CP sensitive observables in chargino production with transverse e±e^{\pm} beam polarization

We consider the process e^+e^-\to\ti\chi^+_i\ti\chi^-_j at a linear collider with transverse $e^{\pm}$ beam polarization. We investigate the influence of the CP phases on azimuthal asymmetries in e^+e^-\to\ti\chi^+_i\ti\chi^-_j with subsequent two-body decays \ti\chi^-_j\to \ti\nu_{\ell}\ell^- and \ti\chi^-_j\to W^-\ti\chi^0_1. We show that triple product correlations involving the transverse $e^{\pm}$ beam polarization vanish if at least one subsequent chargino decay is not observed. We derive this result within the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) with complex parameters, however, it holds also in the general MSSM with SUSY flavour violation.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figure

Working with students and parents to improve the freshman retention

Abstract -The transition from high school to college can be very difficult for many students. The authors believe that students can advocate on their own behalf by educating themselves on challenges they may potentially face, as well as establishing realistic educational and social goals. Concurrently, parents can assist their children by becoming more aware of the transition issues, and learning how to help anticipate transitions. This paper will acquaint the reader with three key transitional challenges new college students face, as well as offer an approach to productive interactions with both students and their parents. As evidenced in steadily improving persistence rates, the University of Pittsburgh has found by educating new students and parents in realistically anticipating first year challenges, students are able to productively work through their freshman year university experience

The running of the electromagnetic coupling alpha in small-angle Bhabha scattering

A method to determine the running of alpha from a measurement of small-angle Bhabha scattering is proposed and worked out. The method is suited to high statistics experiments at e+e- colliders, which are equipped with luminometers in the appropriate angular region. A new simulation code predicting small-angle Bhabha scattering is also presentedComment: 15 pages, 3 Postscript figure

Selectron production at an e-e- linear collider with transversely polarized beams

We study selectron production at an e-e- linear collider. With the help of transverse beam polarizations, we define CP sensitive observables in the production process e- e- --> selectron_L selectron_R. This process proceeds via t-channel and u-channel exchange of neutralinos, and is sensitive to CP violation in the neutralino sector. We present numerical results and estimate the significances to which the CP sensitive observables can be measured.Comment: 14 page

Melanoma in Buckinghamshire: Data from the Inception of the Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team

Background. Melanoma incidence is increasing faster than any other cancer in the UK. The introduction of specialist skin cancer multidisciplinary teams intends to improve the provision of care to patients suffering from melanoma. This study aims to investigate the management and survival of patients diagnosed with melanoma around the time of inception of the regional skin cancer multidisciplinary team both to benchmark the service against published data and to enable future analysis of the impact of the specialisation of skin cancer care. Methods. All patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma between January 1, 2003 and December 3, 2005 were identified. Data on clinical and histopathological features, surgical procedures, complications, disease recurrence and 5-year survival were collected and analysed. Results. Two hundred and fourteen patients were included, 134 female and 80 males. Median Breslow thickness was 0.74 mm (0.7 mm female and 0.8 mm male). Overall 5-year survival was 88% (90% female and 85% male). Discussion. Melanoma incidence in Buckinghamshire is in keeping with published data. Basic demographics details concur with classic melanoma distribution and more recent trends, with increased percentage of superficial spreading and thin melanomas, leading to improved survival are reflected