Formation of Black Holes in Topologically Massive Gravity

We present an exact solution in 3-dimensional topologically massive gravity with negative cosmological constant which dynamically interpolates between a past horizon and a chiral AdS pp-wave. Similarly, upon time reversal, one obtains an AdS pp-wave with a future event horizonComment: Improved presentation. Extended discussion of linear stability and regularity of the metric. Added reference

Electric Black Holes in Type 0 String Theory

We discuss AdS_{2+1} (BTZ) black holes arising in type 0 string theory corresponding to D1-D5 and F1-NS5 bound states. In particular we describe a new family of non-dilatonic solutions with only Dp_{+}, that is ``electric'' branes. These solutions are distinguished by the absence of fermions in the world volume theory which is an interacting CFT. They can not be obtained as a projection of a type II BPS-configuration. As for previous type 0 backgrounds linear stability is guaranteed only if the curvature is of the order of the string scale where alpha' corrections cannot be excluded. Some problems concerning the counting of states are discussed.Comment: some clarifications in section

Quasi Normal Modes

We review different applications of quasinormal modes to black hole physics, string theory and thermalisation in quantum field theory. In particular, we describe the the relation between quasi normal modes of AdS black holes and the time scale for thermalisation in strongly coupled, large $N$ conformal field theory. We also discuss the problem of unitarity within this approach.Comment: Talk given at 36th International Symposium Ahrenshoop on the Theory of Elementary Particles: Recent Developments in String/M-Theory and Field Theory, Berlin, Germany, 26-30 Aug 2003, to appear in Fortsch.Phy

Tests of QED with Multi-Photonic Final States

In the Standard Model the process e+e- -> gamma-gamma is fully described by QED. Measurements of the differential cross-sections from the four LEP experiments are compared to the QED expectation and limits are set on parameters describing physics beyond the Standard Model. Three-photon events are used for a direct search for a photonically decaying resonance produced together with a photon.Comment: Talk presented at Lake Louise Winter Institute 2001; 7 pages, 3 figure

Who done it, actually? Dissociative identity disorder for the criminologist

Through the analysis of clinical examples, the paper explores how decisions are made by a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the notions of choice and ‘competent reasoning’, and the practical and ethical ways for interviewing a person with DID. Abstract Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is examined in this paper from the perspective of its relevance to the criminologist. As this psychiatric condition is linked to severe and prolonged childhood abuse, accounts of DID patients inevitably involve reports of serious crimes, in which the person was the victim, perpetrator or witness. These reports can thus contain crucial information for criminal investigations by the police or for court proceedings. However, due to the person’s dissociation, such reports are often very confusing, hard to follow, hard to believe and difficult to obtain. They also frequently state that the person had ‘no choice’, a thorny notion for the criminologist (as well as for the clinician). Through the analysis of clinical examples, the paper explores how decisions are made by a person with DID, the notions of choice and ‘competent reasoning’, and the practical and ethical ways for interviewing a person with DID

Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry in a Rural Teaching Hospital: A Quality Improvement Assessment

Purpose: Up to 84% of term neonates develop jaundice, a sign of hyperbilirubinemia that warrants bilirubin measurement. The AAP recommends systematic evaluation of hyperbilirubinemia risk for every infant. Serum bilirubin tests involve needle sticks, introducing anxiety, pain, and cost. Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measures bilirubin without needle sticks, may offer reduced costs, but is less accurate, and may increase phototherapy rates. This determined the effect of TcB measurement on needle sticks, phototherapy rates, and cost of bilirubin measurement at a rural teaching hospital. Methods: A retrospective data analysis compared rates of bilirubin screening, needle stick testing, and phototherapy treatment for a three-month period prior to the introduction of TcB measurement with a three-month period following introduction. Rate differences were calculated with SPSS statistical package. A comparison of error test determined statistical significance. The institution’s billing and purchasing department provided cost data. Results: The introduction of TcB measurement increased hyperbilirubinemia screening from 21.1% to 83%, which was statistically significant. Needle stick testing decreased to a degree that was clinically but not statistically significant. Phototherapy treatment increased but was not statistically significant. The charge was $33.00 less per incidence than needle stick testing. Conclusions: This quality improvement assessment demonstrates that TcB screening increases systematic assessment for hyperbilirubinemia, thereby increasing adherence to AAP recommendations. This assessment highlights the need for formal studies to investigate an appropriate TcB threshold for needle stick testing, as well as the effect of such a threshold on needle stick testing to inform best practice

Extortion and the ethics of "topping up"

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