A renormalization procedure for tensor models and scalar-tensor theories of gravity

Tensor models are more-index generalizations of the so-called matrix models, and provide models of quantum gravity with the idea that spaces and general relativity are emergent phenomena. In this paper, a renormalization procedure for the tensor models whose dynamical variable is a totally symmetric real three-tensor is discussed. It is proven that configurations with certain Gaussian forms are the attractors of the three-tensor under the renormalization procedure. Since these Gaussian configurations are parameterized by a scalar and a symmetric two-tensor, it is argued that, in general situations, the infrared dynamics of the tensor models should be described by scalar-tensor theories of gravity.Comment: 20 pages, 3 figures, references added, minor correction

Highly precocious activation of reproductive function in autumn-born goats (Capra hircus) by exposure to sexually active bucks

Goats are seasonal breeders with the main cue controlling the timing of breeding season being photoperiod. Hence, the season of birth impacts puberty onset: spring-born goats reach puberty in autumn, at 7 mo of age, whereas autumn-born goats reach puberty at 1 yr during the next reproductive season. The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure of autumn-born young females to sexually active males could counteract the delay in puberty onset observed in autumn-born goats. Females exposed to sexually active males (n = 8) reached puberty earlier than isolated females (n = 8), with exposed females ovulating at a mean age of 3.5 mo. To our knowledge, such precocious puberty onset obtained through social stimulation has never been described in the literature. Moreover, those exposed females exhibited estrus behavior for most ovulations. Our results indicate that in goats born out of season, exposure to sexually active bucks is a really efficient approach to induce early puberty, suggesting that social interactions could have a crucial impact on the regulation of pubertal transition

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) in the United Kingdom: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 10‐years of practice‐based evidence

Objectives: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) is a national‐level dissemination programme for provision of evidence‐based psychological treatments for anxiety and depression in the United Kingdom. This paper sought to review and meta‐analyse practice‐based evidence arising from the programme. Design: A pre‐registered (CRD42018114796) systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods: A random effects meta‐analysis was performed only on the practice‐based IAPT studies (i.e. excluding the clinical trials). Subgroup analyses examined the potential influence of particular methodologies, treatments, populations, and target conditions. Sensitivity analyses investigated potential sources of heterogeneity and bias. Results: The systematic review identified N = 60 studies, with N = 47 studies suitable for meta‐analysis. The primary meta‐analysis showed large pre‐post treatment effect sizes for depression (d = 0.87, 95% CI [0.78–0.96], p < .0001) and anxiety (d = 0.88, 95% CI [0.79–0.97], p < .0001), and a moderate effect on functional impairment (d = 0.55, 95% CI [0.48–0.61], p < .0001). The methodological features of studies influenced ESs (e.g., such as whether intention‐to‐treat or completer analyses were employed). Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that IAPT enables access to broadly effective evidence‐based psychological therapies for large numbers of patients. The limitations of the review and the clinical and methodological implications are discussed. Practitioner points: IAPT interventions are associated with large pre‐post treatment effect sizes in depression and anxiety measures. IAPT interventions are associated with moderate treatment effect sizes with regards to work and social adjustment. A reduction in dropout and also the prevention of post‐treatment relapse via the offer of follow‐up support are important areas for future development

Matrix geometries and Matrix Models

We study a two parameter single trace 3-matrix model with SO(3) global symmetry. The model has two phases, a fuzzy sphere phase and a matrix phase. Configurations in the matrix phase are consistent with fluctuations around a background of commuting matrices whose eigenvalues are confined to the interior of a ball of radius R=2.0. We study the co-existence curve of the model and find evidence that it has two distinct portions one with a discontinuous internal energy yet critical fluctuations of the specific heat but only on the low temperature side of the transition and the other portion has a continuous internal energy with a discontinuous specific heat of finite jump. We study in detail the eigenvalue distributions of different observables.Comment: 20 page

Variation in Magnetic Fabrics at Low Shock Pressure Due to Experimental Impact Cratering

Magnetic fabrics provide important clues for understanding impact cratering processes. However, only a few magnetic fabric studies for experimentally shocked material have been reported so far. In the framework of MEMIN (Multidisciplinary Experimental and Modeling Impact Research Network), we conducted two impact experiments on blocks of Maggia gneiss with the foliation oriented perpendicular (A38) and parallel (A37) to the target surface. Maggia gneiss has plenty of biotite bands forming a strong rock foliation. The bulk magnetic susceptibility varies from 0.376 × 10$^{−3}$ to 1.298 × 10$^{−3}$ SI in unshocked and from 0.443 × 10$^{−3}$ to 3.940 × 10$^{−3}$ SI in shocked gneiss. The thermomagnetic curves reveal a Verwey transition at −147 °C and a Curie temperature between 576 and 579 °C in unshocked and shocked samples, indicating nearly pure magnetite, which carries the magnetic fabrics. In A37 and A38 kinking is prominent from the point source down to a depth of 2 and 4.2 d$_{p}$ (projectile diameter) or 1 and 2.1 cm, respectively. Kinking, folding, and fracturing changed the position of magnetite grains with respect to each other to reorient the magnetic fabrics. Reorientation of magnetic fabrics is conspicuous down to 20 d$_{p}$ (10 cm) in A38, where no other impact‐related deformation is visible. The reorientation of magnetic fabrics may, therefore, aid in identifying impact processes at very low pressures, starting at 0.1 GPa, when other common indicators are absent

