The nucleon-sigma coupling constant in QCD Sum Rules

The external-field QCD Sum Rules method is used to evaluate the coupling constant of the light isoscalar-scalar meson (``$\sigma$'' or \epsilon) to the nucleon. The contributions that come from the excited nucleon states and the response of the continuum threshold to the external field are calculated. The obtained value of the coupling constant is compatible with the large value required in one-boson exchange potential models of the two-nucleon interaction.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

An interacting quark-diquark model of baryons

A simple quark-diquark model of baryons with direct and exchange interactions is constructed. Spectrum and form factors are calculated and compared with experimental data. Advantages and disadvantages of the model are discussed.Comment: 13 pages, 3 eps-figures, accepted by Phys.Rev. C Rapid Communication

A farm transmission model for Salmonella in pigs for individual EU Member States

The burden of Salmonella entering pig slaughterhouses across the European Union (EU) is considered to be of public health significance. Therefore, targets will be set for each EU Member State (MS) to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in pigs at slaughter. As part of the evidence base for the development of National Control Plans (NCPs), a Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA) was funded to support the scientific opinion required by the EC from the European Food Safety Authority, and subsequently adopted by the BIOHAZ panel

Evaluating Local Community Methods in Networks

We present a new benchmarking procedure that is unambiguous and specific to local community-finding methods, allowing one to compare the accuracy of various methods. We apply this to new and existing algorithms. A simple class of synthetic benchmark networks is also developed, capable of testing properties specific to these local methods.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figures, code included with sourc

Modelling of Salmonella dynamics in the pig slaughterhouse

The burden of Salmonella entering pig slaughterhouses across the European Union (EU) is considered to be of public health significance. Therefore, targets will be set for each EU Member State (MS) to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella infection in pigs at slaughter. In order to meet the set target, each MS will need to develop a National Control Plan (NCP)

Hyperon-nucleon scattering and hyperon masses in the nuclear medium

We analyze low-energy hyperon-nucleon scattering using an effective field theory in next-to-leading order. By fitting experimental cross sections for laboratory hyperon momenta below 200 MeV/c and using information from the hypertriton we determine twelve contact-interaction coefficients. Based on these we discuss the low-density expansion of hyperon mass shifts in the nuclear medium.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

LC determination of propylene glycol in human plasma after pre-column derivatization with benzoyl chloride

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method, using photodiode array detection was developed for the determination of propylene glycol in human plasma and in the fluid retreived after continuous veno-venous hemofiltration. The method entailed alkaline derivatization with benzoyl chloride and ethylene glycol as internal standard. The separation of the compounds, after extraction with pentane, was carried out on a Pursuit C8 column with UV-detection at 230 nm. Validation samples were analyzed with an accuracy between 95 and 105%, and intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation of less than 8%. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 5-100 mg