Probing P- and CP-violation in dark matter interactions

Discrete symmetries played a central role in elucidating the structure of the weak interactions, and they will probably be equally crucial regarding the interactions of the dark matter (DM) particle -- whose nature remains elusive. In this work we show that signals in future direct detection experiments can be used to test, in a model-independent way, for P- and CP-violation in DM-nucleus interactions. The analysis is performed within the most general effective theory for non-relativistic spin-0 DM-nucleus interactions mediated by the exchange of a heavy particle. Assuming an idealised xenon detector, we calculate the expected number of DM signal events required to reject P and CP invariant DM-nucleus interactions. For a DM mass of 30 GeV (or higher), this number lies between about 10 and 300 DM signal events, depending on how P and CP invariance are modeled. Future direct detection experiments, therefore, have the potential to reveal P- and CP-violation in DM interactions, making a decisive step toward the identification of the DM particle.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

Einstein and Jordan frames reconciled: a frame-invariant approach to scalar-tensor cosmology

Scalar-Tensor theories of gravity can be formulated in different frames, most notably, the Einstein and the Jordan one. While some debate still persists in the literature on the physical status of the different frames, a frame transformation in Scalar-Tensor theories amounts to a local redefinition of the metric, and then should not affect physical results. We analyze the issue in a cosmological context. In particular, we define all the relevant observables (redshift, distances, cross-sections, ...) in terms of frame-independent quantities. Then, we give a frame-independent formulation of the Boltzmann equation, and outline its use in relevant examples such as particle freeze-out and the evolution of the CMB photon distribution function. Finally, we derive the gravitational equations for the frame-independent quantities at first order in perturbation theory. From a practical point of view, the present approach allows the simultaneous implementation of the good aspects of the two frames in a clear and straightforward way.Comment: 15 pages, matches version to be published on Phys. Rev.

Kidney and uro-trauma : WSES-AAST guidelines

Renal and urogenital injuries occur in approximately 10-20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Optimal management should take into consideration the anatomic injury, the hemodynamic status, and the associated injuries. The management of urogenital trauma aims to restore homeostasis and normal physiology especially in pediatric patients where non-operative management is considered the gold standard. As with all traumatic conditions, the management of urogenital trauma should be multidisciplinary including urologists, interventional radiologists, and trauma surgeons, as well as emergency and ICU physicians. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney and urogenital trauma management guidelines.Peer reviewe