Two physical characteristics of numerical apparent horizons

This article translates some recent results on quasilocal horizons into the language of $(3+1)$ general relativity so as to make them more useful to numerical relativists. In particular quantities are described which characterize how quickly an apparent horizon is evolving and how close it is to either equilibrium or extremality.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, conference proceedings loosely based on talk given at Theory Canada III (Edmonton, Alberta, 2007). V2: Minor changes in response to referees comments to improve clarity and fix typos. One reference adde

Implications of the Top Quark Mass Measurement for the CKM Parameters, xsx_s and CP Asymmetries

Motivated by the recent determination of the top quark mass by the CDF collaboration, \mt =174 \pm 10 ^{+13}_{-12} GeV, we review and update the constraints on the parameters of the quark flavour mixing matrix $V_{CKM}$ in the standard model. In performing our fits, we use inputs from the measurements of the following quantities: (i) \abseps, the CP-violating parameter in $K$ decays, (ii) \delmd, the mass difference due to the \bdbdbar\ mixing, (iii) the matrix elements \absvcb and \absvub, and (iv) $B$-hadron lifetimes. We find that the allowed region of the unitarity triangle is very large, mostly due to theoretical uncertainties. (This emphasizes the importance of measurements of CP-violating rate asymmetries in the $B$ system.) Nevertheless, the present data do somewhat restrict the allowed values of the coupling constant product $f_{B_d}\sqrt{\hat{B}_{B_d}}$ and the renormalization-scale invariant bag constant $\hat{B}_K$. With the updated CKM matrix we present the currently-allowed range of the ratio $\vert V_{td}/V_{ts} \vert$, as well as the standard model predictions for the \bsbsbar\ mixing parameter \xs and the quantities $\sin 2\alpha$, $\sin 2\beta$ and $\sin^2\gamma$, which characterize the CP-asymmetries in $B$-decays. The ALEPH collaboration has recently reported a significant improvement on the lower limit on the \bs-\bsb mass difference, $\Delta M_s/\Delta M_d > 11.3$ (95\% C.L.). This has interesting consequences for the CKM parameters which are also worked out. NOTE: this is a revised and updated version of our previous paper.Comment: LaTeX, 27 pages, 16 uuencoded figures (enclosed), CERN-TH.7398/94, UdeM-GPP-TH-94-0

Cell-mediated transfer of catalase nanoparticles from macrophages to brain endothelial, glial and neuronal cells

Background: Our laboratories forged the concept of macrophage delivery of protein antioxidants to attenuate neuroinflammation and nigrostriatal neurodegeneration in Parkinsons disease. Notably, the delivery of the redox enzyme, catalase, incorporated into a polyion complex micelle ('nanozyme) by bone marrow-derived macrophages protected nigrostriatum against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine intoxication. Nonetheless, how macrophage delivery of nanozyme increases the efficacy of catalase remains unknown. Methods: In this study, we examined the transfer of nanozyme from macrophages to brain microvessel endothelial cells, neurons and astrocytes. Results: Facilitated transport of the nanozyme from macrophages to endothelial, neuronal and glial target cells occurred through endocytosis-independent mechanisms that involved fusion of cellular membranes, macrophage bridging conduits and nanozyme lipid coatings. Nanozyme transfer was operative across an artificial blood-brain barrier and showed efficient reactive oxygen species decomposition. Conclusion: This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, that drug-loaded macrophages discharge particles to contiguous target cells for therapeutic brain enzyme delivery. The data shown are of potential value for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and notably, Parkinsons disease

Polyelectrolyte complex optimization for macrophage delivery of redox enzyme nanoparticles

Background: We posit that cell-mediated drug delivery can improve transport of therapeutic enzymes to the brain and decrease inflammation and neurodegeneration seen during Parkinsons disease. Our prior works demonstrated that macrophages loaded with nanoformulated catalase ('nanozyme) then parenterally injected protect the nigrostriatum in a murine model of Parkinsons disease. Packaging of catalase into block ionomer complex with a synthetic polyelectrolyte block copolymer precludes enzyme degradation in macrophages. Methods: We examined relationships between the composition and structure of block ionomer complexes with a range of block copolymers, their physicochemical characteristics, and loading, release and catalase enzymatic activity in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Results: Formation of block ionomer complexes resulted in improved aggregation stability. Block ionomer complexes with -polylysine and poly(L-glutamic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) demonstrated the least cytotoxicity and high loading and release rates. However, these formulations did not efficiently protect catalase inside macrophages. Conclusion: Nanozymes with polyethyleneimine- and poly(L-lysine) 10-poly(ethylene glycol) provided the best protection of enzymatic activity for cell-mediated drug delivery

