Spectral geometry of κ\kappa-Minkowski space

After recalling Snyder's idea of using vector fields over a smooth manifold as `coordinates on a noncommutative space', we discuss a two dimensional toy-model whose `dual' noncommutative coordinates form a Lie algebra: this is the well known $\kappa$-Minkowski space. We show how to improve Snyder's idea using the tools of quantum groups and noncommutative geometry. We find a natural representation of the coordinate algebra of $\kappa$-Minkowski as linear operators on an Hilbert space study its `spectral properties' and discuss how to obtain a Dirac operator for this space. We describe two Dirac operators. The first is associated with a spectral triple. We prove that the cyclic integral of M. Dimitrijevic et al. can be obtained as Dixmier trace associated to this triple. The second Dirac operator is equivariant for the action of the quantum Euclidean group, but it has unbounded commutators with the algebra.Comment: 23 pages, expanded versio

Dirac Operators on Quantum Projective Spaces

We construct a family of self-adjoint operators D_N which have compact resolvent and bounded commutators with the coordinate algebra of the quantum projective space CP_q(l), for any l>1 and 0<q<1. They provide 0^+ dimensional equivariant even spectral triples. If l is odd and N=(l+1)/2, the spectral triple is real with KO-dimension 2l mod 8.Comment: 54 pages, no figures, dcpic, pdflate

Maize Nitrogen Use Efficiency: QTL Mapping in a U.S. Dent x Argentine-Caribbean Flint RILs population

This study was aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for nitrogen use efficiency(NUE) and related traits in a maize population derived from a cross between two lines with different genetic background (B100 and LP2). Recombinant inbred lines (181) from this population were evaluated under fieldconditions during two growing seasons, and significant(P < 0.01) phenotypic and genotypic variability was detected for most evaluated traits. Two different mapping methods were applied for detecting QTLs. Firstly, a trait by trait approach was performed on across environments, and 19 QTLs were identified.Secondly, a multi-trait multi-environment analysis detected seven joint QTLs. Almost all joint QTLs had inconsistent additive effects from one environment to another, which would reflectpresence of QTL × Environment interaction. Most joint QTLs co-localized with QTLs detected by indi-vidual mapping. We detected consistent additive effects for grain yield per plant and NUE, as well as for biomass and nitrogen harvest index in some joint QTLs, especially QTL-1 and QTL-6. These QTLs had positive and stable effects across environments, and presence of some genes within these QTL intervals could be relevant for selecting for both NUE and grain yield simultaneously. Up today, this is a firstreport on the co-localization of QTLs for enhan-ced allocation of biomass allocation to grains with NUE, and NUE candidate gene identificaion. Fine mapping of these regions could allow to detect additional markers more closely linked to these QTLs that could be used for marker assisted selection for NUE

Myoblast adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on Human Elastin-Like Polypeptide (HELP) hydrogels

Purpose: The biochemical, mechanical and topographic properties of extracellular matrix are crucially involved in determining skeletal muscle cells morphogenesis, proliferation and differentiation. Human elastin-like polypeptides (HELPs) are recombinant biomimetic proteins designed to mimicking some properties of the native matrix protein; when employed as myoblasts adhesion substrates they stimulate in vitro myogenesis. Given the consequences that biophysical properties of extracellular matrix exert on skeletal muscle cells, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects of HELP hydrogels on myoblasts viability and functions. Methods: We recently synthesized a novel polypeptide, HELPc, by fusing the elastin-like backbone to a 41aa stretch present in the α2 chain of type IV collagen, containing two RGD motifs. To obtain hydrogels, the enzymatic cross-linking of the HELPc was accomplished by transglutaminase. Here, we employed both non cross-linked HELPc glass coatings and cross-linked HELPc hydrogels at different monomer density as adhesion substrates for C2C12 cells, used as myoblasts model. Results: By comparing cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, we revealed several striking differences. Depending on support rigidity, adhesion to HELPc substrates dictates cell morphology, spreading, focal adhesions formation and cytoskeletal organization. Hydrogels greatly stimulated cell proliferation, particularly in low serum-medium, and partially inhibited myogenic differentiation. Conclusions: In the whole, the results underline the potentiality of these genetically engineered polypeptides as a tool for dissecting crucial steps in myogenesis

Kernel weight in maize: genetic control of its physiological and compositional determinants in a dent × flint-caribbean RIL population

The genetic control of maize kernel weight (KW) determination could be studied through its physiological and/ or compositional determinants. Our objective was to dissect the genetic control of maize KW by analyzing its physiological (KGR: kernel growth rate; KFD: kernel filling duration) and compositional (protein, oil, starch) determinants in a dent×flint Caribbean RIL population, which combines a broad genetic background with grains of high added value for industry. An additional objective was to determine the stability of the genetic control under contrasting growing conditions, for which soil nitrogen offer was modified across experiments. Heritability (H2) values were high for KW (H2 = 0.74) and intermediate for the other traits (from 0.62 to 0.42). Kernel weight had a strong correlation with KFD (r = 0.69), KGR (r = 0.60) and protein concentration (r = 0.56). Ten joint QTL with inconsistent effects across years and seven epistatic interactions were detected. Despite changes in effect size, most QTL were significant under both environments. Nine QTL were associated with variations in potential KW (KW ), mean KW, KGR and oil concentration, eight with variations in protein and starch concentration and seven with KFD. Epistatic interactions were related to regions with significant main effects. The most important finding was the existence of a common QTL for KW , KGR and KFD on chromosome 5, for which there was no previous report. Results increased our knowledge on the genetic control of KW through its phenotypic and genetic correlation with KFD, confirming the need to explore different physiological strategies in different genetic backgrounds

