Solitons and Quasielectrons in the Quantum Hall Matrix Model

We show how to incorporate fractionally charged quasielectrons in the finite quantum Hall matrix model.The quasielectrons emerge as combinations of BPS solitons and quasiholes in a finite matrix version of the noncommutative $\phi^4$ theory coupled to a noncommutative Chern-Simons gauge field. We also discuss how to properly define the charge density in the classical matrix model, and calculate density profiles for droplets, quasiholes and quasielectrons.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure

Generalized Kahler geometry and gerbes

We introduce and study the notion of a biholomorphic gerbe with connection. The biholomorphic gerbe provides a natural geometrical framework for generalized Kahler geometry in a manner analogous to the way a holomorphic line bundle is related to Kahler geometry. The relation between the gerbe and the generalized Kahler potential is discussed.Comment: 28 page

Hamiltonian BRST Quantization of the Conformal String

We present a new formulation of the tensionless string ($T= 0$) where the space-time conformal symmetry is manifest. Using a Hamiltonian BRST scheme we quantize this {\em Conformal String} and find that it has critical dimension $D=2$. This is in keeping with our classical result that the model describes massless particles in this dimension. It is also consistent with our previous results which indicate that quantized conformally symmetric tensionless strings describe a topological phase away {}from $D=2$. We reach our result by demanding nilpotency of the BRST charge and consistency with the Jacobi identities. The derivation is presented in two different ways: in operator language and using mode expansions. Careful attention is payed to regularization, a crucial ingredient in our calculations.Comment: 33pp (LaTeX), USITP-94-0

T-duality and Generalized Kahler Geometry

We use newly discovered N = (2, 2) vector multiplets to clarify T-dualities for generalized Kahler geometries. Following the usual procedure, we gauge isometries of nonlinear sigma-models and introduce Lagrange multipliers that constrain the field-strengths of the gauge fields to vanish. Integrating out the Lagrange multipliers leads to the original action, whereas integrating out the vector multiplets gives the dual action. The description is given both in N = (2, 2) and N = (1, 1) superspace.Comment: 14 pages; published version: some conventions improved, minor clarification

Predictors of linkage to care following community-based HIV counseling and testing in rural Kenya

Despite innovations in HIV counseling and testing (HCT), important gaps remain in understanding linkage to care. We followed a cohort diagnosed with HIV through a community-based HCT campaign that trained persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) as navigators. Individual, interpersonal, and institutional predictors of linkage were assessed using survival analysis of self-reported time to enrollment. Of 483 persons consenting to follow-up, 305 (63.2%) enrolled in HIV care within 3 months. Proportions linking to care were similar across sexes, barring a sub-sample of men aged 18–25 years who were highly unlikely to enroll. Men were more likely to enroll if they had disclosed to their spouse, and women if they had disclosed to family. Women who anticipated violence or relationship breakup were less likely to link to care. Enrolment rates were significantly higher among participants receiving a PLHA visit, suggesting that a navigator approach may improve linkage from community-based HCT campaigns.Vestergaard Frandse

The Drinfeld double gl(n) \oplus t_n

The two isomorphic Borel subalgebras of gl(n), realized on upper and lower triangular matrices, allow us to consider the gl(n) \opus t_n algebra as a self-dual Drinfeld double. Compatibility conditions impose the choice of an orthonormal basis in the Cartan subalgebra and fix the basis of gl(n). A natural Lie bialgebra structure on gl(n) is obtained, that offers a new perspective for its standard quantum deformation.Comment: 8 page

Open/Closed String Dualities and Seiberg Duality from Geometric Transitions in M-theory

We propose a general method to study open/closed string dualities from transitions in M theory which is valid for a large class of geometrical configurations. By T-duality we can transform geometrically engineered configurations into N = 1 brane configurations and study the transitions of the corresponding branes by lifting the configurations to M-theory. We describe the transformed degenerated M5 branes and extract the field theory information on gluino condensation by factorization of the Seiberg-Witten curve. We also include massive flavors and orientifolds and discuss Seiberg duality which appears in this case as a birational flop. After the transition, the Seiberg duality becomes an abelian electric-magnetic duality.Comment: 30 pages, 3 figures, Late

Orbifolds, Penrose Limits and Supersymmetry Enhancement

We consider supersymmetric PP-wave limits for different N=1 orbifold geometries of the five sphere S^5 and the five dimensional Einstein manifold T^{1,1}. As there are several interesting ways to take the Penrose limits, the PP-wave geometry can be either maximal supersymmetric N=4 or half-maximal supersymmetric N=2. We discuss in detail the cases AdS_5 x S^5/Z_3, AdS_5 x S^5/(Z_m x Z_n) and AdS_5 x T^{1,1}/(\Z_m \times \Z_n) and we identify the gauge invariant operators which correspond to stringy excitations for the different limits.Comment: 22 pages, Latex,v2:additional comments in section 2,references update

HIV/AIDS, Food Supplementation and Livelihood Programs in Uganda: A Way Forward?

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, health, nutrition and policy experts have become increasingly aware of the many ways in which food insecurity and HIV infection negatively impact and reinforce one another. In response, many organizations providing HIV care began supplying food aid to clients in need. Food supplementation, however, was quickly recognized as an unsustainable and incomplete intervention. Many HIV care organizations therefore developed integrated HIV and livelihood programs (IHLPs) to target the root causes of food insecurity. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 21 key informants who worked at seven organizations providing HIV care, food aid, or IHLPs in Kampala, Uganda in 2007-2008 to better understand the impact of IHLPs on the well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) and the challenges in transitioning clients from food aid to IHLPs. There was strong consensus among those interviewed that IHLPs are an important intervention in addressing food insecurity and its adverse health consequences among PLWHAs. Key informants identified three main challenges in transitioning PLWHAs from food supplementation programs to IHLPs: (1) lack of resources (2) timing of the transition and (3) logistical considerations including geography and weather. Factors seen as contributing to the success of programs included: (1) close involvement of community leaders (2) close ties with local and national government (3) diversification of IHLP activities and (4) close integration with food supplementation programs, all linked through a central program of HIV care. CONCLUSION: Health, policy and development experts should continue to strengthen IHLPs for participants in need. Further research is needed to determine when and how participants should be transitioned from food supplementation to IHLPs, and to determine how to better correlate measures of food insecurity with objective clinical outcomes so as to better evaluate program results