Chiral nonperturvative approach to the isoscalar s-wave pion-pion interaction in a nuclear medium

The s-wave isoscalar amplitude for pion-pion scattering in a nuclear medium is evaluated using a nonperturbative unitary coupled channels method and the standard chiral Lagrangians. The method has proved successful to describe the pion-pion properties in the scalar isoscalar channel up to 1.2 GeV giving rise to poles in the t matrix for the f0(980) and the sigma. The extension of the method to the nuclear medium implies not only the renormalization of the pions in the medium, but also the introduction of interaction terms related to contact terms in the pion-nucleon to pion-pion-nucleon interaction. Off shell effects are also shown to be important leading to cancellations which reduce the coupled channel integral equations to a set of algebraic equations. As the density increases we find a reduction of strength below the $\sigma$ region and a certain accumulation of strength at energies around pion threshold. Our results, based on chiral Lagrangians, provide similar results to those obtained with phenomenological models which impose minimal chiral constraints.Comment: 18 pages, LaTeX, 8 PostScript figures.(Revised version Aug-98, with corrected results and new references

The Kappa in J/Psi -> Kpplus-piminus-Kminus-piplus

BES II data for J/Psi->K*(890)Kpi reveal a strong kappa peak in the Kpi S-wave near threshold. Both magnitude and phase are determined in slices of Kpi mass by interferences with strong Ko(1430), K1(1270) and K1(1400) signals. The phase variation with mass agrees within errors with LASS data for Kpi elastic scattering. A combined fit is presented to both BES and LASS data. The fit uses a Breit-Wigner amplitude with an s-dependent width containing an Adler zero. The kappa pole is at 760+-20(stat)+-40(syst) - i(420+-45+-60syst) MeV. The S-wave I=0 scattering length a_0 = 0.23+-0.04 (in units of m(pi)) is close to the prediction 0.19+-0.02 of Chiral Perturbation Theory.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure

Comparison of computational codes for direct numerical simulations of turbulent Rayleigh-B\'enard convection

Computational codes for direct numerical simulations of Rayleigh-B\'enard (RB) convection are compared in terms of computational cost and quality of the solution. As a benchmark case, RB convection at $Ra=10^8$ and $Pr=1$ in a periodic domain, in cubic and cylindrical containers is considered. A dedicated second-order finite-difference code (AFID/RBflow) and a specialized fourth-order finite-volume code (Goldfish) are compared with a general purpose finite-volume approach (OpenFOAM) and a general purpose spectral-element code (Nek5000). Reassuringly, all codes provide predictions of the average heat transfer that converge to the same values. The computational costs, however, are found to differ considerably. The specialized codes AFID/RBflow and Goldfish are found to excel in efficiency, outperforming the general purpose flow solvers Nek5000 and OpenFOAM by an order of magnitude with an error on the Nusselt number $Nu$ below $5\%$. However, we find that $Nu$ alone is not sufficient to assess the quality of the numerical results: in fact, instantaneous snapshots of the temperature field from a near wall region obtained for deliberately under-resolved simulations using Nek5000 clearly indicate inadequate flow resolution even when $Nu$ is converged. Overall, dedicated special purpose codes for RB convection are found to be more efficient than general purpose codes.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure

Beyond Documentation: 3D Data in Archaeology

As the costs associated with the collection of 3D data continue to plummet, there is little doubt that the number of available archaeology-related 3D datasets will increase dramatically in the coming decade. While our analytical procedures continue to evolve as new applications are contemplated, analyses of 3D data are increasing in frequency within the archaeological literature. In this article, we seek to provide a brief overview of a few examples from our own research and explore some possibilities that may add value to existing collections. In the following pages, we discuss some of the ways that 3D data have been used in studies of morphometrics, public archaeology, excavation, and comparative endeavors

Instantons and Scalar Multiquark States: From Small to Large N_c

We study scalar quark-anti-quark and two-quark-two-anti-quark correlation functions in the instanton liquid model. We show that the instanton liquid supports a light scalar-isoscalar (sigma) meson, and that this state is strongly coupled to both $(\bar{q}q)$ and $(\bar{q}q)^2$. The scalar-isovector $a_0$ meson, on the other hand, is heavy. We also show that these properties are specific to QCD with three colors. In the large $N_c$ limit the scalar-isoscalar meson is not light, and it is mainly coupled to $(\bar{q}q)$.Comment: 24 page

