5,740 research outputs found
Selfdual strings and loop space Nahm equations
We give two independent arguments why the classical membrane fields should be
loops. The first argument comes from how we may construct selfdual strings in
the M5 brane from a loop space version of the Nahm equations. The second
argument is that there appears to be no infinite set of finite-dimensional Lie
algebras (such as for any ) that satisfies the algebraic structure
of the membrane theory.Comment: 28 pages, various additional comment
An M-theory solution generating technique and SL(2,R)
In this paper we generalize the O(p+1,p+1) solution generating technique
(this is a method used to deform Dp-branes by turning on a NS-NS B-field) to
M-theory, in order to be able to deform M5-brane supergravity solutions
directly in eleven dimensions, by turning on a non zero three form A. We find
that deforming the M5-brane, in some cases, corresponds to performing certain
SL(2,R) transformations of the Kahler structure parameter for the three-torus,
on which the M5-brane has been compactified. We show that this new M-theory
solution generating technique can be reduced to the O(p+1,p+1) solution
generating technique with p=4. Further, we find that it implies that the open
membrane metric and generalized noncommutativity parameter are manifestly
deformation independent for electric and light-like deformations. We also
generalize the O(p+1,p+1) method to the type IIA/B NS5-brane in order to be
able to deform NS5-branes with RR three and two forms, respectively. In the
type IIA case we use the newly obtained solution generating technique and
deformation independence to derive a covariant expression for an open D2-brane
coupling, relevant for OD2-theory.Comment: 24 pages, Latex. v2:Sections 3.2 and 3.3 improved. v3:Some
clarifications added. Version published in JHE
An Alternative Topological Field Theory of Generalized Complex Geometry
We propose a new topological field theory on generalized complex geometry in
two dimension using AKSZ formulation. Zucchini's model is model in the case
that the generalized complex structuredepends on only a symplectic structure.
Our new model is model in the case that the generalized complex structure
depends on only a complex structure.Comment: 29 pages, typos and references correcte
Light-like noncommutativity and duality from open strings/branes
In this paper we perform some non-trivial tests for the recently obtained
open membrane/D-brane metrics and `generalized' noncommutativity parameters
using Dp/NS5/M5-branes which have been deformed by light-like fields. The
results obtained give further evidence that these open membrane/D-brane metrics
and `generalized' noncommutativity parameters are correct. Further, we use the
open brane data and supergravity duals to obtain more information about
non-gravitational theories with light-like noncommutativity, or `generalized'
light-like noncommutativity. In particular, we investigate various duality
relations (strong coupling limits). In the light-like case we also comment on
the relation between open membrane data (open membrane metric etc.) in six
dimensions and open string data in five dimensions. Finally, we investigate the
strong coupling limit (high energy limit) of five dimensional NCYM with
\Theta^{12}=\Theta^{34}. In particular, we find that this NCYM theory can be UV
completed by a DLCQ compactification of M-theory.Comment: 24 pages, Latex. v2:Comments and references added. v3:Version
published in JHE
Harmonic lattice behavior of two-dimensional colloidal crystals
Using positional data from video-microscopy and applying the equipartition
theorem for harmonic Hamiltonians, we determine the wave-vector-dependent
normal mode spring constants of a two-dimensional colloidal model crystal and
compare the measured band-structure to predictions of the harmonic lattice
theory. We find good agreement for both the transversal and the longitudinal
mode. For , the measured spring constants are consistent with the
elastic moduli of the crystal.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, submitte
Deformation independent open brane metrics and generalized theta parameters
We investigate the consequences of generalizing certain well established
properties of the open string metric to the conjectured open membrane and open
Dp-brane metrics. By imposing deformation independence on these metrics their
functional dependence on the background fields can be determined including the
notorious conformal factor. In analogy with the non-commutativity parameter
in the string case, we also obtain `generalized' theta
parameters which are rank q+1 antisymmetric tensors (polyvectors) for open
Dq-branes and rank 3 for the open membrane case. The expressions we obtain for
the open membrane quantities are expected to be valid for general background
field configurations, while the open D-brane quantities are only valid for one
parameter deformations. By reducing the open membrane data to five dimensions,
we show that they, modulo a subtlety with implications for the relation between
OM-theory and NCYM, correctly generate the open string and open D2-data.Comment: 24 pages, LaTe
Exploring Transformations in Caribbean Indigenous Social Networks through Visibility Studies: the Case of Late Pre-Colonial Landscapes in East-Guadeloupe (French West Indies)
