Cosmic Electroweak Strings

We examine the Standard Model field configurations near cosmic strings in a particular class of models. This class is defined by the condition that the generator of the flux in the string, $T_s$, commutes with the Standard Model Lie algebra. We find that if the Standard Model Higgs carries a charge $F_h /2$ under $T_s$, cosmic string solutions have Z-flux $\Phi_Z =[n-F_h N/F_{\phi}]4\pi \cos \theta_w /g$, where $n$ is any integer and $4\pi N/qF_{\phi}$ is the flux of the gauge field associated with $T_s$. Only the configuration with the smallest value of $|n-F_h N/F_{\phi}|$ is stable, however. We argue that the instabilities found at higher $\Phi_Z$ are just associated with paths in configuration space reducing $|n-F_h N/F_{\phi}|$ by one unit. This contradicts recent claims that the instabilities in such models represent the spontaneous generation of current along the string. We also show that the stable strings have no Standard Model fermion zero modes: therefore there is no possibility of supercurrents carried by Standard Model particles in this class of models.Comment: Latex, 13 pages, 2 uuencoded figure

Effect of Including Cancer Mortality on the Cost-Effectiveness of Aspirin for Primary Prevention in Men

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that aspirin may be effective for reducing cancer mortality. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether including a cancer mortality-reducing effect influences which men would benefit from aspirin for primary prevention. DESIGN: We modified our existing Markov model that examines the effects of aspirin among middle-aged men with no previous history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. For our base case scenario of 45-year-old men, we examined costs and life-years for men taking aspirin for 10 years compared with men who were not taking aspirin over those 10 years; after 10 years, we equalized treatment and followed the cohort until death. We compared our results depending on whether or not we included a 22 % relative reduction in cancer mortality, based on a recent meta-analysis. We discounted costs and benefits at 3 % and employed a third party payer perspective. MAIN MEASURE: Cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. KEY RESULTS: When no effect on cancer mortality was included, aspirin had a cost per QALY gained of $22,492 at 5$43,342). Results were somewhat sensitive to utility of taking aspirin daily; risk of death after myocardial infarction; and effects of aspirin on stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. However, aspirin remained cost-saving or cost-effective (< $50,000 per QALY) in probabilistic analyses (59 % with no cancer effect included; 96 % with cancer effect) for men at 5 % risk. CONCLUSIONS: Including an effect of aspirin on cancer mortality influences the threshold for prescribing aspirin for primary prevention in men. If such an effect is real, many middle-aged men at low cardiovascular risk would become candidates for regular aspirin use

Factors and Outcomes Contributing to Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer represents the 6th most common for men and is classified into muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). NMIBC (T1, Ta, Tis), accounting for approximately 75% of new bladder cancer diagnoses, is limited to the mucosa, submucosa, and lamina propria. Studies have approximated the rate of recurrence in NMIBC between 50 - 70%, which sometimes progresses to muscle invasive disease. Management of NMIBC ranges from surveillance, intravesical chemotherapy to radical cystectomy (RC) and is dependent upon the TNM staging and grading of the tumor. Clinically, staging is determined via imaging, physical exam, and histology on transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), while pathologic grading is determined via radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). PLND has been shown to have a therapeutic benefit in localized bladder cancer when done in conjunction with RC, in addition to diagnostic and therapeutic elements. While the relationship between PLND and MIBC has been studied extensively, the role of lymph node (LN) dissection during RC for NMIBC remains unclear, with few studies and conflicting results. Furthermore, although lymph node metastasis has been found to occur in up to 16.2% of NMIBC patients, its reported that nearly half have insufficient PLND during RC and 16.6% have no PLND done at all. The aim of this data analysis is to determine the predictive factors and outcomes for LN positive patients undergoing PLND with RC in NMIBC

A virtual co-creation collaboration between a university physics research group and school students

[EN] This work aims to inspire, ignite and engage school students to consider STEM at university, by collaborating between a university research group and school students. Learning resources will be co-created with students, based on what they have learnt and their new ideas. These resources will be used to teach future students, in a multiplying effect. We specifically target a widening participation school. Numerous engagement techniques have been used to sustain participation whilst teaching online. Breakout rooms have been used extensively, to provide close interactions between researchers and students. Both male and female researchers deliver the project, to provide role models in particular for the girls amongst the students, who are in the minority. Surveys are being employed before, during and after the project to evaluate the evolution of students’ attitudes towards STEM. Given the projected success of this pilot, plans are in place for a national roll-out of virtual co-creation collaborations.Evans, M.; Abrahams, R.; Baskill, D.; Earnshaw, Z.; Golton, P.; Shaw, K.; Stevenson, T.... (2021). A virtual co-creation collaboration between a university physics research group and school students. En 7th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'21). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 27-35. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd21.2021.13109OCS273

