Quantum Hall Effect on the Grassmannians Gr2(CN)\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^N)

Quantum Hall Effects (QHEs) on the complex Grassmann manifolds $\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^N)$ are formulated. We set up the Landau problem in $\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^N)$ and solve it using group theoretical techniques and provide the energy spectrum and the eigenstates in terms of the $SU(N)$ Wigner ${\cal D}$-functions for charged particles on $\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^N)$ under the influence of abelian and non-abelian background magnetic monopoles or a combination of these thereof. In particular, for the simplest case of $\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^4)$ we explicitly write down the $U(1)$ background gauge field as well as the single and many-particle eigenstates by introducing the Pl\"{u}cker coordinates and show by calculating the two-point correlation function that the Lowest Landau Level (LLL) at filling factor $\nu =1$ forms an incompressible fluid. Our results are in agreement with the previous results in the literature for QHE on ${\mathbb C}P^N$ and generalize them to all $\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^N)$ in a suitable manner. Finally, we heuristically identify a relation between the $U(1)$ Hall effect on $\mathbf{Gr}_2(\mathbb{C}^4)$ and the Hall effect on the odd sphere $S^5$, which is yet to be investigated in detail, by appealing to the already known analogous relations between the Hall effects on ${\mathbb C}P^3$ and ${\mathbb C}P^7$ and those on the spheres $S^4$ and $S^8$, respectively.Comment: 34 pages, revtex 4-1, Minor Correction

3-D shape modeling for hearing aid design

Advances in 3-D scanning and fabrication hardware as well as 3-D geometric design software have transformed a once labor intensive manual manufacturing into an efficient digital process for hearing aid design, resulting in higher quality, reduced cost, and better fitting devices. Future work in this field will continue to focus on increasing automation until the process is fully automatic

Stabilizing role of platelet P2Y(12) receptors in shear-dependent thrombus formation on ruptured plaques

Background: In most models of experimental thrombosis, healthy blood vessels are damaged. This results in the formation of a platelet thrombus that is stabilized by ADP signaling via P2Y(12) receptors. However, such models do not predict involvement of P2Y(12) in the clinically relevant situation of thrombosis upon rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated the role of P2Y(12) in thrombus formation on (collagen-containing) atherosclerotic plaques in vitro and in vivo, by using a novel mouse model of atherothrombosis. Methodology: Plaques in the carotid arteries from Apoe(-/-) mice were acutely ruptured by ultrasound treatment, and the thrombotic process was monitored via intravital fluorescence microscopy. Thrombus formation in vitro was assessed in mouse and human blood perfused over collagen or plaque material under variable conditions of shear rate and coagulation. Effects of two reversible P2Y(12) blockers, ticagrelor (AZD6140) and cangrelor (AR-C69931MX), were investigated. Principal Findings: Acute plaque rupture by ultrasound treatment provoked rapid formation of non-occlusive thrombi, which were smaller in size and unstable in the presence of P2Y(12) blockers. In vitro, when mouse or human blood was perfused over collagen or atherosclerotic plaque material, blockage or deficiency of P2Y(12) reduced the thrombi and increased embolization events. These P2Y(12) effects were present at shear rates >500 s(-1), and they persisted in the presence of coagulation. P2Y(12)-dependent thrombus stabilization was accompanied by increased fibrin(ogen) binding. Conclusions/Significance: Platelet P2Y(12) receptors play a crucial role in the stabilization of thrombi formed on atherosclerotic plaques. This P2Y(12) function is restricted to high shear flow conditions, and is preserved in the presence of coagulation

First Report of the Simulation Optimization Group

This is the first report of the ATLAS Simulation Optimization Group, established in June of 2007. This article justifies the selected Geant4 version, physics list, and range cuts to be used by the default ATLAS simulation for initial data taking and beyond. The current status of several projects, including detector description, simulation validation, studies of additional Geant4 parameters, and cavern background, are reported

Smc5/6: a link between DNA repair and unidirectional replication?

Of the three structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complexes, two directly regulate chromosome dynamics. The third, Smc5/6, functions mainly in homologous recombination and in completing DNA replication. The literature suggests that Smc5/6 coordinates DNA repair, in part through post-translational modification of uncharacterized target proteins that can dictate their subcellular localization, and that Smc5/6 also functions to establish DNA-damage-dependent cohesion. A nucleolar-specific Smc5/6 function has been proposed because Smc5/6 yeast mutants display penetrant phenotypes of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) instability. rDNA repeats are replicated unidirectionally. Here, we propose that unidirectional replication, combined with global Smc5/6 functions, can explain the apparent rDNA specificity

First observation of the KS->pi0 gamma gamma decay

Using the NA48 detector at the CERN SPS, 31 KS->pi0 gamma gamma candidates with an estimated background of 13.7 +- 3.2 events have been observed. This first observation leads to a branching ratio of BR(KS->pi0 gamma gamma) = (4.9 +- 1.6(stat) +- 0.9(syst)) x 10^-8 in agreement with Chiral Perturbation theory predictions.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures submitted to Phys. Lett.

A precision measurement of direct CP violation in the decay of neutral kaons into two pions

The direct CP violation parameter Re(epsilon'/epsilon) has been measured from the decay rates of neutral kaons into two pions using the NA48 detector at the CERN SPS. The 2001 running period was devoted to collecting additional data under varied conditions compared to earlier years (1997-99). The new data yield the result: Re(epsilon'/epsilon) = (13.7 +/- 3.1) times 10^{-4}. Combining this result with that published from the 1997, 98 and 99 data, an overall value of Re(epsilon'/epsilon) = (14.7 +/- 2.2) times 10^{-4} is obtained from the NA48 experiment.Comment: 19 pages, 5 figures, to be published in Physics Letters

Fibrinogen storage disease without hypofibrinogenemia associated with estrogen therapy

BACKGROUND: Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies within hepatocytes may have different etiologies, including the Endoplasmic Reticulum Storage Diseases (ERSDs). ERSD is a pathological condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of proteins destined for secretion in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes; it may be congenital (primary) or acquired (secondary). Fibrinogen storage disease is a form of ERSD. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of fibrinogen storage disease secondary to estrogen replacement therapy. Its causal relationship to the drug is shown by histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of paired liver biopsies obtained during and after the drug therapy. CONCLUSION: The liver biopsies of patients with idiopathic liver enzyme abnormalities should be carefully evaluated for cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and, although rare, fibrinogen deposits

Position resolution and particle identification with the ATLAS EM calorimeter

In the years between 2000 and 2002 several pre-series and series modules of the ATLAS EM barrel and end-cap calorimeter were exposed to electron, photon and pion beams. The performance of the calorimeter with respect to its finely segmented first sampling has been studied. The polar angle resolution has been found to be in the range 50-60 mrad/sqrt(E (GeV)). The neutral pion rejection has been measured to be about 3.5 for 90% photon selection efficiency at pT=50 GeV/c. Electron-pion separation studies have indicated that a pion fake rate of (0.07-0.5)% can be achieved while maintaining 90% electron identification efficiency for energies up to 40 GeV.Comment: 32 pages, 22 figures, to be published in NIM

A cost effectiveness analysis of salt reduction policies to reduce coronary heart disease in four Eastern Mediterranean countries.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is rising in middle income countries. Population based strategies to reduce specific CHD risk factors have an important role to play in reducing overall CHD mortality. Reducing dietary salt consumption is a potentially cost-effective way to reduce CHD events. This paper presents an economic evaluation of population based salt reduction policies in Tunisia, Syria, Palestine and Turkey. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Three policies to reduce dietary salt intake were evaluated: a health promotion campaign, labelling of food packaging and mandatory reformulation of salt content in processed food. These were evaluated separately and in combination. Estimates of the effectiveness of salt reduction on blood pressure were based on a literature review. The reduction in mortality was estimated using the IMPACT CHD model specific to that country. Cumulative population health effects were quantified as life years gained (LYG) over a 10 year time frame. The costs of each policy were estimated using evidence from comparable policies and expert opinion including public sector costs and costs to the food industry. Health care costs associated with CHDs were estimated using standardized unit costs. The total cost of implementing each policy was compared against the current baseline (no policy). All costs were calculated using 2010 PPP exchange rates. In all four countries most policies were cost saving compared with the baseline. The combination of all three policies (reducing salt consumption by 30%) resulted in estimated cost savings of $235,000,000 and 6455 LYG in Tunisia;$39,000,000 and 31674 LYG in Syria; $6,000,000 and 2682 LYG in Palestine and$1,3000,000,000 and 378439 LYG in Turkey. CONCLUSION: Decreasing dietary salt intake will reduce coronary heart disease deaths in the four countries. A comprehensive strategy of health education and food industry actions to label and reduce salt content would save both money and lives