Transverse Observables and Mass Determination at Hadron Colliders

I consider the two-body decay of a particle at a hadron collider into a visible and an invisible particle, generalizing $W \to e \nu$, where the masses of the decaying particle and the invisible decay particle are, {\em a priori}, unknown. I prove that the transverse mass, when maximized over possible kinematic configurations, can be used to determine both of the unknown masses. I argue that the proof can be generalized to cover cases such as decays of pair-produced superpartners to the lightest, stable superpartner at the Large Hadron Collider.Comment: 4 pages; version published in JHE

Calderwood Writing Initiative

Since 2010, UMass Boston has received funding from the Calderwood Writing Initiative to improve the quality of the teaching of writing in Boston area schools through two major programs that constitute this collaborative work

UK Criteria for Uterus Transplantation: A Review

Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility (AUFI) is the final hurdle for assisted reproductive treatments. Uterus transplant trials are happening worldwide; in order to advance the debate around uterine transplantation (UTx) this article considers selection criteria for clinical trials from a UK perspective and makes recommendations for future selection criteria for UTx treatment. Recommendations advanced include the use of donor eggs, access for single women and women in same-sex relationships, prohibiting participation of women who are already mothers, and a preference for deceased donors and bioengineered uteri. With UTx treatment on the horizon it is important to proactively consider future selection criteria

Quantum gravity and the standard model

We show that a class of background independent models of quantum spacetime have local excitations that can be mapped to the first generation fermions of the standard model of particle physics. These states propagate coherently as they can be shown to be noiseless subsystems of the microscopic quantum dynamics. These are identified in terms of certain patterns of braiding of graphs, thus giving a quantum gravitational foundation for the topological preon model proposed by one of us. These results apply to a large class of theories in which the Hilbert space has a basis of states given by ribbon graphs embedded in a three-dimensional manifold up to diffeomorphisms, and the dynamics is given by local moves on the graphs, such as arise in the representation theory of quantum groups. For such models, matter appears to be already included in the microscopic kinematics and dynamics.Comment: 12 pages, 21 figures, improved presentation, results unchange

The Modern Design of Experiments for Configuration Aerodynamics: A Case Study

The effects of slowly varying and persisting covariate effects on the accuracy and precision of experimental result is reviewed, as is the rationale for run-order randomization as a quality assurance tactic employed in the Modern Design of Experiments (MDOE) to defend against such effects. Considerable analytical complexity is introduced by restrictions on randomization in configuration aerodynamics tests because they involve hard-to-change configuration variables that cannot be randomized conveniently. Tradeoffs are examined between quality and productivity associated with varying degrees of rigor in accounting for such randomization restrictions. Certain characteristics of a configuration aerodynamics test are considered that may justify a relaxed accounting for randomization restrictions to achieve a significant reduction in analytical complexity with a comparably negligible adverse impact on the validity of the experimental results

1/2-BPS Correlators as c=1 S-matrix

We argue from two complementary viewpoints of Holography that the 2-point correlation functions of 1/2-BPS multi-trace operators in the large-N (planar) limit are nothing but the (Wick-rotated) S-matrix elements of c=1 matrix model. On the bulk side, we consider an Euclideanized version of the so-called bubbling geometries and show that the corresponding droplets reach the conformal boundary. Then the scattering matrix of fluctuations of the droplets gives directly the two-point correlators through the GKPW prescription. On the Yang-Mills side, we show that the two-point correlators of holomorphic and anti-holomorphic operators are essentially equivalent with the transformation functions between asymptotic in- and out-states of c=1 matrix model. Extension to non-planar case is also discussed.Comment: 28 pages, 3 figures, corrected typos, version to appear in JHE

Logical Harmonies

1. Logical Harmonies 2 3:50 Philip Thomas (piano) 2. Beatings in a Linear Process 6:02 Ensemble Portmanto 3. Contracting Triads in Temperaments from 12-24 5:17 Bob Gilmore (keyboard) 4. Cello with Clarinet and Piano 6:50 Seth Woods (cello) Jonathan Sage (clarinet) Philip Thomas (piano) 5. Imperfect Harmony 10:38 Dominic Lash (double bass) 6. Gradual Music 9:00 musikFabrik 7. Logical Harmonies 1 5:26 Philip Thomas (piano