Low energy effective theory on a regularized brane in six-dimensional flux compactifications

Conical brane singularities in six-dimensional flux compactification models can be resolved by introducing cylindrical codimension-one branes with regular caps instead of 3-branes (a la Kaluza-Klein braneworlds with fluxes). In this paper, we consider such a regularized braneworld with axial symmetry in six-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell theory. We derive a low energy effective theory on the regularized brane by employing the gradient expansion approach, and show that standard four-dimensional Einstein gravity is recovered at low energies. Our effective equations extend to the nonlinear gravity regime, implying that conventional cosmology can be reproduced in the regularized braneworld.Comment: 11 pages, minor corrections, accepted for publication in Physical Review

A Note on Inhomogeneous Ground States at Large Global Charge

In this note we search for the ground state, in infinite volume, of the $D=3$ Wilson-Fisher conformal $O(4)$ model, at nonzero values of the two independent charge densities $\rho_{1,2}$. Using an effective theory valid on scales longer than the scale defined by the charge density, we show that the ground-state configuration is inhomogeneous for generic ratios $\rho_1 / \rho_2$. This result confirms, within the context of a well-defined effective theory, a recent no-go result of Alvarez-Gaume' et al. We also show that any spatially periodic ground state solutions have an energetic preference towards longer periods, within some range of $\rho_1 / \rho_2$ containing a neighborhood of zero. This suggests that the scale of variation of the ground state solution in finite volume will be the infrared scale, and that the use of the effective theory at large charge in finite volume is self-consistent.Comment: 13 pages, LaTe

A new instability framework in 2-component reaction-diffusion systems

This paper concerns pattern formation in 2-component reaction-diffusion systems with linear diffusion terms and a local interaction. We propose a new instability framework with 0-mode Hopf instability, $m$ and $m + 1$ mode Turing instabilities in 2-component reaction-diffusion systems. The normal form for the codimension 3 bifurcation is derived via the center manifold reduction, which is one of the main results in the present paper. We also show numerical results on bifurcation of some reaction-diffusion systems and on a chaotic behavior of the normal form

Development of Ultrasonic Modulation Probe for Fluorescence Tomography Based on Acousto-Optic Effect

We have developed an ultrasonic probe for fluorescence modulation to image fluorescence within biological tissues. The probe consists of a focused ultrasonic transducer mounted on actuators for mechanical fan scanning, which can be used in contact with the measuring object aiming for clinical application. The mechanical fan scanning employed in the probe has a beneficial feature of portability. As a result, fluorescent beads, which were localized with the diameter of 2 mm at 20 mm depth in a pork meat tissue, were detected with resolution of 3 mm. The system performance denotes the feasibility of development towards the final goal of ultrasonic fluorescence modulation tomography for clinical applications

Components and characteristics of the dopamine reward utility signal.

Rewards are defined by their behavioral functions in learning (positive reinforcement), approach behavior, economic choices, and emotions. Dopamine neurons respond to rewards with two components, similar to higher order sensory and cognitive neurons. The initial, rapid, unselective dopamine detection component reports all salient environmental events irrespective of their reward association. It is highly sensitive to factors related to reward and thus detects a maximal number of potential rewards. It also senses aversive stimuli but reports their physical impact rather than their aversiveness. The second response component processes reward value accurately and starts early enough to prevent confusion with unrewarded stimuli and objects. It codes reward value as a numeric, quantitative utility prediction error, consistent with formal concepts of economic decision theory. Thus, the dopamine reward signal is fast, highly sensitive and appropriate for driving and updating economic decisions.Grant sponsor: the Wellcome Trust; Grant sponsor: the European Research Council (ERC); Grant sponsor: the National Institutes of Health Conte Center at Caltech.This is the accepted version. The final version is available via http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cne.23880/abstract

A dynamic code for economic object valuation in prefrontal cortex neurons.

Neuronal reward valuations provide the physiological basis for economic behaviour. Yet, how such valuations are converted to economic decisions remains unclear. Here we show that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) implements a flexible value code based on object-specific valuations by single neurons. As monkeys perform a reward-based foraging task, individual DLPFC neurons signal the value of specific choice objects derived from recent experience. These neuronal object values satisfy principles of competitive choice mechanisms, track performance fluctuations and follow predictions of a classical behavioural model (Herrnstein's matching law). Individual neurons dynamically encode both, the updating of object values from recently experienced rewards, and their subsequent conversion to object choices during decision-making. Decoding from unselected populations enables a read-out of motivational and decision variables not emphasized by individual neurons. These findings suggest a dynamic single-neuron and population value code in DLPFC that advances from reward experiences to economic object values and future choices.Wellcome Trust, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (BCNI) Cambridg