D_s to φ and other transitions from lattice QCD

We have studied transitions between vector and pseudoscalar mesons using the HISQ action for the valence quarks. We have calculated all of the axial and vector form factors that appear in the decay rate for D_s -> phi l nu over the full q^2 range and compared them to the shape of the experimental decay distributions. We use nonperturbatively normalised currents for the vector and axial vector currents. The same set up for the three point correlations functions also allow us to study radiative decays and we have calculated the decay rate for J/Psi -> eta_c gamma

Pion electromagnetic form factor from full lattice QCD

We present preliminary results from the first calculation of the pion electromagnetic form factor at physical light quark masses. This form factor parameterises the deviations from the behaviour of a point-like particle when a photon hits the pion. These deviations result from the internal structure of the pion and can thus be calculated in QCD. We use three sets (different lattice spacings) of n_f=2+1+1 lattice configurations generated by the MILC collaboration. The Highly Improved Staggered Quark formalism (HISQ) is used for all of the sea and valence quarks. Using lattice configurations with u/d quark masses very close to the physical value is an advantage, as we avoid the chiral extrapolation. We study the shape of the vector (f_+) form factor in the q^2 range from 0 to -0.12 GeV^2 and extract the mean square radius, <r^2_v>. The shape of the vector form factor and the resulting radius is compared with experiment

Reversible Dysphasia and Statins

This paper presents a case of reversible dysphasia occurring in a patient prescribed atorvastatin in combination with indapamide. A milder dysphasia recurred with the prescription of rosuvastatin and was documented on clinical examination. This resolved following cessation of rosuvastatin. The case highlights both a need for a wider understanding of potential drug interactions through the CYP 450 system and for an increased awareness, questioning and reporting of drug side-effects