A Search for Higgs Boson in H→W+W−H\rightarrow W^+W^-

A search for the Higgs boson decaying to $W^+W^-$ has been performed on $1.1\:$fb$^{-1}$ of pp collision data at $\sqrt{s}=7\:$TeV collected with the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector in 2011. No significant excess above Standard Model background expectation is observed, and upper limits on Higgs boson cross section production are derived, excluding the presence of a Higgs boson with mass in the range of $[150, 193]\:$GeV$/c^{2}$ at 95% confidence level.Comment: DPF 2011 Conference Proceeding

Towards the First Practical Applications of Quantum Computers

Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers are coming online. The lack of error-correction in these devices prevents them from realizing the full potential of fault-tolerant quantum computation, a technology that is known to have significant practical applications, but which is years, if not decades, away. A major open question is whether NISQ devices will have practical applications. In this thesis, we explore and implement proposals for using NISQ devices to achieve practical applications. In particular, we develop and execute variational quantum algorithms for solving problems in combinatorial optimization and quantum chemistry. We also execute a prototype of a protocol for generating certified random numbers. We perform our experiments on a superconducting qubit processor developed at Google. While we do not perform any quantum computations that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers, we address many implementation challenges that must be overcome to succeed in such an endeavor, including optimization, efficient compilation, and error mitigation. In addressing these challenges, we push the limits of what can currently be done with NISQ technology, going beyond previous quantum computing demonstrations in terms of the scale of our experiments and the types of problems we tackle. While our experiments demonstrate progress in the utilization of quantum computers, the limits that we reached underscore the fundamental challenges in scaling up towards the classically intractable regime. Nevertheless, our results are a promising indication that NISQ devices may indeed deliver practical applications.PHDComputer Science & EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163016/1/kevjsung_1.pd

Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Relieve Post-Concussion Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life?

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not hyperbaric oxygen therapy relieves post-concussion symptoms and improve quality of life. Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in English in peer review journals. Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials which evaluated the therapeutic benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to control group that did not receive any treatment. All studies were found in PubMed database. Outcomes Measured: All three studies analyzed the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on quality of life. Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and EQ-VAS questionnaire were used to measure subjective improvements in quality of life. Results: Two studies found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy had no statistically significant effect on quality of life. One study determined that treatments were effective and significantly improved quality of life. Conclusions: Evidence is inconclusive and contradictory. Future studies should include large sample size and techniques to minimize placebo effect

Refining Thoughts on Culture: Insights Derived from Australia and New Zealand

Culture and cross-cultural differences are increasingly important in international business and management. However, the existing models of national culture may not accurately reflect intra-cultural and intra-regional variation. We examine Australia and New Zealand as examples of the national model of culture falling short with respect to both cultural clustering and intracultural variation. Given that both of these countries are attaining greater prominence in international business, we highlight the need to consider their uniqueness and what we can learn for both management research and practice. As we call attention to the important distinctions tha

Electro-hydrodynamic Pumped Hydraulic Actuation with Application to Active Vibration Control

A new type of actuation device has been conceptualized that meets the needs of both large displacement, force and bandwidth within a package more compact than currently available magnetostrictive and stack-type piezoelectric actuators of similar rating. This concept relies on micro-scale electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping of a dielectric liquid within small channels. Configured as an actuator, the EHD pump(s) would be used to move fluid between two reservoirs—each having a compliant membrane that interfaces to the world to provide the means to achieve vibration cancellation or micro actuation. Ordinarily limited to generating flow in macroscale applications, the EHD pump, when operating in a thermal induction mode, is shown to exhibit an exciting scaling law as its size is reduced. As the pump volume to surface area decreases, the energy going toward increasing pressure in the pump has an increasingly larger effect. Since the volume/surface area is proportional to 1/a, where a is the characteristic width or diameter of the channels comprising the pump, the pressure head generated scales similarly. Analytical and numerical studies have shown the EHD-pumped actuator to be capable of delivering equal force and bandwidth to magnetostrictive and stack-type piezo actuators, but with considerably greater displacement and roughly 1/10th of the size. Further, this type of actuator offers the possibility for deployment in active vibration control or micro actuation applications at significantly greater temperatures than for piezoelectric and magnetostrictive devices

A Literature Review of Implementing Response to Intervention for English Language Learners

Response to intervention (RTI) has actively been used for identifying reading difficulties and providing supplemental instructions for students with disabilities. Recent developments of RTI show that the method expands its applicability to other areas and populations. In particular, it is difficult to distinguish learning disability (LD) from English as a second language acquisition. RTI could successfully be implemented for English language learners (ELLs). A systematic literature review has been conducted to delineate various components, strategies, and implications of RTI for ELL students. Twenty six articles that meet the criteria are analyzed for themes and important findings. The result of the literature review along with the implications of the identified studies is reported. It is identified that direct instruction used in tier 2 is an effective technique when infusing linguistic and cultural aspects of ELL with diverse needs