Quantum Bundle Description of the Quantum Projective Spaces

We realise Heckenberger and Kolb's canonical calculus on quantum projective (n-1)-space as the restriction of a distinguished quotient of the standard bicovariant calculus for Cq[SUn]. We introduce a calculus on the quantum (2n-1)-sphere in the same way. With respect to these choices of calculi, we present quantum projective (N-1)-space as the base space of two different quantum principal bundles, one with total space Cq[SUn], and the other with total space Cq[S^(2n-1)]. We go on to give Cq[CP^n] the structure of a quantum framed manifold. More specifically, we describe the module of one-forms of Heckenberger and Kolb's calculus as an associated vector bundle to the principal bundle with total space Cq[SUn]. Finally, we construct strong connections for both bundles.Comment: 33 pages; minor changes, to appear in Comm. Math. Phy

Differential and holomorphic differential operators on noncommutative algebras

Abstract This paper deals with sheaves of differential operators on noncommutative algebras, in a manner related to the classical theory of D-modules. The sheaves are defined by quotienting the tensor algebra of vector fields (suitably deformed by a covariant derivative). As an example we can obtain enveloping algebra like relations for Hopf algebras with differential structures which are not bicovariant. Symbols of differential operators are defined, but not studied. These sheaves are shown to be in the center of a category of bimodules with flat bimodule covariant derivatives. Also holomorphic differential operators are considered

An innovative approach for migraine prevention in young age: a preliminary study

Headache is one of the commonest conditions to affect children and adolescents in industrialized countries. Effective pharmacological treatments without side effects are still lacking. Ginkgolide B, an herbal constituent extract from ginkgo biloba tree leaves, is a natural antiplatelet activating factor (PAF). PAF is a potent proinflammatory and nociceptive agent released during the inflammation process. Therefore, Ginkgolide B can be considered a promising non-pharmacological tool for treatment of migraine with and without aura. We propose to determine the efficacy of Ginkgolide B as preventive treatment in a group of young patients suffering from migraine without aura. A small sample of 24 young patients suffering from migraine without aura entered the open-label prospective trial. Migraine without aura was diagnosed according to International Headache Society criteria. The treatment was well tolerated and the compliance was good. These preliminary data show that Ginkgolide B seems to be effective as preventive treatment in reducing migraine attack frequency and in attenuating the use of symptomatic medication in our small series of children with primary headache

Personal identity (de)formation among lifestyle travellers: A double-edged sword?

This article explores the personal identity work of lifestyle travellers – individuals for whom extended leisure travel is a preferred lifestyle that they return to repeatedly. Qualitative findings from in-depth semi-structured interviews with lifestyle travellers in northern India and southern Thailand are interpreted in light of theories on identity formation in late modernity that position identity as problematic. It is suggested that extended leisure travel can provide exposure to varied cultural praxes that may contribute to a sense of social saturation. Whilst a minority of the respondents embraced a saturation of personal identity in the subjective formation of a cosmopolitan cultural identity, several of the respondents were paradoxically left with more identity questions than answers as the result of their travels

SN 2009md: Another faint supernova from a low mass progenitor

We present adaptive optics imaging of the core collapse supernova (SN) 2009md, which we use together with archival \emph{Hubble Space Telescope} data to identify a coincident progenitor candidate. We find the progenitor to have an absolute magnitude of $V = -4.63^{+0.3}_{-0.4}$ mag and a colour of $V-I = 2.29^{+0.25}_{-0.39}$ mag, corresponding to a progenitor luminosity of log $L$/L$_{\odot}$ $\sim4.54\pm0.19$ dex. Using the stellar evolution code STARS, we find this to be consistent with a red supergiant progenitor with $M = 8.5_{-1.5}^{+6.5}$ M$_{\odot}$. The photometric and spectroscopic evolution of SN 2009md is similar to that of the class of sub-luminous Type IIP SNe; in this paper we compare the evolution of SN 2009md primarily to that of the sub-luminous SN 2005cs. We estimate the mass of $^{56}$Ni ejected in the explosion to be $(5.4\pm1.3) \times 10^{-3}$ M$_{\odot}$\ from the luminosity on the radioactive tail, which is in agreement with the low $^{56}$Ni masses estimated for other sub-luminous Type IIP SNe. From the lightcurve and spectra, we show the SN explosion had a lower energy and ejecta mass than the normal Type IIP SN 1999em. We discuss problems with stellar evolutionary models, and the discrepancy between low observed progenitor luminosities (log $L$/L$_{\odot}$ $\sim4.3-5$ dex) and model luminosities after the second-dredge-up for stars in this mass range, and consider an enhanced carbon burning rate as a possible solution. In conclusion, SN 2009md is a faint SN arising from the collapse of a progenitor close to the lower mass limit for core-collapse. This is now the third discovery of a low mass progenitor star producing a low energy explosion and low $^{56}$Ni ejected mass, which indicates that such events arise from the lowest end of the mass range that produces a core-collapse supernova (7-8 M$_{\odot}$).Comment: MNRAS accepted, revised version following referee's comment