Integrated Calendar

We will present some analytic-algebraic approaches to the eigenvalues of the generator of the quantum Heisenberg ferromagnet; and discuss their relation to the conjecture that it undergoes a phase transition in the temperature in 3d. Based on joint works with Gil Alon, Omer Angel, James Propp and Gidi Amir.

Neutrino physics has entered the precision measurement era in the last years. This talk presents a brief overview on neutrino physics which will include the neutrino postulate, neutrinos puzzles and neutrino oscillation measurements. In addition, the long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment T2K is presented, with its recent disappearance results and its future prospects like running in anti-neutrino beam mode.

Recent measurements of the structure of 12C [1] using an optical readout TPC (O-TPC) [2] and gamma beams allowed the first study of the rotation vibration spectrum of 12C which appears strikingly similar to the spectrum predicted by a new algebraic cluster model [3] employing a geometrical (D3h) symmetry with predicted recurring rotational bands including the states: 0+, 2+, 3-, (degenerate) 4+ and 4-, 5- etc [4,5].
Such structures and symmetries are common in molecular physics, but have been observed in nuclear physics for the first time. This model also allow us to elucidate the structure of the Hoyle state and as such it is in conflict with ab-initio effective field theory calculations on the lattice [5] that predict different structure of the Hoyle state. The calculations on the lattice on the other hand use the Hoyle state to conclude the masses of light quarks and the strength of the electromagnetic interaction (within the anthropic view of the universe).
Extension of this study to the newly constructed ELI-NP gamma ray facility in Bucharest with a Warsaw-UConn electronic readout TPC (eTPC) will be discussed.

iPS-derived cells, primary cells and even immortal cell lines grown in standard 2D culture conditions are valuable tools for basic research, drug discovery and drug safety. However, the selection and detection of active compounds based on such in vitro models has so far been of limited value. Two major limitations could explain this phenomenon. First, monolayer cells do not reflect properly native tissue morphology and second, available relevant readouts are limited. Consequently, there is increasing awareness that the development of cellular models with higher physiological relevance coupled to more informative readouts are prerequisite to improving cell-based assays.

In this context, we have developed several models based on micropattern technology as well as dedicated image analysis that address individually or simultaneously the bottlenecks cited above. Examples of the different applications will be presented with a specific highlight on multi-cellular models where several key cellular features demonstrated higher maturation levels on micropattern compared to conventional 2D cultures. The apparent resuscitation and/or stabilization of cellular functions allowed implementation of innovative readouts that are more relevant to the physiology of the systems, using imaging and High Content Analysis. Furthermore, the micropatterned organ models consist of multiple homogeneous uniform structures per well, facilitating segmentation and identification of features such as width of myotubes for higher throughput automated image analysis.

Alltogether, our work suggests that control of cell adhesion and cell-cell interactions promotes multi-cellular self-organization and enhances overall function, opening up access to novel cellular readouts. Micropatterns offer an opportunity to improve upon 2D cultures of several cellular models, even for cells that are the closest representatives of in vivo functionalities, further upgrading their usefulness for screening and mechanistic investigation of candidate drugs or signaling pathways.