Running Coupling and the Lambda-Parameter from SU(3) Lattice Simulations

We present new results on the static qq-potential from high statistics simulations on 32^4 and smaller lattices, using the standard Wilson beta = 6.0, 6.4, and 6.8. Within our statistical errors we do not observe any finite size effects affecting the potential values, on varying the spatial lattice extent from 0.9fm up to 3.3fm. We are able to see and quantify the running of the coupling from the Coulomb behaviour of the interquark force. From this we extract the ratio \sqrt{sigma}/Lambda_L. We demonstrate that scaling violations on the string tension can be considerably reduced by introducing effective coupling schemes, which allow for a safe extrapolation of \Lambda_L to its continuum value. Both methods yield consistent values for Lambda: Lambda_MSbar = 0.558_{-0.007}^{+0.017}\sqrt{sigma} = 246_{-3}^{+7}MeV. At the highest energy scale attainable to us we find alpha(5 GeV) = 0.150(3)Comment: 19 pages (LaTex), +6 pages with figures (Postscript, 432K), WUB 92--2

Search for supersymmetry with a dominant R-parity violating LQDbar couplings in e+e- collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 130GeV to 172 GeV

A search for pair-production of supersymmetric particles under the assumption that R-parity is violated via a dominant LQDbar coupling has been performed using the data collected by ALEPH at centre-of-mass energies of 130-172 GeV. The observed candidate events in the data are in agreement with the Standard Model expectation. This result is translated into lower limits on the masses of charginos, neutralinos, sleptons, sneutrinos and squarks. For instance, for m_0=500 GeV/c^2 and tan(beta)=sqrt(2) charginos with masses smaller than 81 GeV/c^2 and neutralinos with masses smaller than 29 GeV/c^2 are excluded at the 95% confidence level for any generation structure of the LQDbar coupling.Comment: 32 pages, 30 figure

The effectiveness of Theraplay for children under 12 – a systematic literature review

Background Theraplay is a relationship‐focused model of treatment based on attachment theory involving both adult and child. The study aims to review the quality of Theraplay research and Theraplay’s effectiveness for children aged 12 years and under with a range of presenting difficulties, to inform future practice and identify areas for further research. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Quantitative studies using Theraplay only as a treatment for children aged 12 years and under with any presenting difficulty were identified. Additional manual searching was conducted, including eligible studies’ reference lists. Critical appraisal tools were used to provide a narrative synthesis of Theraplay’s effectiveness and research quality. Results Only six eligible articles were identified, meaning there was a lack of rigorous evidence eligible to offer conclusions into Theraplay’s effectiveness. The review highlighted the small evidence base, mixed quality research methodology and high levels of heterogeneity in how Theraplay is practiced and evaluated. Of the eligible studies, Theraplay was found promising in its effectiveness when used with internalising and externalising difficulties, dual diagnoses and developmental disabilities. Conclusions Theraplay is regularly practiced across the world; however, the evidence base of rigorous research to inform Theraplay’s effectiveness and mechanisms of change is lacking. Firm conclusions could not be offered, although Theraplay was shown to be promising intervention for some presentations. Further research into Theraplay’s effectiveness and key mechanisms of change are recommended to enhance the quality and depth of Theraplay literature

Search for displaced vertices arising from decays of new heavy particles in 7 TeV pp collisions at ATLAS

We present the results of a search for new, heavy particles that decay at a significant distance from their production point into a final state containing charged hadrons in association with a high-momentum muon. The search is conducted in a pp-collision data sample with a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV and an integrated luminosity of 33 pb^-1 collected in 2010 by the ATLAS detector operating at the Large Hadron Collider. Production of such particles is expected in various scenarios of physics beyond the standard model. We observe no signal and place limits on the production cross-section of supersymmetric particles in an R-parity-violating scenario as a function of the neutralino lifetime. Limits are presented for different squark and neutralino masses, enabling extension of the limits to a variety of other models.Comment: 8 pages plus author list (20 pages total), 8 figures, 1 table, final version to appear in Physics Letters