Path integrals in Snyder space

The definition of path integrals in one- and two-dimensional Snyder space is discussed in detail both in the traditional setting and in the first-order formalism of Faddeev and Jackiw.Comment: 10 page

Quantum field theory in generalised Snyder spaces

We discuss the generalisation of the Snyder model that includes all possible deformations of the Heisenberg algebra compatible with Lorentz invariance and investigate its properties. We calculate peturbatively the law of addition of momenta and the star product in the general case. We also undertake the construction of a scalar field theory on these noncommutative spaces showing that the free theory is equivalent to the commutative one, like in other models of noncommutative QFT.Comment: 12 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1608.0620

Snyder dynamics in Schwarzschild spacetime

We calculate the orbits of a particle in Schwarzschild spacetime, assuming that the dynamics is governed by a Snyder symplectic structure. With this assumption, the perihelion shift of the planets acquires an additional contribution with respect to the one predicted by general relativity. Moreover, the equivalence principle is violated. If one assumes that Snyder mechanics is valid also for macroscopic systems, these results impose strong constraints on the value of the coupling parameter of the Snyder model

Venipuncture activates the cerebral cortex in children with intellectual disability

To evaluate the pattern of cortical activation during a painful procedure, such as a venipuncture, in children with intellectual disability and compare it with that of cognitively healthy children. Study design and setting A cohort study was conducted and cortical activation was assessed by multichannel cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor variations in oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin (Hbb) in children with and without intellectual disability during a venipuncture for blood sampling with topical anaesthesia. Pain and distress were assessed as well using different validated pain scales (visual analogue scale and Non-Communicating Children's Pain Checklist-Postoperative Version for children with intellectual disability), and compared between groups. Participants 16 children with severe to profound intellectual disability and 20 cognitively healthy peers (age range: 4-17 years). Results When Hbb was analysed, children with intellectual disability exhibited a bilateral activation of the somatosensory (p<0.006) and right motor cortex (p=0.0045), whereas cognitively healthy peers never showed a cortical activation. Children with intellectual disability also showed more pain than controls (p=0.001). Conclusions When subjected to a painful procedure, only children with intellectual disability show an activation of the cerebral cortex, even if topical anaesthesia is applied, and express more pain than cognitively healthy peers. The role of other issues in painful procedures, such as anxiety, fear or physical restraint, deserves further investigation