Neutrino masses and mixings in the baryon triality constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model

We discuss how the experimental neutrino oscillation data can be realized in the framework of the baryon triality ($B_3$) constrained supersymmetric Standard Model (cSSM). We show how to obtain phenomenologically viable solutions, which are compatible with the recent WMAP observations. We present results for the hierarchical, inverted and degenerate cases which illustrate the possible size and structure of the lepton number violating couplings. We work with a new, as yet unpublished version of SOFTSUSY, where we implemented full one--loop neutrino masses. Finally, we shortly discuss some phenomenological implications at the LHC.Comment: 25 pages, 17 figure

Multi-Parton Interactions at the LHC

We review the recent progress in the theoretical description and experimental observation of multiple parton interactions. Subjects covered include experimental measurements of minimum bias interactions and of the underlying event, models of soft physics implemented in Monte Carlo generators, developments in the theoretical description of multiple parton interactions and phenomenological studies of double parton scattering. This article stems from contributions presented at the Helmholtz Alliance workshop on "Multi-Parton Interactions at the LHC", DESY Hamburg, 13-15 September 2010.Comment: 68 page

Linear Collider Test of a Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Mechanism in left-right Symmetric Theories

There are various diagrams leading to neutrinoless double beta decay in left-right symmetric theories based on the gauge group SU(2)_L x SU(2)_R. All can in principle be tested at a linear collider running in electron-electron mode. We argue that the so-called lambda-diagram is the most promising one. Taking the current limit on this diagram from double beta decay experiments, we evaluate the relevant cross section e e to W_L W_R, where W_L is the Standard Model W-boson and W_R the one from SU(2)_R. It is observable if the life-time of double beta decay and the mass of the W_R are close to current limits. Beam polarization effects and the high-energy behaviour of the cross section are also analyzed.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures. v2: minor changes, references added, to be published in EPJ

Same-sign W pair production as a probe of double parton scattering at the LHC

We study the production of same-sign W boson pairs at the LHC in double parton interactions. Compared with simple factorised double parton distributions (dPDFs), we show that the recently developed dPDFs, GS09, lead to non-trivial kinematic correlations between the W bosons. A numerical study of the prospects for observing this process using same-sign dilepton signatures, including same-sign WWjj, di-boson and heavy flavour backgrounds, at 14 TeV centre-of-mass energy is then performed. It is shown that a small excess of same-sign dilepton events from double parton scattering over a background dominated by single scattering WZ(gamma*) production could be observed at the LHC.Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures. Added references, slight changes in the text

Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of flavonoids and arylbenzofuran derivatives from Morus mesozygia

Morus mesozygia Stapf (Moraceae) is a plant found in many regions and used in treating many diseases including malaria and fever. Fractionation of the methanolic extract of its stem bark, using various chromatographic methods has led to the isolation and identification of 3 flavonoids: artocarpesin, artochamin C and kushenol E. And 4 arylbenzofuran derivatives: moracin M, moracin C, moracin L and mulberofuran F. The methanolic extract and the seven isolated compounds were tested for antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant FcB1 Plasmodium falciparum strain and cytotoxicity on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Relating to the antiplasmodial activity, it was found that all compounds were active against the FcB1 strain of Plasmodium with artocarpesin, koushenol E and mulberrofuran F showing particular potency (with the median inhibitory concentrations IC50 = 2.5-2.6 μg/ml). Cytotoxicity tests performed on MCF-7 cells revealed all the IC50 varying from <1.0 to 5.0 ± 0.6 μg/mL. A structure – activity relationship is discussed

School Absenteeism As an Adjunct Surveillance Indicator: Experience during the Second Wave of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic in Quebec, Canada

A school absenteeism surveillance system was implemented in the province of Quebec, Canada during the second wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. This paper compares this surveillance approach with other available indicators.All (3432) elementary and high schools from Quebec were included. Each school was required to report through a web-based system any day where the proportion of students absent for influenza-like illness (ILI) exceeded 10% of current school enrolment.Between October 18 and December 12 2009, 35.6% of all schools met the 10% absenteeism threshold. This proportion was greater in elementary compared to high schools (40% vs 19%) and in smaller compared to larger schools (44% vs 22%). The maximum absenteeism rate was reached the first day of reporting or within the next two days in 55% and 31% of schools respectively. The first reports and subsequent peak in school absenteeism provincially preceded the peak in paediatric hospitalization by two and one weeks, respectively. Trends in school surveillance otherwise mirrored other indicators.During a pandemic, school outbreak surveillance based on a 10% threshold appears insufficient to trigger timely intervention within a given affected school. However, school surveillance appears well-correlated and slightly anticipatory compared to other population indicators. As such, school absenteeism warrants further evaluation as an adjunct surveillance indicator whose overall utility will depend upon specified objectives, and other existing capacity for monitoring and response