MadGraph/MadEvent v4: The New Web Generation

We present the latest developments of the MadGraph/MadEvent Monte Carlo event generator and several applications to hadron collider physics. In the current version events at the parton, hadron and detector level can be generated directly from a web interface, for arbitrary processes in the Standard Model and in several physics scenarios beyond it (HEFT, MSSM, 2HDM). The most important additions are: a new framework for implementing user-defined new physics models; a standalone running mode for creating and testing matrix elements; generation of events corresponding to different processes, such as signal(s) and backgrounds, in the same run; two platforms for data analysis, where events are accessible at the parton, hadron and detector level; and the generation of inclusive multi-jet samples by combining parton-level events with parton showers. To illustrate the new capabilities of the package some applications to hadron collider physics are presented: 1) Higgs search in pp \to H \to W^+W^-: signal and backgrounds. 2) Higgs CP properties: pp \to H jj$in the HEFT. 3) Spin of a new resonance from lepton angular distributions. 4) Single-top and Higgs associated production in a generic 2HDM. 5) Comparison of strong SUSY pair production at the SPS points. 6) Inclusive W+jets matched samples: comparison with the Tevatron data.Comment: 38 pages, 15 figure

Multiwavelength observations of a TeV-Flare from W comae

We report results from an intensive multiwavelength campaign on the intermediate-frequency-peaked BL Lacertae object W Com (z = 0.102) during a strong outburst of very high energy gamma-ray emission in 2008 June. The very high energy gamma-ray signal was detected by VERITAS on 2008 June 7-8 with a flux F(>200 GeV) =(5.7 0.6) × 10-11 cm-2 s -1, about three times brighter than during the discovery of gamma-ray emission from W Com by VERITAS in 2008 March. The initial detection of this flare by VERITAS at energies above 200 GeV was followed by observations in high-energy gamma rays (AGILE; E γ≥ 100 MeV), X-rays (Swift and XMM-Newton), and at UV, and ground-based optical and radio monitoring through the GASP-WEBT consortium and other observatories. Here we describe the multiwavelength data and derive the spectral energy distribution of the source from contemporaneous data taken throughout the flare. © 2009. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved

Field evaluation of the whole blood immunochromatographic test for rapid bancroftian filariasis diagnosis in the northeast of Brazil.

This study evaluated the whole blood immunochromatographic card test (ICT card test) in a survey performed in Northeastern Brazil. 625 people were examined by the thick blood film (TBF) and ICT card test. Residents of a non-endemic area were also tested by the whole blood card test and Og4C3. The sensitivity of the ICT card test was 94.7% overall, but lower in females than males, based on the reasonable assumption that TBF is 100% specific. However, since TBF and other methods have unknown sensitivity, the true specificity of the card test is unknown. Nevertheless, it is possible to estimate upper and lower limits for the specificity, and relate it to the prevalence of the disease. In the endemic area, the possible range of the specificity was from 72.4% to 100%. 29.6% of the card tests performed in the non-endemic area exhibited faint lines that were interpreted as positives. Characteristics of the method including high sensitivity, promptness and simplicity justify its use for screening of filariasis. However, detailed information about the correct interpretation in case of extremely faint lines is essential. Further studies designed to consider problems arising from imperfect standards are necessary, as is a sounder diagnostic definition for the card test

Nematóides do Brasil 2ª parte: nematóides de anfíbios Brazilian nematodes - part 2: nematodes of amphibians

São reunidas neste trabalho todas as espécies de nematóides parasitas de anfíbios encontradas no Brasil, com dados suficientes para a sua identificação especifica. Na primeira parte que é o catálogo dos nematóides parasitos de anfíbios, são relacionadas nove superfamilias, quatorze famílias, vinte e quatro gêneros e sessenta e três espécies, sendo que destas, são dadas figuras e medidas. Na segunda parte que é o catálogo dos anfíbios hospedeiros, todos pertencentes à ordem Anura, são referidas seis famílias e cinqüenta e cinco espécies de anfíbios, estas com os nematóides respectivos. A identificação dos nematóides é auxiliada por chaves de determinação das superfamílias, famílias e gêneros, sendo a identificação específica feita através de quadros de medidas e figuras.<br>A survey of nematode species parasitizing Brazilian amphibians is presented, with data enough to provide their specific identification. The first section refers to the catalogation of the species, related to 9 superfamilies, 14 families, 24 genera and 63 species that are figurated and included in measurement tables. The second section is concerned to the catalogue of host amphibians of the order Anura, with 6 families, and 55 species and their respective parasite nematodes. The identification of these helminths is achieved by means of keys to the superfamilies, families and genera. Specific determination is induced through the figures and tables as above mentioned

Forest restoration in Europe : Deliverable 7.1 - Demo area workplans

This deliverable contains the 12 demonstrator area restoration workplans. The restoration workplans describe restoration sites, restoration goals and restoration activities for each demo area. The restoration measures will be integrated into the forest and landscape as much as possible. Additionally, the connections with other WPs such as WP2 – Stakeholders engagement and WP6 – Biodiversity monitoring are made within these restoration workplans.These workplans serve as a handbook, now for the demos themselves and later on for others who also work on the forest restoration. This deliverable includes the restoration workplans for the following demonstrator areas: Po Valley (Italy), southern Netherlands, North Moravia(Czech Republic), North Rhine Westphalia (Germany), Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka BiosphereReserve (Sweden), Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (Scotland), Biosphere Reserve BačkoPodunavlje (Croatia/Serbia cross-border), Făgăraș mountains (Romania), Thy andNordsjælland (Denmark), Castilla y Leon (Spain), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France) and coppiceforests in Serbia