A note on the UV behaviour of maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories

The question of whether BPS invariants are protected in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories is investigated from the point of view of algebraic renormalisation theory. The protected invariants are those whose cohomology type differs from that of the action. It is confirmed that one-half BPS invariants ($F^4$) are indeed protected while the double-trace one-quarter BPS invariant ($d^2F^4$) is not protected at two loops in D=7, but is protected at three loops in D=6 in agreement with recent calculations. Non-BPS invariants, i.e. full superspace integrals, are also shown to be unprotected.Comment: 12 pages. Minor changes to text. References adde

Strings and D-Branes with Boundaries

The covariant field equations of ten-dimensional super D-branes are obtained by considering fundamental strings whose ends lie in the superworldsurface of the D-brane. By considering in a similar fashion Dp-branes ending on D(p+2)-branes we derive equations describing D-branes with dual potentials, as well as the vector potentials.Comment: 12 pages, Late

Twistor spaces for HKT manifolds

We construct the twistor space associated with an HKT manifold, that is, a hyper-K\"ahler manifold with torsion, a type of geometry that arises as the target space geometry in two-dimensional sigma models with (4,0) supersymmetry. We show that this twistor space has a natural complex structure and is a holomorphic fibre bundle over the complex projective line with fibre the associated HKT manifold. We also show how the metric and torsion of the HKT manifold can be determined from data on the twistor space by a reconstruction theorem. We give a geometric description of the sigma model (4,0) superfields as holomorphic maps (suitably understood) from a twistorial extension of (4,0) superspace (harmonic superspace) into the twistor space of the sigma model target manifold and write an action for the sigma model in terms of these (4,0) superfields.Comment: 15 pages, Phyzz

Quantizing the (0,4) Supersymmetric ADHM Sigma Model

We discuss the quantization of the ADHM sigma model. We show that the only quantum contributions to the effective theory come from the chiral anomalies and compute the first and second order terms. Finally the limit of vanishing instanton size is discussed.Comment: 19 pages phyzzx. Expanded discussion of various point and some minor correction

Teaching Language to Students with Autism

This meta-synthesis of the literature on methods of instruction to students with ASD examines the various methods of teaching language to students with ASD. While each student learns language at his or her own pace, the author has found that certain methods yield results quicker, and these methods need to be examined critically for any literature on their reliability, efficacy, and scientific research. If a student with autism can be taught language quickly, therefore mitigating any further delays in academic development relative to peers, then this methodology should be made accessible to all teachers of such students

The strain energy analysis of swept boxes with ribs normal to the spars

The root constraint problem associated with uniform rectangular swept boxes, having ribs normal to the spars is considered. A strain energy method using self-equilibrating internal end load systems is used. Continues

A Calibration Bound for the M-Theory Fivebrane

We construct a covariant bound on the energy-momentum of the M-fivebrane which is saturated by all supersymmetric configurations. This leads to a generalised notion of a calibrated geometry for M-fivebranes when the worldvolume gauge field is non-zero. The generalisation relevant for Dp-branes is also given.Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX2e, uses vmargin.sty. Typos corrected, a reference and a new discussion on conserved charges added. v4: A typo in the expression for the D-fourbrane energy correcte

Comparison of patient outcomes in a pharmacist-led outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program

Purpose: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a therapeutic option meant to conserve healthcare resources when treating infections requiring the administration of IV antibiotics over a prolonged treatment course. In November 2016 at Franciscan Alliance Indianapolis, a dedicated pharmacist was hired to build a formal OPAT program for all patients discharged on IV antimicrobials under the care of the infectious disease physician group. The number of “good catch” events observed since the program’s formal inception has encouraged the creation of this study designed to examine the impact of this program on patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients with a discharge order for at least one IV antibiotic from Franciscan Health Indianapolis from December 1st, 2016 to May 31st, 2017. Patients receiving OPAT consults during their index hospital stay were compared to patients with similar infections who did not receive a consult. Patients residing in a nursing home or long-term care facility prior to admission were excluded from the analysis. Comparisons between patients with and without a readmission were also conducted in order to identify commonalities and differences in risk factors between groups. Demographic information collected included: the indication for parenteral antimicrobial therapy, sex, age, weight, and the type of provider prescribing the antimicrobials. The primary objective was 30-day readmission rate, with each instance being stratified based on the reason for readmission. Secondary objectives included: type of infection, antibiotic type, disposition at discharge, and duration of treatment. At least 122 patients were needed in each arm in order to detect a difference of 50 percent between treatment groups with a power of 80 percent for the primary objective. Results: No statistically significant difference between the readmission rates of the consult group and the non-consult group was observed (14.73% versus 31.82%, p\u3e0.05). The usage of antipseudomonal coverage (39.58% versus 86.36%, p\u3c0.0001) and ceftriaxone (9.47% versus 45.45%, p\u3c0.0001) was significantly lower in the consult group, demonstrating the potential improvements in antimicrobial stewardship an OPAT program can provide. Use of agents requiring therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was higher in the non-consult group, specifically vancomycin (86.36% versus 41.05%, p\u3c0.001) and gentamicin (6.32% versus 22.73%, p\u3c0.05). Furthermore, patients discharged to an extended care facility (ECF) or a short-term acute rehabilitation center (SAR) after receiving a consult were less likely to be readmitted (16.23% versus 54.55%, p\u3c0.001). The difference in use of drugs requiring TDM for patients sent to a SAR with a consult may also have contributed to this trend (50.46% versus 100%, p\u3c0.0001). Conclusion: The OPAT service did not show a statistically significantly reduction in the 30-day readmission rate during the first 6 months of the program. However, the number of patients without a consult meeting the inclusion criteria was markedly lower than anticipated, which led to the study being underpowered. Additionally, use of the program was associated with improved antimicrobial stewardship through reduced use of antipseudomonal coverage and ceftriaxone as well as reduced readmissions in patients requiring SAR placement