Global Search for New Physics with 2.0/fb at CDF

Data collected in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron are searched for indications of new electroweak-scale physics. Rather than focusing on particular new physics scenarios, CDF data are analyzed for discrepancies with the standard model prediction. A model-independent approach (Vista) considers gross features of the data, and is sensitive to new large cross-section physics. Further sensitivity to new physics is provided by two additional algorithms: a Bump Hunter searches invariant mass distributions for "bumps" that could indicate resonant production of new particles; and the Sleuth procedure scans for data excesses at large summed transverse momentum. This combined global search for new physics in 2.0/fb of ppbar collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV reveals no indication of physics beyond the standard model.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures. Final version which appeared in Physical Review D Rapid Communication

Influence of salinity on metal toxicity to Ulva pertusa

The present study was undertaken to establish the effect of salinity on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) to Ulva pertusa, with inhibition of spore release used as the endpoint. The optimal salinity for maximal spore release for U. pertusa was found to be between 20 and 40 psu. Comparisons between toxicity of metals, as measured by EC50, was shown to be in the descending order of Cu>Cd>Pb=Zn, which is similar to the toxicity of metals to algae, in general. When salinity was decreased from 30 to 20 psu, the EC50 values for Cd toxicity to the inhibition of spore release in U. pertusa decreased from 261 to 103 g·L-1, whereas increased salinity from 30 to 40 psu increased the EC50 from 261 to 801 g·L-1. Similarly, EC50 values for Cu toxicity were 52 g·L-1 at 20 psu, 99 g·L-1 at 30 psu, and 225 g·L-1 at 40 psu, and for Zn toxicity were 720 g·L-1, 1,074 g·L-1 and 1,520 g·L-1, at 20, 30 and 40 psu, respectively. In contrast, no salinity dependent change in EC50 values was apparent for Pb, with no significant differences in EC50 values at under the three different salinity regimes. In general, lower salinity (20 psu) induced a significant decrease in percent spore release of U. pertusa as estimated by a decrease in EC50 values, while higher salinity (40 psu) reduced the toxicity of metals as shown by an increase EC50 values. These findings enable one to predict that any additional increase in pollution status would result in a pronounced reduction in the distribution of U. pertusa in brackish and estuarine waters. © 2012 Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science and Springer