Comparing measured and modelled PFOS concentrations in a UK freshwater catchment and estimating emission rates

The lifecycle, sources and fate of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) continue to generate scientific and political interest, particularly since PFOS was listed by the Stockholm Convention and largely restricted in Europe. It continues to be detected in aquatic environments, with only limited studies into the on-going sources. This paper explores PFOS emissions discharged by the general population into a small catchment comprising two rivers in the UK. A sampling campaign was undertaken to improve our understanding of population-derived PFOS sources from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and in rivers. A corresponding modelling exercise allowed an emission estimate of 13 μg/day/per capita to be derived for the Aire and Calder rivers. PFOS emission was linked to STP discharges bylinear regression of measured and modelled concntrations (R2 = 0.49–0.85). The model was able to accurately estimate the spatial trends of PFOS in the rivers, while predicted concentrations were within a factor of three based on per capita emission values taken from the literature. Measured PFOS concentrations in rivers suggested that emissions from STPs are partially dependent on treatment type, where plants with secondary or tertiary treatment such as activated sludge processes emit less PFOS, possibly due to increased partitioning and retention. With refinements based on the type of treatment at each STP, predictions were further improved. The total PFOS mass discharged annually via rivers from the UK has been estimated to be between 215 and 310 kg, based on the per capita emission range derived in this study

Ultrabroadband Polarization Insensitive Hybrid using Multiplane Light Conversion

We designed, fabricated and tested an optical hybrid that supports an octave of bandwidth (900-1800 nm) and below 4-dB insertion loss using multiplane light conversion. Measured phase errors are below 3-degree across a measurement bandwidth of 390 nm.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figures, accepted by OFC 202

Cost-Utility of Aspirin and Proton Pump Inhibitors for Primary Prevention

Aspirin reduces myocardial infarction but increases gastrointestinal bleeding. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce upper gastrointestinal bleed. We estimate the cost-utility of aspirin treatment with or without PPI for coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention among men at different risks for CHD and gastrointestinal bleed

Unveiling the origins of quasi-phase matching spectral imperfections in thin-film lithium niobate frequency doublers

Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) based frequency doublers have been widely recognized as essential components for both classical and quantum optical communications. Nonetheless, the efficiency of these devices is hindered by imperfections present in the quasi-phase matching (QPM) spectrum. In this study, we present a thorough analysis of the spectral imperfections in TFLN frequency doublers with varying lengths, ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm. Employing a non-destructive diagnostic method based on scattered light imaging, we identify the sources and waveguide sections that contribute to the imperfections in the QPM spectrum. Furthermore, by mapping the TFLN film thickness across the entire waveguiding regions, we successfully reproduce the QPM spectra numerically, thus confirming the prominent influence of film thickness variations on the observed spectral imperfections. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the identification and mitigation of spectral imperfections in TFLN-based frequency doublers, paving the way toward the realization of nonlinear optical devices with enhanced efficiency and improved spectral fidelity

Editor's choice : European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2020 clinical practice guidelines on the management of acute limb ischaemia

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Mutations in pericentrin cause Seckel syndrome with defective ATR-dependent DNA damage signaling

Large brain size is one of the defining characteristics of modern humans. Seckel syndrome (MIM 210600), a disorder of markedly reduced brain and body size, is associated with defective ATR-dependent DNA damage signaling. Only a single hypomorphic mutation of ATR has been identified in this genetically heterogeneous condition. We now report that mutations in the gene encoding pericentrin (PCNT)--resulting in the loss of pericentrin from the centrosome, where it has key functions anchoring both structural and regulatory proteins--also cause Seckel syndrome. Furthermore, we find that cells of individuals with Seckel syndrome due to mutations in PCNT (PCNT-Seckel) have defects in ATR-dependent checkpoint signaling, providing the first evidence linking a structural centrosomal protein with DNA damage signaling. These findings also suggest that other known microcephaly genes implicated in either DNA repair responses or centrosomal function may act in common developmental pathways determining human brain and body size