Probing the fuzzy sphere regularisation in simulations of the 3d \lambda \phi^4 model

We regularise the 3d \lambda \phi^4 model by discretising the Euclidean time and representing the spatial part on a fuzzy sphere. The latter involves a truncated expansion of the field in spherical harmonics. This yields a numerically tractable formulation, which constitutes an unconventional alternative to the lattice. In contrast to the 2d version, the radius R plays an independent r\^{o}le. We explore the phase diagram in terms of R and the cutoff, as well as the parameters m^2 and \lambda. Thus we identify the phases of disorder, uniform order and non-uniform order. We compare the result to the phase diagrams of the 3d model on a non-commutative torus, and of the 2d model on a fuzzy sphere. Our data at strong coupling reproduce accurately the behaviour of a matrix chain, which corresponds to the c=1-model in string theory. This observation enables a conjecture about the thermodynamic limit.Comment: 31 pages, 15 figure

Standardizing training for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy.

PIPAC is a novel mode of intraperitoneal drug delivery for patients with peritoneal cancer (PC). PIPAC is a safe treatment with promising oncological results. Therefore, a structured training program is needed to maintain high standards and to guarantee safe implementation. An international panel of PIPAC experts created by means of a consensus meeting a structured 2-day training course including essential theoretical content and practical exercises. For every module, learning objectives were defined and structured presentations were elaborated. This structured PIPAC training program was then tested in five courses. The panel consisted of 12 experts from 11 different centres totalling a cumulative experience of 23 PIPAC courses and 1880 PIPAC procedures. The final program was approved by all members of the panel and includes 12 theoretical units (45 min each) and 6 practical units including dry-lab and live surgeries. The panel finalized and approved 21 structured presentations including the latest evidence on PIPAC and covering all mandatory topics. These were organized in 8 modules with clear learning objectives to be tested by 12 multiple-choice questions. Lastly, a structured quantifiable (Likert scale 1-5) course evaluation was created. The new course was successfully tested in five courses with 85 participants. Mean overall satisfaction with the content was rated at 4.79 (±0.5) with at 4.71 (±0.5) and at 4.61 (±0.7), respectively for course length and the balance between theory and practice. The proposed PIPAC training program contains essential theoretical background and practical training enabling the participants to safely implement PIPAC

The Role of Practice Research Networks (PRN) in the Development and Implementation of Evidence: The Northern Improving Access to Psychological Therapies PRN Case Study

Practice research networks (PRNs) can support the implementation of evidence based practice in routine services and generate practice based evidence. This paper describes the structure, processes and learning from a new PRN in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme in England, in relation to an implementation framework and using one study as a case example. Challenges related to: ethics and governance processes; communications with multiple stakeholders; competing time pressures and linking outcome data. Enablers included: early tangible outputs and impact; a collaborative approach; engaging with local research leads; clarity of processes; effective dissemination; and committed leadership

High-contrast imaging testbed

Several high-contrast imaging systems are currently under construction to enable the detection of extra-solar planets. In order for these systems to achieve their objectives, however, there is considerable developmental work and testing which must take place. Given the need to perform these tests, a spatially-filtered Shack-Hartmann adaptive optics system has been assembled to evaluate new algorithms and hardware configurations which will be implemented in these future high-contrast imaging systems. In this article, construction and phase measurements of a membrane 'woofer' mirror are presented. In addition, results from closed-loop operation of the assembled testbed with static phase plates are presented. The testbed is currently being upgraded to enable operation at speeds approaching 500 hz and to enable studies of the interactions between the woofer and tweeter deformable mirrors

A projective Dirac operator on CP^2 within fuzzy geometry

We propose an ansatz for the commutative canonical spin_c Dirac operator on CP^2 in a global geometric approach using the right invariant (left action-) induced vector fields from SU(3). This ansatz is suitable for noncommutative generalisation within the framework of fuzzy geometry. Along the way we identify the physical spinors and construct the canonical spin_c bundle in this formulation. The chirality operator is also given in two equivalent forms. Finally, using representation theory we obtain the eigenspinors and calculate the full spectrum. We use an argument from the fuzzy complex projective space CP^2_F based on the fuzzy analogue of the unprojected spin_c bundle to show that our commutative projected spin_c bundle has the correct SU(3)-representation content.Comment: reduced to 27 pages, minor corrections, minor improvements, typos correcte