340 research outputs found
Neutralino Annihilation into a Photon and a Z boson
A full one-loop calculation of neutralino S-wave annihilation into the
final state is performed in the minimal supersymmetric extension of
the Standard Model. This process, like the similar one with two photons in the
final state, may be of importance for the indirect detection of supersymmetric
dark matter through the very narrow ray line that would result from
neutralino annihilations in the galactic halo.
We give the complete analytical formulas for this loop-induced process and
treat the case of a pure Higgsino as a first application of our expressions.
Predictions for the gamma line flux are given for the halo model which is of
the form suggested by Kravtsov et al. and for the profile proposed by Navarro,
Frenk and White.
For heavy neutralinos, the lines from and would have
indistiguishable energy in a realistic detector, making the fluxes add and
facilitating discovery. For lighter neutralinos, the positions and relative
strengths of the two lines would give valuable information on the nature of the
supersymmetric dark matter particles.Comment: 19 pages, LaTeX, 6 eps figures. Some formulas corrected, improved
discussion of halo models, results and conclusions unchanged. Version to
appear in Phys. Rev.
Bremsstrahlung Suppression due to the LPM and Dielectric Effects in a Variety of Materials
The cross section for bremsstrahlung from highly relativistic particles is
suppressed due to interference caused by multiple scattering in dense media,
and due to photon interactions with the electrons in all materials. We present
here a detailed study of bremsstrahlung production of 200 keV to 500 MeV
photons from 8 and 25 GeV electrons traversing a variety of target materials.
For most targets, we observe the expected suppressions to a good accuracy. We
observe that finite thickness effects are important for thin targets.Comment: 52 pages, 13 figures (incorporated in the revtex LaTeX file
Particle Dark Matter Physics: An Update
This write--up gives a rather elementary introduction into particle physics
aspects of the cosmological Dark Matter puzzle. A fairly comprehensive list of
possible candidates is given; in each case the production mechanism and
possible ways to detect them (if any) are described. I then describe detection
of the in my view most promising candidates, weakly interacting massive
particles or WIMPs, in slightly more detail. The main emphasis will be on
recent developments.Comment: Invited talk at the 5th Workshop on Particle Physics Phenomenology,
Pune, India, January 1998; 21 pages, LaTeX with equation.st
Crowdfunding our health: economic risks and benefits
Crowdfunding is an expanding form of alternative financing that is gaining traction in the health sector. This article presents a typology for crowdfunded health projects and a review of the main economic benefits and risks of crowdfunding in the health market. We use evidence from a literature review, complimented by expert interviews, to extend the fundamental principles and established theories of crowdfunding to a health market context. Crowdfunded health projects can be classified into four types according to the venture's purpose and funding method. These are projects covering health expenses, fundraising health initiatives, supporting health research, or financing commercial health innovation. Crowdfunding could economically benefit the health sector by expanding market participation, drawing money and awareness to neglected health issues, improving access to funding, and fostering project accountability and social engagement. However, the economic risks of health-related crowdfunding include inefficient priority setting, heightened financial risk, inconsistent regulatory policies, intellectual property rights concerns, and fraud. Theorized crowdfunding behaviours such as signalling and herding can be observed in the market for health-related crowdfunding. Broader threats of market failure stemming from adverse selection and moral hazard also apply. Many of the discussed economic benefits and risks of crowdfunding health campaigns are shared more broadly with those of crowdfunding projects in other sectors. Where crowdfunding health care appears to diverge from theory is the negative externality inefficient priority setting may have towards achieving broader public health goals. Therefore, the market for crowdfunding health care must be economically stable, as well as designed to optimally and equitably improve public health
Post tracheostomy and post intubation tracheal stenosis: Report of 31 cases and review of the literature
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Severe post tracheostomy (PT) and post intubation (PI) tracheal stenosis is an uncommon clinical entity that often requires interventional bronchoscopy before surgery is considered. We present our experience with severe PI and PT stenosis in regards to patient characteristics, possible risk factors, and therapy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a retrospective chart review of 31 patients with PI and PT stenosis treated at Lahey Clinic over the past 8 years. Demographic characteristics, body mass index, co-morbidities, stenosis type and site, procedures performed and local treatments applied were recorded.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The most common profile of a patient with tracheal stenosis in our series was a female (75%), obese (66%) patient with a history of diabetes mellitus (35.4%), hypertension (51.6%), and cardiovascular disease (45.1%), who was a current smoker (38.7%). Eleven patients (PI group) had only oro-tracheal intubation (5.2 days of intubation) and developed web-like stenosis at the cuff site. Twenty patients (PT group) had undergone tracheostomy (54.5 days of intubation) and in 17 (85%) of them the stenosis appeared around the tracheal stoma. There was an average of 2.4 procedures performed per patient. Rigid bronchoscopy with Nd:YAG laser and dilatation (mechanical or balloon) were the preferred methods used. Only 1(3.2%) patient was sent to surgery for re-stenosis after multiple interventional bronchoscopy treatments.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have identified putative risk factors for the development of PI and PT stenosis. Differences in lesions characteristics and stenosis site were noted in our two patient groups. All patients underwent interventional bronchoscopy procedures as the first-line, and frequently the only treatment approach.</p
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