882 research outputs found
Tame D-tadpoles in gauge mediation
We revisit models of gauge mediated supersymmetry breaking where messenger
parity is violated. Such a symmetry is usually invoked in order to set to zero
potentially dangerous hypercharge D-term tadpoles. A milder hypothesis is that
the D-tadpole vanishes only at the first order in the gauge coupling constant.
Then the next order leads to a contribution to the sfermion masses which is of
the same magnitude as the usual radiative one. This enlarges the parameter
space of gauge mediated models. We first give a completely general
characterization of this contribution, in terms of particular three-point
functions of hidden sector current multiplet operators. We then explore the
parameter space by means of two simple weakly coupled models, where the
D-tadpole arising at two-loops has actually a mild logarithmic divergence.Comment: 13 pages + 9 pages of appendix, 1 figure; v2: some clarifying
comments added, version to appear in JHE
Two-loop RGEs with Dirac gaugino masses
The set of renormalisation group equations to two loop order for general
supersymmetric theories broken by soft and supersoft operators is completed. As
an example, the explicit expressions for the RGEs in a Dirac gaugino extension
of the (N)MSSM are presented.Comment: 10 pages + 24 pages of RGEs in appendix; no figure
Phenomenological Aspects of Gauge Mediation with Sequestered Supersymmetry Breaking in light of Dark Matter Detection
In a recent work, a model of gauge mediation with sequestered supersymmetry
(SUSY) breaking was proposed. In this model, the mass of the gravitino is
O(100) GeV without causing the flavor-changing neutral-current problem. In
contrast to traditional gauge mediation, the gravitino is not the lightest SUSY
particle and the neutralino is the candidate of the dark matter. In this paper,
we investigate phenomenological aspects of this model and discuss the
possibility of the direct detection of the dark matter. In particular, we focus
on the light neutralino case and find that the light-Higgsino scenario such as
the focus point is interesting, taking account of the recent CDMS result.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures; v2:references added, some corrections;
v3:version accepted for publication in JHE
Computer simulation of syringomyelia in dogs
Syringomyelia is a pathological condition in which fluid-filled cavities (syringes) form and expand in the spinal cord. Syringomyelia is often linked with obstruction of the craniocervical junction and a Chiari malformation, which is similar in both humans and animals. Some brachycephalic toy breed dogs such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) are particularly predisposed. The exact mechanism of the formation of syringomyelia is undetermined and consequently with the lack of clinical explanation, engineers and mathematicians have resorted to computer models to identify possible physical mechanisms that can lead to syringes. We developed a computer model of the spinal cavity of a CKCS suffering from a large syrinx. The model was excited at the cranial end to simulate the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the spinal cord due to the shift of blood volume in the cranium related to the cardiac cycle. To simulate the normal condition, the movement was prescribed to the CSF. To simulate the pathological condition, the movement of CSF was blocked
Visual parameter optimisation for biomedical image processing
Background: Biomedical image processing methods require users to optimise input parameters to ensure high quality
output. This presents two challenges. First, it is difficult to optimise multiple input parameters for multiple
input images. Second, it is difficult to achieve an understanding of underlying algorithms, in particular, relationships
between input and output.
Results: We present a visualisation method that transforms users’ ability to understand algorithm behaviour by
integrating input and output, and by supporting exploration of their relationships. We discuss its application to a
colour deconvolution technique for stained histology images and show how it enabled a domain expert to
identify suitable parameter values for the deconvolution of two types of images, and metrics to quantify
deconvolution performance. It also enabled a breakthrough in understanding by invalidating an underlying
assumption about the algorithm.
Conclusions: The visualisation method presented here provides analysis capability for multiple inputs and outputs
in biomedical image processing that is not supported by previous analysis software. The analysis supported by our
method is not feasible with conventional trial-and-error approaches
Soft Spectrum in Yukawa-Gauge Mediation
We introduce a model independent parametrization for a subclass of gauge
mediated theories, which we refer to as Yukawa-gauge mediation. Within this
formalism we study the resulting soft masses in the visible spectrum. We find
general expressions for the gaugino and scalar masses. Under generic
conditions, the gaugino mass is screened, vanishing at first order in the SUSY
breaking scale.Comment: 22 pages, 4 figures; v2: minor corrections, published versio
General Messenger Gauge Mediation
We discuss theories of gauge mediation in which the hidden sector consists of
two subsectors which are weakly coupled to each other. One sector is made up of
messengers and the other breaks supersymmetry. Each sector by itself may be
strongly coupled. We provide a unifying framework for such theories and discuss
their predictions in different settings. We show how this framework
incorporates all known models of messengers. In the case of weakly-coupled
messengers interacting with spurions through the superpotential, we prove that
the sfermion mass-squared is positive, and furthermore, that there is a lower
bound on the ratio of the sfermion mass to the gaugino mass.Comment: 37 pages; minor change
Metal-macrofauna interactions determine microbial community structure and function in copper contaminated sediments
Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Do Interventions Designed to Support Shared Decision-Making Reduce Health Inequalities? : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Copyright: © 2014 Durand et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Background: Increasing patient engagement in healthcare has become a health policy priority. However, there has been concern that promoting supported shared decision-making could increase health inequalities. Objective: To evaluate the impact of SDM interventions on disadvantaged groups and health inequalities. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.Peer reviewe
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