This paper presents a study of the visual properties of natural and Amerindian cultural landscapes in late pre-colonial East-Guadeloupe and of how these visual properties affected social interactions. Through a review of descriptive and formal visibility studies in Caribbean archaeology, it reveals that the ability of visual properties to affect past human behaviour is frequently evoked but the more complex of these hypotheses are rarely studied formally. To explore such complex hypotheses, the current study applies a range of techniques: total viewsheds, cumulative viewsheds, visual neighbourhood configurations and visibility networks. Experiments were performed to explore the control of seascapes, the functioning of hypothetical smoke signalling networks, the correlation of these visual properties with stylistic similarities of material culture found at sites and the change of visual properties over time. The results of these experiments suggest that only few sites in Eastern Guadeloupe are located in areas that are particularly suitable to visually control possible sea routes for short- and long-distance exchange; that visual control over sea areas was not a factor of importance for the existence of micro-style areas; that during the early phase of the Late Ceramic Age networks per landmass are connected and dense and that they incorporate all sites, a structure that would allow hypothetical smoke signalling networks; and that the visual properties of locations of the late sites Morne Souffleur and Morne Cybèle-1 were not ideal for defensive purposes. These results led us to propose a multi-scalar hypothesis for how lines of sight between settlements in the Lesser Antilles could have structured past human behaviour: short-distance visibility networks represent the structuring of navigation and communication within landmasses, whereas the landmasses themselves served as focal points for regional navigation and interaction. We conclude by emphasising that since our archaeological theories about visual properties usually take a multi-scalar landscape perspective, there is a need for this perspective to be reflected in our formal visibility methods as is made possible by the methods used in this paper.Digital ArchaeologyArchaeology of the America
Effects Of Increasing The Involvement Of Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults In A Proactive Assessment Service:A Pragmatic Trial
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212370.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access
Age, gender and disability predict future disability in older people: the Rotterdam Study
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To develop a prediction model that predicts disability in community-dwelling older people. Insight in the predictors of disability is needed to target preventive strategies for people at increased risk.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were obtained from the Rotterdam Study, including subjects of 55 years and over. Subjects who had complete data for sociodemographic factors, life style variables, health conditions, disability status at baseline and complete data for disability at follow-up were included in the analysis. Disability was expressed as a Disability Index (DI) measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire.</p> <p>We used a multivariable polytomous logistic regression to derive a basic prediction model and an extended prediction model. Finally we developed readily applicable score charts for the calculation of outcome probabilities.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 5027 subjects included, 49% had no disability, 18% had mild disability, 16% had severe disability and 18% had deceased at follow-up after six years. The strongest predictors were age and prior disability. The contribution of other predictors was relatively small. The discriminative ability of the basic model was high; the extended model did not enhance predictive ability.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>As prior disability status predicts future disability status, interventive strategies should be aimed at preventing disability in the first place.</p
Topological A-Type Models with Flux
We study deformations of the A-model in the presence of fluxes, by which we
mean rank-three tensors with antisymmetrized upper/lower indices, using the
AKSZ construction. Generically these are topological membrane models, and we
show that the fluxes are related to deformations of the Courant bracket which
generalize the twist by a closed 3-from , in the sense that satisfying the
AKSZ master equation implies the integrability conditions for an almost
generalized complex structure with respect to the deformed Courant bracket. In
addition, the master equation imposes conditions on the fluxes that generalize
. The membrane model can be defined on a large class of - and -structure manifolds, including geometries inspired by
supersymmetric -models with additional supersymmetries due to almost
complex (but not necessarily complex) structures in the target space.
Furthermore, we show that the model can be defined on three particular
half-flat manifolds related to the Iwasawa manifold.
When only -flux is turned on it is possible to obtain a topological string
model, which we do for the case of a Calabi-Yau with a closed 3-form turned on.
The simplest deformation from the A-model is due to the
component of a non-trivial -field. The model is generically no longer
evaluated on holomorphic maps and defines new topological invariants.
Deformations due to -flux can be more radical, completely preventing
auxiliary fields from being integrated out.Comment: 30 pages. v2: Improved Version. References added. v3: Minor changes,
published in JHE
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