Light States in Chern-Simons Theory Coupled to Fundamental Matter

Motivated by developments in vectorlike holography, we study SU(N) Chern-Simons theory coupled to matter fields in the fundamental representation on various spatial manifolds. On the spatial torus T^2, we find light states at small `t Hooft coupling \lambda=N/k, where k is the Chern-Simons level, taken to be large. In the free scalar theory the gaps are of order \sqrt {\lambda}/N and in the critical scalar theory and the free fermion theory they are of order \lambda/N. The entropy of these states grows like N Log(k). We briefly consider spatial surfaces of higher genus. Based on results from pure Chern-Simons theory, it appears that there are light states with entropy that grows even faster, like N^2 Log(k). This is consistent with the log of the partition function on the three sphere S^3, which also behaves like N^2 Log(k). These light states require bulk dynamics beyond standard Vasiliev higher spin gravity to explain them.Comment: 58 pages, LaTeX, no figures, Minor error corrected, references added, The main results of the paper have not change

<i>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i> Cytolethal Distending Toxin Induces Cellugyrin-(Synaptogyrin 2) Dependent Cellular Senescence in Oral Keratinocytes

Recently, we reported that oral-epithelial cells (OE) are unique in their response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) in that cell cycle arrest (G2/M) occurs without leading to apoptosis. We now demonstrate that Cdt-induced cell cycle arrest in OE has a duration of at least 7 days with no change in viability. Moreover, toxin-treated OE develops a new phenotype consistent with cellular senescence; this includes increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and accumulation of the lipopigment, lipofuscin. Moreover, the cells exhibit a secretory profile associated with cellular senescence known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which includes IL-6, IL-8 and RANKL. Another unique feature of Cdt-induced OE senescence is disruption of barrier function, as shown by loss of transepithelial electrical resistance and confocal microscopic assessment of primary gingival keratinocyte structure. Finally, we demonstrate that Cdt-induced senescence is dependent upon the host cell protein cellugyrin, a homologue of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptogyrin. Collectively, these observations point to a novel pathogenic outcome in oral epithelium that we propose contributes to both A. actinomycetemcomitans infection and periodontal disease progression

Bonefish in South Florida: status, threats and research needs

Bonefish (Albula vulpes) support a world-renowned fishery in South Florida, USA. However, fishing guides and anglers have been reporting significant declines in bonefish angling quality over that past three decades. In the absence of any long-term bonefish stock and ecosystem assessments, the cause of this decline in the fishery is unclear. Here we summarize our current knowledge of bonefish ecology in Florida and discuss potential causes of fishery decline. Reductions and alterations in freshwater flows from the Everglades have caused major changes in bonefish habitat, including acute (anoxic conditions) and chronic (ch

Banlieue Films Festival (BFF): growing cinephilia and filmmaking in Senegal

This article examines small film festivals in the socio-cultural context of Senegal. Through the case study of the Banlieue Films Festival (BFF) in Dakar, founded in 2013 by Abdel Aziz Boye, I analyse the crucial role of festivals in strengthening the film industry, fostering cinephilia and encouraging the practical application of cultural policies. I suggest that contemporary film production, particularly, in the past five years (2015-2020) has been significantly shaped by grassroots initiatives that have eventually been transformed into structures. I also explore the role of “rooted cosmopolitans”, borrowing Kwame Appiah’s term in relation to the figure of Abdel Aziz Boye, who founded Ciné UCAD at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop, in Dakar, Ciné Banlieue, and, upon returning to Senegal from France, the BFF. I discuss BFF’s various forms of legacy, concluding that it has been an active agent in forging a new cinephilia and inspiring a wave of young filmmakers in Senegal

Elevated polygenic burden for autism is associated with differential DNA methylation at birth.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. The etiology of ASD involves both inherited and environmental risk factors, with epigenetic processes hypothesized as one mechanism by which both genetic and non-genetic variation influence gene regulation and pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify DNA methylation biomarkers of ASD detectable at birth.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on the Additional Link above to access the full-text via the publisher's site