Local charges in involution and hierarchies in integrable sigma-models

Integrable σ-models, such as the principal chiral model, ℤT-coset models for T∈ℤ≥2 and their various integrable deformations, are examples of non-ultralocal integrable field theories described by (cyclotomic) r/s-systems with twist function. In this general setting, and when the Lie algebra 픤 underlying the r/s-system is of classical type, we construct an infinite algebra of local conserved charges in involution, extending the approach of Evans, Hassan, MacKay and Mountain developed for the principal chiral model and symmetric space σ-model. In the present context, the local charges are attached to certain `regular' zeros of the twist function and have increasing degrees related to the exponents of the untwisted affine Kac-Moody algebra 픤ˆ associated with 픤. The Hamiltonian flows of these charges are shown to generate an infinite hierarchy of compatible integrable equations

A unifying 2d action for integrable σ-models from 4d Chern-Simons theory

In the approach recently proposed by K. Costello and M. Yamazaki, which is based on a four-dimensional variant of Chern-Simons theory, we derive a simple and unifying two-dimensional form for the action of many integrable $\sigma$-models which are known to admit descriptions as affine Gaudin models. This includes both the Yang-Baxter deformation and the $\lambda$-deformation of the principal chiral model. We also give an interpretation of Poisson-Lie $T$-duality in this setting and derive the action of the $\mathsf{E}$-model.Comment: 37 page

Low Energy Effective Action in N=2 Yang-Mills as an Integrated Anomaly

Based on chiral ring relations and anomalies, as described by Cachazo, Douglas, Seiberg and Witten, we argue that the holomorphic effective action in N=2 Yang-Mills theory can be understood as an integrated U(1) anomaly from a purely field theory point of view. In particular, we show that the periods of the Riemann surface arising from the generalized Konishi anomaly can be given a physical interpretation without referring to special geometry. We also discuss consequences for the multi-instanton calculus in N=2 Yang-Mills theory.Comment: 25 pages, 2 figures ; v2: reference adde

Integrable coupled sigma-models

A systematic procedure for constructing classical integrable field theories with arbitrarily many free parameters is outlined. It is based on the recent interpretation of integrable field theories as realisations of affine Gaudin models. In this language, one can associate integrable field theories with affine Gaudin models having arbitrarily many sites. We present the result of applying this general procedure to couple together an arbitrary number of principal chiral model fields on the same Lie group, each with a Wess-Zumino term

Assembling integrable sigma-models as affine Gaudin models

International audienceWe explain how to obtain new classical integrable field theories by assembling two affine Gaudin models into a single one. We show that the resulting affine Gaudin model depends on a parameter γ in such a way that the limit γ → 0 corresponds to the decoupling limit. Simple conditions ensuring Lorentz invariance are also presented. A first application of this method for σ-models leads to the action announced in [1] and which couples an arbitrary number N of principal chiral model fields on the same Lie group, each with a Wess-Zumino term. The affine Gaudin model descriptions of various integrable σ-models that can be used as elementary building blocks in the assembling construction are then given. This is in particular used in a second application of the method which consists in assembling N − 1 copies of the principal chiral model each with a Wess-Zumino term and one homogeneous Yang-Baxter deformation of the principal chiral model

Chronic administration of P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ-47965567 delays disease onset and progression, and improves motor performance in ALS SOD1 (G93A) female mice

Neuroinflammation is one of the main physiopathological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), produced by the chronic activation of microglia in the CNS. This process is triggered by the persistent activation of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2RX7, hereafter referred to as P2X7R). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the chronic treatment with the P2X7R antagonist JNJ-47965567 in the development and progression of ALS in the SOD1 murine model. SOD1 mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with either 30 mg/kg of JNJ-47965567 or vehicle 4 times per week, from pre-onset age (here, postnatal day 60; P60) until study endpoint. Body weight, motor coordination, phenotypic score, disease onset and survival were measured throughout the study, and compared between vehicle- and drug-injected groups. Treatment with the P2X7R antagonist JNJ-47965567 delayed disease onset, reduced body weight loss and improved motor coordination and phenotypic score in female SOD1 mice, although it did not increase lifespan. Interestingly, neither beneficial nor detrimental effects were observed in males in any of the analyzed parameters. Treatment did not affect motor neuron survival or ChAT, Iba-1 and P2X7R protein expression in endpoint individuals of mixed sexes. Overall, chronic administration of JNJ-47965567 for 4 times per week to SOD1 mice from pre-onset stage altered disease progression in female individuals while it did not have any effect in males. Our results suggest a partial, yet important, effect of P2X7R in the development and progression of ALS. G93A G93A G93A G93AThis project was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 766124; the Spanish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (SAF2016-78892R); and Fundación Teófilo Hernando

Ultralocal Lax connection for para-complex Z_T-cosets

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Superfield Noether Procedure

We develop a superspace Noether procedure for supersymmetric field theories in 4-dimensions for which an off-shell formulation in ordinary superspace exists. In this way we obtain an elegant and compact derivation of the various supercurrents in these theories. We then apply this formalism to compute the central charges for a variety of effective actions. As a by-product we also obtain a simple derivation of the anomalous superconformal Ward-identity in N=2 Yang-Mills theory. The connection with linearized supergravity is also discussed.Comment: 47 pages, Latex, improved pedagogical presentation and references adde

Results from the 2nd Scientific Workshop of the ECCO (I): Impact of mucosal healing on the course of inflammatory bowel disease

AbstractOver the past years, mucosal healing has emerged as a major therapeutic goal in clinical trials in inflammatory bowel diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates that mucosal healing may change the natural course of the disease by decreasing the need for surgery and reducing hospitalization rates in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Mucosal healing may also prevent the development of long-term disease complications, such as bowel damage in Crohn's disease and colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis. Histologic healing may be the ultimate therapeutic goal in ulcerative colitis, whereas its impact on the course of Crohn's disease is unknown. Complete mucosal healing may be required before considering drug withdrawal. Targeting early Crohn's disease is more effective than approaches aimed at healing mucosa in longstanding disease. Several questions remain to be answered: should mucosal healing be systematically used in clinical practice? Should we optimize therapies to achieve mucosal healing? What is the degree of intestinal healing that is required to change the disease course? Large prospective studies addressing these issues are needed