Abstract: We explore the classical setting for the U(N) framework for SU(2) intertwiners for loop quantum gravity and describe the corresponding phase space in terms of spinors with the appropriate constraints. We show how its quantization leads back to the standard Hilbert space of intertwiner states defined as holomorphic functionals. We then explain how to glue these intertwiners states in order to construct spin network states as wavefunctions on the spinor phase space. In particular, we translate the usual loop gravity holonomy observables to our classical framework. Finally, we propose how to derive our phase space structure from an action principle which induces non-trivial dynamics for the spin network states. We conclude by applying explicitly our framework to states living on the simple 2-vertex graph and discuss the properties of the resulting Hamiltonian.

Abstract: We examine the extent to which it is possible to realize the NMSSM “ideal Higgs” models espoused in several papers by Gunion et al. in the context of partially universal GUT scale boundary conditions. To this end we use the powerful methodology of nested sampling. We pay particular attention to whether ideal-Higgs-like points not only pass LEP constraints but are also acceptable in terms of the numerous constraints now available, including those from the Tevatron and B-factory data, (g – 2)(mu) and the relic density Omega h(2). In general for this particular methodology and range of parameters chosen, very few points corresponding to said previous studies were found, and those that were found were at best 2 sigma away from the preferred relic density value. Instead, there exist a class of points, which combine a mostly singlet-like Higgs with a mostly singlino-like neutralino coannihilating with the lightest stau, that are able to effectively pass all implemented constraints in the region 80 < m(h) < 100. It seems that the spin-independent direct detection cross section acts as a key discriminator between ideal Higgs points and the hard to detect singlino-like points.

Abstract: We discuss the possibility and the description of bound states between B and (B) over bar* mesons. We argue that the existence of such a bound state can be deduced from (i) the weakly bound X(3872) state, (ii) certain assumptions about the short-range dynamics of the D (D) over bar* system and (iii) heavy quark symmetry. From these assumptions the binding energy of the possible B (B) over bar* bound states is determined, first in a theory containing only contact interactions which serves as a straightforward illustration of the method, and then the effects of including the one-pion exchange potential are discussed. In this latter case three isoscalar states are predicted: a positive and negative C-parity (3)S(1) – (3)D(1) state with a binding energy of 20 MeV and 6 MeV below threshold, respectively, and a positive C-parity (3)P(0) shallow state located almost at the B (B) over bar* threshold. However, large uncertainties are generated as a consequence of the 1/m(Q) corrections from heavy quark symmetry. Finally, the newly discovered isovector Z(b)(10610) state can be easily accommodated within the present framework by a minor modification of the short-range dynamics.