Gravity model for topological features on a cylindrical manifold
  A model aimed at understanding quantum gravity in terms of Birkhoff's approach is discussed. The geometry of this model is constructed by using a winding map of Minkowski space into a $\mathbb{R}^{3} \times S^{1}$-cylinder. The basic field of this model is a field of unit vectors defined through the velocity field of a flow wrapping the cylinder. The degeneration of some parts of the flow into circles (topological features) results in inhomogeneities and gives rise to a scalar field, analogous to the gravitational field. The geometry and dynamics of this field are briefly discussed. We treat the intersections between the topological features and the observer's 3-space as matter particles and argue that these entities are likely to possess some quantum properties. 
Igor Bayak