Probing the Noncommutative Standard Model at Hadron Colliders

We study collider signals for the noncommutative extension of the standard model using the Seiberg-Witten maps for SU(3)_C x SU(2)_L x U(1)_Y to first order in the noncommutativity parameters theta_munu. In particular, we investigate the ensitivity of Z-gamma-production at the Tevatron and the LHC to the components of theta_munu. We discuss the range of validity of this approximation and estimate exclusion limits from a Monte Carlo simulation.Comment: 18 pages LaTeX, 23 figures. Slightly expanded introduction and additional references. Accepted for publication in Physical Review

Minimal Gauge Invariant Classes of Tree Diagrams in Gauge Theories

We describe the explicit construction of groves, the smallest gauge invariant classes of tree Feynman diagrams in gauge theories. The construction is valid for gauge theories with any number of group factors which may be mixed. It requires no summation over a complete gauge group multiplet of external matter fields. The method is therefore suitable for defining gauge invariant classes of Feynman diagrams for processes with many observed final state particles in the standard model and its extensions.Comment: 13 pages, RevTeX (EPS figures

Cosmological and Black Hole Spacetimes in Twisted Noncommutative Gravity

We derive noncommutative Einstein equations for abelian twists and their solutions in consistently symmetry reduced sectors, corresponding to twisted FRW cosmology and Schwarzschild black holes. While some of these solutions must be rejected as models for physical spacetimes because they contradict observations, we find also solutions that can be made compatible with low energy phenomenology, while exhibiting strong noncommutativity at very short distances and early times.Comment: LaTeX 12 pages, JHEP.st

MadEvent: Automatic Event Generation with MadGraph

We present a new multi-channel integration method and its implementation in the multi-purpose event generator MadEvent, which is based on MadGraph. Given a process, MadGraph automatically identifies all the relevant subprocesses, generates both the amplitudes and the mappings needed for an efficient integration over the phase space, and passes them to MadEvent. As a result, a process-specific, stand-alone code is produced that allows the user to calculate cross sections and produce unweighted events in a standard output format. Several examples are given for processes that are relevant for physics studies at present and forthcoming colliders.Comment: 11 pages, MadGraph home page at http://madgraph.physics.uiuc.ed

Bubble shock wave interaction near biomaterials

The interaction of bubbles, both oscillating and stationary near biomaterials is of interest for the development of various medical treatment involving ultrasound and shock waves. This is because cavitation bubbles often nucleate in the bodily fluid under pressure waves, and their dynamics directly influence the success of the treatment and the collateral damages sustained. For example, in the treatment of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), cavitation bubbles are created when the shock wave is administered. These bubbles oscillate and collapse near the kidney stones and the body tissues. They are responsible both for the breaking up of the stones as well as the collateral damages to the nearby tissues. We study the interaction of an oscillating bubble near various biomaterials. The bio-materials are modeled as elastic fluids with similar physical properties such as elastic modulus, Poisson ratio, and density. The bubble dynamics are summarized based on biomaterial physical properties. We also study the interaction of a stationary bubble with the nearby bio-materials when hit by a lithotripter shock wave. High speed jets and splitting of bubbles are observed due to the influence of the nearby biomaterials.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/84287/1/CAV2009-final104.pd

What are effective therapies for Clostridium difficile- associated diarrhea?

Oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin are equally effective treatments for Clostridium difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD) (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on randomized trials). Oral vancomycin is considerably more expensive and may select for colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci, leading the American College of Gastroenterology to recommend oral metronidazole as preferred therapy (SOR: C, expert opinion). They recommend therapy with vancomycin for those who are pregnant, breast feeding, less than 10years old, nonresponders to metronidazole, critically ill, or allergic or intolerant to metronidazole (SOR: C, expert opinion)

Hai Karate and Kung Fuey: Early Martial Arts Tropes in British Advertising

This paper focuses on the responsibility of advertising messages to authentically mirror and reflect British audience feelings towards ‘the Other’ and discusses caricatures of the Chinese in advertising through early martial arts tropes. It provides contextual background to Chinese depictions on screen in Britain before illustrating martial arts representations on print and television advertising during the 1970s. The paper includes examples of two popular brands in Britain: Pfizer’s ‘Hai Karate’ (1973) and Golden Wonder’s ‘Kung Fuey’ (1974-76) to illustrate colonial notions of the ‘Oriental’ during the 1960s and ’70s. This interdisciplinary study borrows from ethical representation and martial arts discourse in film and TV, to explain the exoticisation and exclusion of the Chinese in the context of authenticity and appropriation in advertising

Removal of an obstruction from a tube by a collapsing bubble

The use of a collapsing bubble to clear an obstruction (in the form of a steel ball) near a tube, submerged in water, is studied with high speed photography. Tubes in horizontal and vertical configurations are studied. The bubble is generated via an electric spark discharge. The flow in the tubes resulting from the expansion of the bubble, or the high speed jet from the collapsing bubble pushes the ball away from the tubes and therefore clears the obstructions. In a case where airbacked tube is used, the bubble jets away from the tube. The resulting water plum at the hole (water-air interface) removes the blockage. The speed of the ball can be as high as 1 m/s shortly after the collapse of the bubble. Further studies are required to translate the phenomena observed to clinical applications such as the removal of blood clots in vessels or the clearing of blocked transplanted tubes..http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/84282/1/CAV2009-final98.pd

Notes on Iowa Diatoms VII I. Winter Bloom of Synedra acus in a Farm Pond

Diatoms were found to be the dominant plankters in Iowa farm ponds. A winter bloom of Synedra acus var. radians (Kutz.) Hust is described