Commutative limit of a renormalizable noncommutative model

Renormalizable $\phi^{\star 4}_4$ models on Moyal space have been obtained by modifying the commutative propagator. But these models have a divergent "naive" commutative limit. We explain here how to obtain a coherent such commutative limit for a recently proposed translation-invariant model. The mechanism relies on the analysis of the uv/ir mixing in general Feynman graphs.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, minor misprints being correcte

Overview of the parametric representation of renormalizable non-commutative field theory

We review here the parametric representation of Feynman amplitudes of renormalizable non-commutative quantum field models.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, to be published in "Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Super-Group Field Cosmology

In this paper we construct a model for group field cosmology. The classical equations of motion for the non-interactive part of this model generate the Hamiltonian constraint of loop quantum gravity for a homogeneous isotropic universe filled with a scalar matter field. The interactions represent topology changing processes that occurs due to joining and splitting of universes. These universes in the multiverse are assumed to obey both bosonic and fermionic statistics, and so a supersymmetric multiverse is constructed using superspace formalism. We also introduce gauge symmetry in this model. The supersymmetry and gauge symmetry are introduced at the level of third quantized fields, and not the second quantized ones. This is the first time that supersymmetry has been discussed at the level of third quantized fields.Comment: 14 pages, 0 figures, accepted for publication in Class. Quant. Gra

EPRL/FK Group Field Theory

The purpose of this short note is to clarify the Group Field Theory vertex and propagators corresponding to the EPRL/FK spin foam models and to detail the subtraction of leading divergences of the model.Comment: 20 pages, 2 figure

On the Effective Action of Noncommutative Yang-Mills Theory

We compute here the Yang-Mills effective action on Moyal space by integrating over the scalar fields in a noncommutative scalar field theory with harmonic term, minimally coupled to an external gauge potential. We also explain the special regularisation scheme chosen here and give some links to the Schwinger parametric representation. Finally, we discuss the results obtained: a noncommutative possibly renormalisable Yang-Mills theory.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures. At the occasion of the "International Conference on Noncommutative Geometry and Physics", April 2007, Orsay (France). To appear in J. Phys. Conf. Se

On Non-Commutative U*(1) Gauge Models and Renormalizability

Based on our recent findings regarding (non-)renormalizability of non-commutative U*(1) gauge theories [arxiv:0908.0467, arxiv:0908.1743] we present the construction of a new type of model. By introducing a soft breaking term in such a way that only the bilinear part of the action is modified, no interaction between the gauge sector and auxiliary fields occurs. Demanding in addition that the latter form BRST doublet structures, this leads to a minimally altered non-commutative U*(1) gauge model featuring an IR damping behavior. Moreover, the new breaking term is shown to provide the necessary structure in order to absorb the inevitable quadratic IR divergences appearing at one-loop level in theories of this kind. In the present paper we compute Feynman rules, symmetries and results for the vacuum polarization together with the one-loop renormalization of the gauge boson propagator and the three-point functions.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figures; v2-v4: clarified several points, and minor correction

Diamond deposition on modified silicon substrates: Making diamond atomic force microscopy tips for nanofriction experiments

Fine-crystalline diamond particles are grown on standard Si atomic force microscopy tips, using hot filament-assisted chemical vapor deposition. To optimize the conditions for diamond deposition, first a series of experiments is carried out using silicon substrates covered by point-topped pyramids as obtained by wet chemical etching. The apexes and the edges of the silicon pyramids provide favorable sites for diamond nucleation and growth. The investigation of the deposited polycrystallites is done by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The resulting diamond-terminated tips are tested in ultra high vacuum using contact-mode atomic force microscope on a stepped surface of sapphire showing high stability, sharpness, and hardnes

Operator Spin Foam Models

The goal of this paper is to introduce a systematic approach to spin foams. We define operator spin foams, that is foams labelled by group representations and operators, as the main tool. An equivalence relation we impose in the set of the operator spin foams allows to split the faces and the edges of the foams. The consistency with that relation requires introduction of the (familiar for the BF theory) face amplitude. The operator spin foam models are defined quite generally. Imposing a maximal symmetry leads to a family we call natural operator spin foam models. This symmetry, combined with demanding consistency with splitting the edges, determines a complete characterization of a general natural model. It can be obtained by applying arbitrary (quantum) constraints on an arbitrary BF spin foam model. In particular, imposing suitable constraints on Spin(4) BF spin foam model is exactly the way we tend to view 4d quantum gravity, starting with the BC model and continuing with the EPRL or FK models. That makes our framework directly applicable to those models. Specifically, our operator spin foam framework can be translated into the language of spin foams and partition functions. We discuss the examples: BF spin foam model, the BC model, and the model obtained by application of our framework to the EPRL intertwiners.Comment: 19 pages, 11 figures, RevTex4.

West Nile Virus Encephalitis and Myocarditis in Wolf and Dog

In the third season (2002) of the West Nile virus epidemic in the United States, two canids (wolf and dog) were diagnosed with West Nile virus encephalitis and myocarditis with similarities to known affected species (humans, horses, and birds). The West Nile virus infections were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction