Precision Physics with B^0_s -> J/psi phi at the LHC: The Quest for New Physics

CP-violating effects in the time-dependent angular distribution of the B^0_s -> J/psi[-> ell^+ ell^-] phi[-> K^+K^-] decay products play a key role for the search of new physics. The hadronic Standard-Model uncertainties are related to doubly Cabibbo-suppressed penguin contributions and are usually assumed to be negligibly small. In view of recent results from the Tevatron and the quickly approaching start of the data taking at the LHC, we have a critical look at the impact of these terms, which could be enhanced through long-distance QCD phenomena, and explore the associated uncertainty for the measurement of the CP-violating B^0_s-\bar B^0_s mixing phase. We point out that these effects can actually be controlled by means of an analysis of the time-dependent angular distribution of the B^0_s -> J/psi[-> ell^+ ell^-] \bar K^{*0}[-> pi^+ K^-] decay products, and illustrate this through numerical studies. Moreover, we discuss SU(3)-breaking effects, which limit the theoretical accuracy of our method, and suggest internal consistency checks of SU(3).Comment: 28 pages, 10 figure

Penguin Topologies, Rescattering Effects and Penguin Hunting with Bu,d→KKˉB_{u,d}\to K\bar{K} and B±→π±KB^\pm\to\pi^\pm K

In the recent literature, constraints on the CKM angle $\gamma$ arising from the branching ratios for $B^\pm\to\pi^\pm K$ and $B_d\to\pi^\mp K^\pm$ decays received a lot of attention. An important theoretical limitation of the accuracy of these bounds is due to rescattering effects, such as $B^+\to\{\pi^0K^+\}\to\pi^+K^0$. We point out that these processes are related to penguin topologies with internal up quark exchanges and derive SU(2) isospin relations among the $B^+\to\pi^+K^0$ and $B_d^0\to\pi^-K^+$ decay amplitudes by defining ``tree'' and ``penguin'' amplitudes in a proper way, allowing the derivation of generalized bounds on the CKM angle $\gamma$. We propose strategies to obtain insights into the dynamics of penguin processes with the help of the decays $B_{u,d}\to K\bar{K}$ and $B^\pm\to\pi^\pm K$, derive a relation among the direct CP-violating asymmetries arising in these modes, and emphasize that rescattering effects can be included in the generalized bounds on $\gamma$ completely this way. Moreover, we have a brief look at the impact of new physics.Comment: Some mistakes in the equations have been corrected, conclusions have been changed slightly. The complete paper, including figures, is also available via anonymous ftp at ftp://ttpux2.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/, or via www at http://www-ttp.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/cgi-bin/preprints

Managing resistance to Bt crops in a genetically variable insect herbivore, Ostrinia nubilalis

To slow the resistance evolution of the European corn borer (ECB) to Cry proteins expressed in transgenic Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) corn, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted an insect resistance management (IRM) plan that relies on a “high dose/refuge” strategy. However, this IRM plan does not consider possible ecological differences between the two ECB pheromone races (E and Z). Using carbon isotope analysis, we found that unstructured (non-corn) refuges contribute more to E race (18%) than to Z race (4%) populations of ECB in upstate New York (USA). Furthermore, feeding on non-corn hosts is associated with decreased body mass and reduced fecundity. We also show that the geographic range of E-race ECB is restricted within the range of the Z race and that E-race ECB are increasingly dominant in regions with increasing non-corn habitat. While the proportion of E-race ECB developing in unstructured refuges is higher than previously assumed, low rates of unstructured refuge use by the Z race, evidence for reduced fecundity when reared on non-corn hosts, and complete sympatry within the E race range all argue against a relaxation of current IRM refuge standards in corn based on alternative-host use. We also discuss implications of this research for integrated pest management in vegetables and IRM in Bt cotton

Pacific Hake, Merluccius productus, Autecology: A Timely Review

Pacific hake, Merluccius productus, the most abundant groundfish in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), is a species of both commercial significance, supporting a large international fishery, and ecological importance, connecting other species as both predator and prey. Coastal Pacific hake migrations are characterized by movements between northern summer feeding areas and southern winter spawning areas, with variations in annual abundance, distribution, and the extent of these movements associated with varying climate-ocean conditions. In general, warm (cool) years with enhanced (reduced) stratification and poleward (equatorward) transport are often related to good (poor) recruitment, increased (decreased) northward distribution, and reduced (enhanced) growth. However, the classic periodic pattern of annual migration and distribution may no longer be fully representative. Based on recent advances in the understanding of climate-ocean variability off the U.S. west coast, we hypothesize that the annual movements of Pacific hake are more responsive to climate-ocean variability than previously thought, and further, that changes observed in Pacific hake distributions may reflect long-term changes in climate-ocean conditions in the CCLME. Therefore, an updated model of these relations is key to effective monitoring and management of this stock, as well as to devising scenarios of future change in the CCLME as a result of climate variations. The current state of knowledge of the relationship between the Pacific hake and its environment is reviewed, highlighting emerging ideas compared to those of the past, and priorities for future research are suggested

Netzwerkinventarisierung und -dokumentation: Design und Implementierung einer plattformunabhängigen Softwarelösung

In der heutigen Informationsgesellschaft tragen von Computern verwaltete Daten maßgeblich zum Erfolg von Unternehmen bei. Entscheidend für sie ist der schnelle und flexible Zugriff auf nahezu beliebige Daten- und Informationsmengen. Dies erfordert eine Kopplung bestehender und neuer Computersysteme und somit den Einsatz von Netzwerken. Dabei geht der Trend zu immer größeren Netzen, die einer wachsenden Zahl von Anwendern den Zugriff auf Applikationen und Daten ermöglichen

The Golden Modes B^0 -> J/psi K_{S,L} in the Era of Precision Flavour Physics

The B^0 -> J/\psi K_{S,L} channels are outstanding probes of CP violation. We have a detailed look at the associated Standard-Model uncertainties, which are related to doubly Cabibbo-suppressed penguin contributions, and point out that these usually neglected effects can actually be taken into account unambiguously through the CP asymmetries and the branching ratio of the B^0 -> J/\psi pi^0 decay. Using the most recent B-factory measurements, we find a negative shift of the extracted value of beta, which softens the tension in the fits of the unitarity triangle. In addition, this strategy can be used to constrain a possible new-physics phase in B^0-\bar B^0 mixing. The proposed strategy is crucial to fully exploit the tremendous accuracies for the search for this kind of new physics that can be achieved at the LHC and future super-flavour factories.Comment: 4+1 pages, 4 figure

The efficacy of halofantrine in the treatment of acute malaria in nonimmune travelers

A multicenter prospective trial was performed to investigate the efficacy and the tolerability of halofantrine in nonimmune patients with malaria imported from areas with drug-resistant falciparum parasites (mainly Africa). Forty-five of the 74 subjects were treated with a one-day regimen (3 x 500 mg) of halofantrine, and the other 29 received the same regimen with an additional treatment on day 7. In the second group, a 100% efficacy rate was demonstrated, but in the group receiving the one-day regimen, four recrudescences were observed in patients with falciparum malaria. Only five mild adverse reactions were seen, which disappeared spontaneously after the end of the treatment. We conclude that halofantrine is highly effective in curing malaria in nonimmune subjects. The treatment scheme for such persons should include an additional treatment on day 7 for nonimmune individuals. This drug was well tolerated in our patients, indicating that halofantrine will be useful in the treatment of multidrug-resistant malaria in nonimmune persons