Meson-exchange Model for πN\pi N scattering and γN−>πN\gamma N -> \pi N reaction

An effective Hamiltonian consisting of bare $\Delta \leftrightarrow\pi N$, $\gamma N$ vertex interactions and energy-independent meson-exchange $\pi N \leftrightarrow \pi N, \gamma N$ transition operators is derived by applying a unitary transformation to a model Lagrangian with $N,\Delta,\pi$, $\rho$, $\omega$, and $\gamma$ fields. With appropraite phenomenological form factors and coupling constants for $\rho$ and $\Delta$, the model can give a good description of $\pi N$ scattering phase shifts up to the $\Delta$ excitation energy region. It is shown that the best reproduction of the recent LEGS data of the photon-asymmetry ratios in $\gamma p \rightarrow \pi ^0 p$ reactions provides rather restricted constraints on the coupling strengths $G_E$ of the electric $E2$ and $G_M$ of the magnetic $M1$ transitions of the bare $\Delta \leftrightarrow \gamma N$ vertex and the less well-determined coupling constant $g_{\omega NN}$ of $\omega$ meson. Within the ranges that $G_M = 1.9 \pm 0.05$, $G_E = 0.0 \pm 0.025$, and $7 \leq g_{\omega NN}\leq 10.5$, the predicted differential cross sections and photon-asymmetry ratios are in an overall good agreement with the data of $\gamma p \rightarrow \pi ^0 p$, $\gamma p \rightarrow \pi ^+ n$, and $\gamma n\rightarrow \pi ^- p$ reactions from 180 MeV to the $\Delta$ excitation region. The predicted $M_{1^+}$ and $E_{1^+}$ multipole amplitudes are also in good agreement with the empirical values determined by the amplitude analyses. The constructed effective Hamiltonian is free of the nucleon renormlization problem and hence is suitable for nuclear many-body calculations. We have also shown that the assumptions made in the $K$-matrix method, commonly used in extracting empirically the $\gamma N \rightarrow \Delta$ transition amplitudes from the data, are consistent withComment: 49 pages + 23 Figures, Revte

\pi\pi, K\pi and \pi N potential scattering and a prediction of a narrow \sigma meson resonance

Low energy scattering and bound state properties of the \pi N, \pi\pi and K\pi systems are studied as coupled channel problems using inversion potentials of phase shift data. In a first step we apply the potential model to explain recent measurements of pionic hydrogen shift and width. Secondly, predictions of the model for pionium lifetime and shift confirm a well known and widely used effective range expression. Thirdly, as extension of this confirmation, we predict an unexpected medium effect of the pionium lifetime which shortens by several orders of magnitude. The \sigma meson shows a narrow resonance structure as a function of the medium modified mass with the implication of being essentially energy independent. Similarly, we see this medium resonance effect realized for the K\pi system. To support our findings we present also results for the \rho meson and the \Delta(1232) resonance.Comment: 42 pages, 17 PS figures, REFTeX, epsfig.sty needed, submitted to Phys. Re

Close-to-threshold Meson Production in Hadronic Interactions

Studies of meson production at threshold in the hadron--hadron interaction began in the fifties when sufficient energies of accelerated protons were available. A strong interdependence between developments in accelerator physics, detector performance and theoretical understanding led to a unique vivid field of physics. Early experiments performed with bubble chambers revealed already typical ingredients of threshold studies, which were superseded by more complete meson production investigations at the nucleon beam facilities TRIUMF, LAMPF, PSI, LEAR and SATURNE. Currently, with the advent of the new cooler rings as IUCF, CELSIUS and COSY the field is entering a new domain of precision and the next step of further progress. The analysis of this new data in the short range limit permits a more fundamental consideration and a quantitative comparison of the production processes for different mesons in the few--body final states. The interpretation of the data take advantage of the fact that production reactions close-to-threshold are characterized by only a few degrees of freedom between a well defined combination of initial and exit channels. Deviations from predictions of phase-space controlled one-meson-exchange models are indications of new and exciting physics. Precision data on differential cross sections, isospin and spin observables -- partly but by no means adequately available -- are presently turning up on the horizon. There is work for the next years and excitement of the physics expected. Here we try to give a brief and at the same time comprehensive overview of this field of hadronic threshold production studies.Comment: 100 pages, Review article to be published in Prog. Part. Nucl. Phys. Vol. 49, issue 1 (2002

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Evidence for the Higgs-boson Yukawa coupling to tau leptons with the ATLAS detector

Results of a search for H → τ τ decays are presented, based on the full set of proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC during 2011 and 2012. The data correspond to integrated luminosities of 4.5 fb−1 and 20.3 fb−1 at centre-of-mass energies of √s = 7 TeV and √s = 8 TeV respectively. All combinations of leptonic (τ → `νν¯ with ` = e, µ) and hadronic (τ → hadrons ν) tau decays are considered. An excess of events over the expected background from other Standard Model processes is found with an observed (expected) significance of 4.5 (3.4) standard deviations. This excess provides evidence for the direct coupling of the recently discovered Higgs boson to fermions. The measured signal strength, normalised to the Standard Model expectation, of µ = 1.43 +0.43 −0.37 is consistent with the predicted Yukawa coupling strength in the Standard Model