General F-theory models with tuned (SU⁡(3)×SU⁡(2)×U⁡(1))/Z6(\operatorname{SU}(3) \times \operatorname{SU}(2) \times \operatorname{U}(1)) / \mathbb{Z}_6 symmetry

We construct a general form for an F-theory Weierstrass model over a general base giving a 6D or 4D supergravity theory with gauge group $(\operatorname{SU}(3) \times \operatorname{SU}(2) \times \operatorname{U}(1)) / \mathbb{Z}_6$ and generic associated matter, which includes the matter content of the standard model. The Weierstrass model is identified by unHiggsing a model with $\operatorname{U}(1)$ gauge symmetry and charges $q \le 4$ previously found by the first author. This model includes two distinct branches that were identified in earlier work, and includes as a special case the class of models recently studied by Cveti\v{c}, Halverson, Lin, Liu, and Tian, for which we demonstrate explicitly the possibility of unification through an $\operatorname{SU}(5)$ unHiggsing. We develop a systematic methodology for checking that a parameterized class of F-theory Weierstrass models with a given gauge group $G$ and fixed matter content is generic (contains all allowed moduli) and confirm that this holds for the models constructed here.Comment: 36 pages, LaTe

Diffusion and the formation of vorticity staircases in randomly strained two-dimensional vortices

Copyright © 2009 Cambridge University PressThe spreading and diffusion of two-dimensional vortices subject to weak external random strain fields is examined. The response to such a field of given angular frequency depends on the profile of the vortex and can be calculated numerically. An effective diffusivity can be determined as a function of radius and may be used to evolve the profile over a long time scale, using a diffusion equation that is both nonlinear and non-local. This equation, containing an additional smoothing parameter, is simulated starting with a Gaussian vortex. Fine scale steps in the vorticity profile develop at the periphery of the vortex and these form a vorticity staircase. The effective diffusivity is high in the steps where the vorticity gradient is low: between the steps are barriers characterized by low effective diffusivity and high vorticity gradient. The steps then merge before the vorticity is finally swept out and this leaves a vortex with a compact core and a sharp edge. There is also an increase in the effective diffusion within an encircling surf zone. In order to understand the properties of the evolution of the Gaussian vortex, an asymptotic model first proposed by Balmforth, Llewellyn Smith & Young (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 426, 2001, p. 95) is employed. The model is based on a vorticity distribution that consists of a compact vortex core surrounded by a skirt of relatively weak vorticity. Again simulations show the formation of fine scale vorticity steps within the skirt, followed by merger. The diffusion equation we develop has a tendency to generate vorticity steps on arbitrarily fine scales; these are limited in our numerical simulations by smoothing the effective diffusivity over small spatial scales

Do interventions to promote walking in groups increase physical activity? A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Walking groups are increasingly being set up but little is known about their efficacy in promoting physical activity. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of interventions to promote walking in groups to promoting physical activity within adults, and to explore potential moderators of this efficacy. METHOD: Systematic literature review searches were conducted using multiple databases. A random effect model was used for the meta-analysis, with sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The effect of the interventions (19 studies, 4 572 participants) on physical activity was of medium size (d = 0.52), statistically significant (95%CI 0.32 to 0.71, p < 0.0001), and with large fail-safe of N = 753. Moderator analyses showed that lower quality studies had larger effect sizes than higher quality studies, studies reporting outcomes over six months had larger effect sizes than studies reporting outcomes up to six months, studies that targeted both genders had higher effect sizes than studies that targeted only women, studies that targeted older adults had larger effect sizes than studies that targeted younger adults. No significant differences were found between studies delivered by professionals and those delivered by lay people. CONCLUSION: Interventions to promote walking in groups are efficacious at increasing physical activity. Despite low homogeneity of results, and limitations (e.g. small number of studies using objective measures of physical activity, publication bias), which might have influence the findings, the large fail-safe N suggests these findings are robust. Possible explanations for heterogeneity between studies are discussed, and the need for more investigation of this is highlighted

The role of walkers' needs and expectations in supporting maintenance of attendance at walking groups: a longitudinal multi-perspective study of walkers and walk group leaders.

BACKGROUND: There is good evidence that when people's needs and expectations regarding behaviour change are met, they are satisfied with that change, and maintain those changes. Despite this, there is a dearth of research on needs and expectations of walkers when initially attending walking groups and whether and how these needs and expectations have been satisfied after a period of attendance. Equally, there is an absence of research on how people who lead these groups understand walkers' needs and walk leaders' actions to address them. The present study was aimed at addressing both of these gaps in the research. METHODS: Two preliminary thematic analyses were conducted on face-to-face interviews with (a) eight walkers when they joined walking groups, five of whom were interviewed three months later, and (b) eight walk leaders. A multi-perspective analysis building upon these preliminary analyses identified similarities and differences within the themes that emerged from the interviews with walkers and walk leaders. RESULTS: Walkers indicated that their main needs and expectations when joining walking groups were achieving long-term social and health benefits. At the follow up interviews, walkers indicated that satisfaction with meeting similar others within the groups was the main reason for continued attendance. Their main source of dissatisfaction was not feeling integrated in the existing walking groups. Walk leaders often acknowledged the same reasons for walkers joining and maintaining attendance at walking. However, they tended to attribute dissatisfaction and drop out to uncontrollable environmental factors and/or walkers' personalities. Walk leaders reported a lack of efficacy to effectively address walkers' needs. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to increase retention of walkers should train walk leaders with the skills to help them modify the underlying psychological factors affecting walkers' maintenance at walking groups. This should result in greater retention of walkers in walking groups, thereby allowing walkers to receive the long-term social and health benefits of participation in these groups

High avidity autoreactive T cells with a low signalling capacity through the T-cell receptor: central to rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis?

Self-reactive T cells with low signalling capacity through the T-cell receptor were recently observed in the SKG mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have been linked to a spontaneous mutation in the ZAP-70 signal transduction molecule. Here we hypothesize that similar mechanisms also drive RA, associated with an abnormal innate and adaptive immune response driven by nuclear factor-κB activation and tumour necrosis factor secretion. Similar to the essential role played by pathogens in SKG mice, we propose that HLA-associated immunity to chronic viral infection is a key factor in the immune dysregulation and joint inflammation that characterize RA

Automatic Enhancement in 6D Supergravity and F-theory Models

We observe that in many F-theory models, tuning a specific gauge group $G$ and matter content $M$ under certain circumstances leads to an automatic enhancement to a larger gauge group $G' \supset G$ and matter content $M' \supset M$. We propose that this is true for any theory $G, M$ whenever there exists a containing theory $G', M'$ that cannot be Higgsed down to $G, M$. We give a number of examples including non-Higgsable gauge factors, nonabelian gauge factors, abelian gauge factors, and exotic matter. In each of these cases, tuning an F-theory model with the desired features produces either an enhancement or an inconsistency, often when the associated anomaly coefficient becomes too large. This principle applies to a variety of models in the apparent 6D supergravity swampland, including some of the simplest cases with U(1) and SU(N) gauge groups and generic matter, as well as infinite families of U(1) models with higher charges presented in the prior literature, potentially ruling out all these apparent swampland theories.Comment: 56 pages, LaTe