Non-Supersymmetric Attractors in R2R^2 Gravities

We investigate the attractor mechanism for spherically symmetric extremal black holes in a theory of general $R^2$ gravity in 4-dimensions, coupled to gauge fields and moduli fields. For the general $R^2$ theory, we look for solutions which are analytic near the horizon, show that they exist and enjoy the attractor behavior. The attractor point is determined by extremization of an effective potential at the horizon. This analysis includes the backreaction and supports the validity of non-supersymmetric attractors in the presence of higher derivative interactions. To include a wider class of solutions, we continue our analysis for the specific case of a Gauss-Bonnet theory which is non-topological, due to the coupling of Gauss-Bonnet terms to the moduli fields. We find that the regularity of moduli fields at the horizon is sufficient for attractor behavior. For the non-analytic sector, this regularity condition in turns implies the minimality of the effective potential at the attractor point.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figure

Branes in Time-Dependent Backgrounds and AdS/CFT Correspondence

We study supergravity solutions of Dp-branes in the time-dependent orbifold background. We show that worldvolume theories decouple from the bulk gravity for p less than six. Along AdS/CFT correspondence, these solutions could provide the gravity description of noncommutative field theory with time-dependent noncommutative parameter. Type II NS5-brane (M5-brane) in the presence of RR n-form for n=0,..., 4 (C field) in this time-dependent background have also been studied.Comment: 15 pages, latex file, v2: typos corrected, ref added, v3: references added, minor change

Neuromarketing and consumer neuroscience:contributions to neurology

Background: 'Neuromarketing' is a term that has often been used in the media in recent years. These public discussions have generally centered around potential ethical aspects and the public fear of negative consequences for society in general, and consumers in particular. However, positive contributions to the scientific discourse from developing a biological model that tries to explain context-situated human behavior such as consumption have often been neglected. We argue for a differentiated terminology, naming commercial applications of neuroscientific methods 'neuromarketing' and scientific ones 'consumer neuroscience'. While marketing scholars have eagerly integrated neuroscientific evidence into their theoretical framework, neurology has only recently started to draw its attention to the results of consumer neuroscience.Discussion: In this paper we address key research topics of consumer neuroscience that we think are of interest for neurologists; namely the reward system, trust and ethical issues. We argue that there are overlapping research topics in neurology and consumer neuroscience where both sides can profit from collaboration. Further, neurologists joining the public discussion of ethical issues surrounding neuromarketing and consumer neuroscience could contribute standards and experience gained in clinical research.Summary: We identify the following areas where consumer neuroscience could contribute to the field of neurology:. First, studies using game paradigms could help to gain further insights into the underlying pathophysiology of pathological gambling in Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, epilepsy, and Huntington's disease.Second, we identify compulsive buying as a common interest in neurology and consumer neuroscience. Paradigms commonly used in consumer neuroscience could be applied to patients suffering from Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal dementia to advance knowledge of this important behavioral symptom.Third, trust research in the medical context lacks empirical behavioral and neuroscientific evidence. Neurologists entering this field of research could profit from the extensive knowledge of the biological foundation of trust that scientists in economically-orientated neurosciences have gained.Fourth, neurologists could contribute significantly to the ethical debate about invasive methods in neuromarketing and consumer neuroscience. Further, neurologists should investigate biological and behavioral reactions of neurological patients to marketing and advertising measures, as they could show special consumer vulnerability and be subject to target marketing