Nonlinear sigma model and Yang-Mills theory through non-critical string
  We consider two-dimensional nonlinear sigma model from the viewpoint of the holography, which has been applied to the study of the Yang-Mills theory, based on the non-critical string theory. We can see the renormalization group flows for both the nonlinear sigma model and the Yang-Mills theory at the same time, and the two theories are intimately related through a kind of dual relation of the coupling constants. We address the running behaviors of these coupling constants and also the asymptotic freedom of the Yang-Mills theory. 
Kazuo Ghoroku