E7(7) formulation of N=2 backgrounds

In this paper we reformulate N=2 supergravity backgrounds arising in type II string theory in terms of quantities transforming under the U-duality group E7(7). In particular we combine the Ramond--Ramond scalar degrees of freedom together with the O(6,6) pure spinors which govern the Neveu-Schwarz sector by considering an extended version of generalised geometry. We give E7(7)-invariant expressions for the Kahler and hyperkahler potentials describing the moduli space of vector and hypermultiplets, demonstrating that both correspond to standard E7(7) coset spaces. We also find E7(7) expressions for the Killing prepotentials defining the scalar potential, and discuss the equations governing N=1 vacua in this formalism.Comment: 40 pages, final version to appear in JHE

Dynamics of Postfire Aboveground Carbon in a Chronosequence of Chinese Boreal Larch Forests

Boreal forests store a large proportion of the global terrestrial carbon (C), while wildfire plays a crucial role in determining their C storage and dynamics. The aboveground C (AC) pool is an important component of forest C stocks. To quantify the turning point (transforming from C source to C sink) and recovery time of postfire AC, and assess how stand density affects the AC, 175 plots from eight stand age classes were surveyed as a chronosequence in the Great Xing\u27an Mountains of Northeast China. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were conducted to describe postfire AC recovery patterns. The results showed that (1) postfire AC exhibited a skewed U‐shaped pattern with the turning point at approximately year 30, when the change rate of AC shifted from negative to positive, (2) it took more than 120 years for this forest ecosystem to recover 80% of AC in unburned old‐growth (200 years) stands, and (3) there was an overall positive relationship between AC and stand density over the entire range of stand age classes; and such relationship was stronger during the early‐ and late‐successional stages, but weaker (p \u3e 0.05) during the midsuccessional stage. Although boreal larch forests have been C sinks under historical fire free intervals, predicted increases in fire frequency could potentially shift it to a C source. Understanding postfire AC dynamics in boreal larch forests is central to predicting C cycling response to wildfire and provides a framework for assessing ecosystem resilience to disturbance in this region

Demixed principal component analysis of neural population data

Neurons in higher cortical areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, are often tuned to a variety of sensory and motor variables, and are therefore said to display mixed selectivity. This complexity of single neuron responses can obscure what information these areas represent and how it is represented. Here we demonstrate the advantages of a new dimensionality reduction technique, demixed principal component analysis (dPCA), that decomposes population activity into a few components. In addition to systematically capturing the majority of the variance of the data, dPCA also exposes the dependence of the neural representation on task parameters such as stimuli, decisions, or rewards. To illustrate our method we reanalyze population data from four datasets comprising different species, different cortical areas and different experimental tasks. In each case, dPCA provides a concise way of visualizing the data that summarizes the task-dependent features of the population response in a single figure

Exploring parents’ understandings of their child’s journey into offending behaviours:a narrative analysis

Parents are perhaps the best placed individuals to comment upon their child’s life story, including early life experiences, transitions and their child’s needs. However, research has rarely focussed on the views of parents of young people who have committed serious offences. This research aimed to explore parents’ opinions of which factors may have led to their child becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Interviews were undertaken with six parents who were asked to narrate their child’s life journey into offending behaviours. The data were then analysed using narrative analysis techniques, and a shared story was created which incorporated the main transitional stages in the children’s journeys, as seen by the parents. The findings suggest that it is not just the child, but the whole family who have been in a state of distress throughout the child’s life. Systemic and environmental factors are argued to contribute to this distress, and the use of diagnosis for this population is critically evaluated. The research highlights a life story in which the child’s and family’s distress remains unheard and therefore unresolved. Clinical implications for working with this population are discussed

Efectividad de una intervención motivacional breve para procesos de cambio en jóvenes colombianos consumidores de marihuana

Estudio de casoEste trabajo establece la efectividad de una intervención motivacional breve para procesos de cambio frente al consumo de marihuana en jóvenes colombianos. El programa de prevención selectiva fue implementado mediante la estrategia de taller y los parámetros del modelo transteórico. La intervención motivacional breve afectó los procesos de cambio asociados al consumo de marihuana, siendo efectiva para la muestra seleccionada.1. ANTECEDENTES TEÓRICOS Y EMPÍRICOS 2. JUSTIFICACIÓN Y PLANTEAMIENTO DEL PROBLEMA 3. OBJETIVOS 4. VARIABLES 5. HIPÓTESIS 6. MÉTODO 7. RESULTADOS 8. DISCUSIÓN REFERENCIAS APÉNDICESMaestríaMagister en Psicologí

Automated telephone follow-up after breast cancer: an acceptability and feasibility pilot study

Traditional clinical follow-up after breast cancer is inefficient at detecting relapse and is poorly suited to detecting and ameliorating psychological problems. There is interest in developing more effective and efficient methods of follow-up. We report a prospective cohort study of the acceptability and feasibility of remote, automated telephone follow-up after breast cancer. Women with a history of breast cancer were approached at their annual follow-up visit. For participants, the follow-up questionnaire was administered on paper at baseline. In place of a clinic visit following year, the women completed the same questionnaire using an automated telephone system. All patients were given mammograms. A semi-structured interview was then conducted to assess the acceptability. The potential impact on clinic usage was assessed. In all, 110 of 121 women (91%) agreed to participate. Seventy-five patients (71%) completed follow-up using the new automated system 1 year later. Seventy-one of the 75 patients found the system easy to use. Forty-nine of the 75 (65.33%) liked the system and were happy to use it as their sole method of follow-up. A further 12% were happy to use it as part of their follow-up. In only 10.66% of participants were concerns raised which led to clinic attendance. Automated questionnaire-based telephone follow-up is acceptable to women and has the potential to reduce attendance at clinic. Further studies to validate this method further are planned