Drell-Yan process in soft-collinear effective theory near end-point

The Drell-Yan process is analyzed in soft-collinear effective theory near the end-point region. It is assumed that the relevant final-state hadron energy $Q(1-z)$ where $z$ is the momentum fraction transferred to the virtual photon is the typical hadronic scale $\sim\Lambda$, thus no intermediate scale exists. It is shown that this setup successfully reproduces the full theory results. We also discuss the factorized soft Wilson lines for the Drell-Yan process.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figures. More discussions, references added. PRD accepted versio

Synchronisation effects on the behavioural performance and information dynamics of a simulated minimally cognitive robotic agent

Oscillatory activity is ubiquitous in nervous systems, with solid evidence that synchronisation mechanisms underpin cognitive processes. Nevertheless, its informational content and relationship with behaviour are still to be fully understood. In addition, cognitive systems cannot be properly appreciated without taking into account brain–body– environment interactions. In this paper, we developed a model based on the Kuramoto Model of coupled phase oscillators to explore the role of neural synchronisation in the performance of a simulated robotic agent in two different minimally cognitive tasks. We show that there is a statistically significant difference in performance and evolvability depending on the synchronisation regime of the network. In both tasks, a combination of information flow and dynamical analyses show that networks with a definite, but not too strong, propensity for synchronisation are more able to reconfigure, to organise themselves functionally and to adapt to different behavioural conditions. The results highlight the asymmetry of information flow and its behavioural correspondence. Importantly, it also shows that neural synchronisation dynamics, when suitably flexible and reconfigurable, can generate minimally cognitive embodied behaviour

Mensural Discrimination of the Skulls of Arkansas Peromyscus

Twelve parameters were measured on skulls of four species of Peromyscus from Arkansas. Univariate statistical tests, multivariate analyses of variance, and principal axis factor analyses were performed on the data set and/or subsets in a search for species-level discriminating characters. Total length of skull was found to discriminate between skulls of P. maniculatis, P. leucopus, and a combined group of P. attwateri and P. gossypinus. Furthermore, the ratio of interorbital width and length of nasal bone was found to adequately discriminate between skulls of P. attwateri and P. gossypinus

Evaluation of a Hybrid Seed Contract Between Smallholders and an MNC in East Java, Indonesia

Three hundred smallholders near Malang in East Java were surveyed of whom 150 were participating in a hybrid seed contract with Pioneer Hybrid International Inc, an American MNC that has been contracting in the area since 1986. The objectives of the study were to determine whether the contract improved the welfare of those who participated and, if participation did improve welfare, to evaluate why this contract, in contrast to many other farm contracts in developing countries, is successful. A transaction cost framework was used to specify a framework for probit analysis of contract participation and regression analysis used to measure the contribution made by contract participation to gross margins. The empirical results suggest (i) contract selection was by Pioneer and not through self-selection, (ii) the contract is likely to favour larger farmers and (iii) the Pioneer contract improved returns to farm capital and hence was likely to be welfare improving for contractors. The success of the contract over many years was attributed to the nature of the contracting process which was between Pioneer and grower groups and not at the individual smallholder level.Farm Management,

Mobile Image Ratiometry: A New Method for Instantaneous Analysis of Rapid Test Strips

Here we describe Mobile Image Ratiometry (MIR), a new method for the automated quantification of standardized rapid immunoassay strips using consumer-based mobile smartphone and tablet cameras. To demonstrate MIR we developed a standardized method using rapid immunotest strips directed against cocaine (COC) and its major metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE). We performed image analysis of three brands of commercially available dye-conjugated anti-COC/BE antibody test strips in response to three different series of cocaine concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 300 ng/ml and BE concentrations ranging from 0.003 to 0.1 ng/ml. These data were then used to create standard curves to allow quantification of COC/BE in biological samples. MIR quantification of COC and BE proved to be a sensitive, economical, and faster alternative to more costly methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, or high pressure liquid chromatography. MIR is a valuable tool that provides instant data acquisition, tracking and analysis for the emerging field of mobile platform informatics (MPI)

Reapportionment and Judicial Responsibilities

In a talk at the Legal Club of Chicago, Dean Neal discusses the role of the court in reapportioning state legislatures, examining in particular the recent opinion Baker v. Carr. Though concerned about whether and what role the courts should play in such political dealings, Dean Neal expresses a greater concern for the possibility of a failure of democracy in reapportionment. Despite not having a body of law to rely upon and no practical remedy, the need to counter the power of an entrenched legislature may outweigh those costs. Baker v. Carr brought the issue of judicial intervention into state repportionment to the forefront, leaving courts to decide their proper role, a role that may differ by state and by circumstance