The Reach of the CERN Large Hadron Collider for Gauge-Mediated Supersymmetry Breaking Models

We examine signals for sparticle production at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) within the framework of gauge mediated supersymmetry breaking models with a low SUSY breaking scale for four different model lines, each of which leads to qualitatively different signatures. We first examine the reach of the LHC via the canonical E_T^miss and multilepton channels that have been advocated within the mSUGRA framework. Next, we examine special features of each of these model lines that could serve to further enhance the SUSY signal over Standard Model backgrounds. We use ISAJET to evaluate the SUSY reach of experiments at the LHC. We find that the SUSY reach, measured in terms of m(gluino), is at least as large, and sometimes larger, than in the mSUGRA framework. In the best case of the co-NLSP scenario, the reach extends to m(gluino) >~ 3 TeV, assuming 10 fb^-1 of integrated luminosity.Comment: 30 page Revtex file plus 12 EPS figure

Stepping stones Triple P and acceptance and commitment therapy for parents of children with cerebral palsy: trial protocol

This project aims to optimise outcomes for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families by testing the efficacy of two complementary interventions novel to the CP population: (1) parenting intervention (Stepping Stones Triple P, SSTP); and (2) parental stress management (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT) tailored for parents of children with CP. The efficacy of SSTP and the additional effects of ACT will be tested in a wait-list randomised controlled trial, with parents of children with CP (N = 110) randomised into three groups; SSTP, SSTP + ACT and wait-list control. Intervention delivery will combine group sessions with phone consultations. Outcomes will be assessed post-intervention with retention of effect examined at 6-month follow-up. Child outcomes will include: externalising behaviour (primary child outcome), functional performance, parent-reported child quality of life; and parent outcomes will include: dysfunctional parenting (primary parent outcome), parental confidence in performing disability-related parenting practices, degree of problems in performing disability-related parenting practices, parental adjustment, psychological flexibility and parental attitude to child emotions. The theoretical background, study design and study procedures are discussed. The validation of a parenting intervention and a parenting stress intervention for parents of children with CP is crucial to better support parents of children with CP in their parenting role and in providing evidence-based intervention for behavioural and emotional problems in children with CP