin Networks for Lorentz connection: Linking Spin Foams and Loop Gravity
In the search for a covariant formulation for Loop Quantum Gravity, spin
foams have arised as the corresponding discrete space-time structure and, among
the different models, the Barrett-Crane model seems the most promising. Here,
we study its boundary states and introduce cylindrical functions on both the
Lorentz connection and the time normal to the studied hypersurface. We call
them projected cylindrical functions and we explain how they would naturally
arise in a covariant formulation of Loop Quantum Gravity.Comment: Latex, 15 page
On the perturbative expansion of a quantum field theory around a topological sector
The idea of treating general relativistic theories in a perturbative
expansion around a topological theory has been recently put forward in the
quantum gravity literature. Here we investigate the viability of this idea, by
applying it to conventional Yang--Mills theory on flat spacetime. We find that
the expansion around the topological theory coincides with the usual expansion
around the abelian theory, though the equivalence is non-trivial. In this
context, the technique appears therefore to be viable, but not to bring
particularly new insights. Some implications for gravity are discussed.Comment: 7 page
Grasping rules and semiclassical limit of the geometry in the Ponzano-Regge model
We show how the expectation values of geometrical quantities in 3d quantum
gravity can be explicitly computed using grasping rules. We compute the volume
of a labelled tetrahedron using the triple grasping. We show that the large
spin expansion of this value is dominated by the classical expression, and we
study the next to leading order quantum corrections.Comment: 18 pages, 1 figur
Adult Neural Stem Cell Regulation by Small Non-coding RNAs: Physiological Significance and Pathological Implications
The adult neurogenic niches are complex multicellular systems, receiving regulatory input from a multitude of intracellular, juxtacrine, and paracrine signals and biological pathways. Within the niches, adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) generate astrocytic and neuronal progeny, with the latter predominating in physiological conditions. The new neurons generated from this neurogenic process are functionally linked to memory, cognition, and mood regulation, while much less is known about the functional contribution of aNSC-derived newborn astrocytes and adult-born oligodendrocytes. Accumulating evidence suggests that the deregulation of aNSCs and their progeny can impact, or can be impacted by, aging and several brain pathologies, including neurodevelopmental and mood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and also by insults, such as epileptic seizures, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Hence, understanding the regulatory underpinnings of aNSC activation, differentiation, and fate commitment could help identify novel therapeutic avenues for a series of pathological conditions. Over the last two decades, small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of NSC fate determination in the adult neurogenic niches. In this review, we synthesize prior knowledge on how sncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), may impact NSC fate determination in the adult brain and we critically assess the functional significance of these events. We discuss the concepts that emerge from these examples and how they could be used to provide a framework for considering aNSC (de)regulation in the pathogenesis and treatment of neurological diseases
Specific heat of Ce_{0.8}La_{0.2}Al_{3} in magnetic fields: a test of the anisotropic Kondo picture
The specific heat C of Ce_{0.8}La_{0.2}Al_{3} has been measured as a function
of temperature T in magnetic fields up to 14 T. A large peak in C at 2.3 K has
recently been ascribed to an anisotropic Kondo effect in this compound. A 14-T
field depresses the temperature of the peak by only 0.2 K, but strongly reduces
its height. The corresponding peak in C/T shifts from 2.1 K at zero field to
1.7 K at 14 T. The extrapolated specific heat coefficient C/T(T->0) increases
with field over the range studied. We show that these trends are inconsistent
with the anisotropic Kondo model.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, ReVTeX + eps
miRNAs are essential for survival and differentiation of newborn neurons but not for expansion of neural progenitors during early neurogenesis in the mouse embryonic neocortex
Neurogenesis during the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex involves a switch of neural stem and progenitor cells from proliferation to differentiation. To explore the possible role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this process, we conditionally ablated Dicer in the developing mouse neocortex using Emx1-Cre, which is specifically expressed in the dorsal telencephalon as early as embryonic day (E) 9.5. Dicer ablation in neuroepithelial cells, which are the primary neural stem and progenitor cells, and in the neurons derived from them, was evident from E10.5 onwards, as ascertained by the depletion of the normally abundant miRNAs miR-9 and miR-124. Dicer ablation resulted in massive hypotrophy of the postnatal cortex and death of the mice shortly after weaning. Analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the Dicer-ablated cortex revealed a marked reduction in radial thickness starting at E13.5, and defective cortical layering postnatally. Whereas the former was due to neuronal apoptosis starting at E12.5, which was the earliest detectable phenotype, the latter reflected dramatic impairment of neuronal differentiation. Remarkably, the primary target cells of Dicer ablation, the neuroepithelial cells, and the neurogenic progenitors derived from them, were unaffected by miRNA depletion with regard to cell cycle progression, cell division, differentiation and viability during the early stage of neurogenesis, and only underwent apoptosis starting at E14.5. Our results support the emerging concept that progenitors are less dependent on miRNAs than their differentiated progeny, and raise interesting perspectives as to the expansion of somatic stem cells
- …