Proof of Factorization of Fragmentation Function in Non-Equilibrium QCD

In this paper we prove factorization of fragmentation function in non-equilibrium QCD by using Schwinger-Keldysh closed-time path integral formalism. We use the background field method of QCD in a pure gauge in path integral approach to prove factorization of fragmentation function in non-equilibrium QCD. Our proof is valid in any arbitrary gauge fixing parameter $\alpha$. This may be relevant to study hadron production from quark-gluon plasma at high energy heavy-ion colliders at RHIC and LHC.Comment: 13 pages latex, (Final Published Version, Annals of Physics

Enhancing non-Gaussianities by breaking local Lorentz invariance

This talk briefly explains how the breaking of a Lorentz-invariant description of nature at tiny space-time intervals might affect the non-Gaussian character of the primordial fluctuations left by inflation. For example, a model that contains irrelevant operators that only preserve the spatial symmetries along constant-time surfaces can generate a larger non-Gaussian component in the pattern of primordial fluctuations than is ordinarily predicted by inflation. This property can be useful for constraining models that allow some Lorentz violation at short distances, beyond the constraints possible from the power spectrum alone.Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure; a talk presented at the Invisible Universe International Conference at the Palais de l'UNESCO, Pari

Apprenticeship in the United States: Frequently Asked Questions

Apprenticeship is a job training strategy that combines on-the-job training with related instruction, typically provided in a classroom setting. This report answers frequently asked questions about apprenticeship and the federal activities that support this training approach. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) report focuses on the Registered Apprenticeship system, through which the U.S. Department of Labor (or a recognized state apprenticeship agency) certifies a program as meeting federal requirements related to duration, intensity, and benefit to the apprentice. Historically, the federal role in apprenticeship has primarily involved regulation and oversight. In recent years, federal funds have been made available to support the development and expansion of apprenticeship programs. There are also several established federal funding streams in which apprenticeship is an allowable, but not required, use of funds

Radiation Therapy Medical Physics Review – Delivery, Interactions, Safety, Feasibility, and Head to Head Comparisons of the Leading Radiation Therapy Techniques

Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy for cancer treatment can take the form of photon therapy (using x-rays and gamma rays), or charged particle therapy including proton therapy and electron therapy. Within these categories, numerous methods of delivery have been developed. For example, a certain type of radiation can be administered by a machine outside of the body, called external-beam radiation therapy, or by a “seed” placed inside of the body near cancer cells, called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. Approximately half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy, and the form of radiation treatment depends on the type of tumor, location of the tumor, available resources, and characteristics of the individual receiving treatment. In the current paper, we discuss and review the various forms of radiation therapy, the physics behind these treatments, the effectiveness of each treatment type compared with the others, the latest research on radiation therapy treatment, and future research directions. We found that proton therapy is the most promising and effective form of radiation therapy, with photon methods such as intensity modulated radiation therapy, 3D-conformal radiation therapy, image guided radiation therapy, and volumetric modulated radiation therapy also showing very good comparative performance

Book review: nuclear energy: what everyone needs to know

Reviewing nuclear energy and disentangling myth from reality is essential to informing public opinion and policy making, and this accessible text provides a useful basis for assessing the risks, costs and benefits, finds Murray Collins

The L^2 signature of torus knots

We find a formula for the L2 signature of a (p,q) torus knot, which is the integral of the omega-signatures over the unit circle. We then apply this to a theorem of Cochran-Orr-Teichner to prove that the n-twisted doubles of the unknot, for n not 0 or 2, are not slice. This is a new proof of the result first proved by Casson and Gordon.Comment: 11 pages, Version 2 contains a note explaining that the main theorem of the paper has already been proved in earlier work by Kirby and Melvi

The Effect of Obesity on State Health Care Expenditures: An Empirical Analysis

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of obesity rates on per capita state health care expenditures. A two-stage least square regression model is used. In the first stage of the estimation, factors influencing obesity rates are determined. The determinants of obesity rates are outlined throughout the research process. In the second stage, the impact of obesity rates on per capita health expenditures across states is evaluated. The empirical results indicate that obesity rates do indeed have a direct effect on state health care expenditures. After reviewing the project’s results, various solutions are proposed as possible methods to slow and perhaps reverse growing obesity rates with the objective of reducing health care expenditures. The solutions offered may possibly decrease the prevalence of obesity across the nation and in turn lower per capita health care spending