Random equations in aerodynamics

Literature was reviewed to identify aerodynamic models which might be treated by probablistic methods. The numerical solution of some integral equations that arise in aerodynamical problems were investigated. On the basis of the numerical studies a qualitative theory of random integral equations was developed to provide information on the behavior of the solutions of these equations (in particular, boundary and asymptotic behavior, and stability) and their statistical properties without actually obtaining explicit solutions of the equations

Computational solution of random equations

Issued as Progress reports no. [1-3], and Final report, Project no. G-37-63

Encephalitis diagnosis using metagenomics: application of next generation sequencing for undiagnosed cases

BACKGROUND: Current estimates suggest that even in the most resourced settings, the aetiology of encephalitis is identified in less than half of clinical cases. It is acknowledged that filling this gap needs a combination of rigorous sampling and improved diagnostic technologies. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods are powerful tools with the potential for comprehensive and unbiased detection of pathogens in clinical samples. We reviewed the use of this new technology for the diagnosis of suspected infectious encephalitis, and discuss the feasibility for introduction of NGS methods as a frontline diagnostic test. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed, using MESH and text word searches for variants of "sequencing" and "encephalitis" in Medline and EMbase, and searching bibliographies and citations using the Web of Science database. Two authors independently reviewed, extracted and summarised data. FINDINGS: The review identified 25 articles reporting 44 case reports of patients with suspected encephalitis for whom NGS was used as a diagnostic tool. We present the data and highlight themes arising from these cases. There are no randomly controlled trials to assess the utility of NGS as a diagnostic tool. INTERPRETATION: There is increasing evidence of a role for NGS in the work-up of undiagnosed encephalitis. Lower costs and increasing accessibility of these technologies will facilitate larger studies of these patients. We recommend NGS should be considered as a front-line diagnostic test in chronic and recurring presentations and, given current sample-to-result turn-around times, as second-line in acute cases of encephalitis

Herpesvirus Infections of the Central Nervous System

There are over 200 herpesvirus species, of which 10 affect humans. Each of these 10 herpesviruses has a unique clinical syndrome, but common to all is their ability to cause infection and pathology in the central nervous system. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, sequelae, and availability of vaccination of each of the following herpesviruses: herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6A, 6B, and 7, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8, and simian herpesvirus B

Neutralino Decays in the Complex MSSM at One-Loop: a Comparison of On-Shell Renormalization Schemes

We evaluate two-body decay modes of neutralinos in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with complex parameters (cMSSM). Assuming heavy scalar quarks we take into account all two-body decay channels involving charginos, neutralinos, (scalar) leptons, Higgs bosons and Standard Model gauge bosons. The evaluation of the decay widths is based on a full one-loop calculation including hard and soft QED radiation. Of particular phenomenological interest are decays involving the Lightest Supersymmetric Particle (LSP), i.e. the lightest neutralino, or a neutral or charged Higgs boson. For the chargino/neutralino sector we employ two different renormalization schemes, which differ in the treatment of the complex phases. In the numerical analysis we concentrate on the decay of the heaviest neutralino and show the results in the two different schemes. The higher-order corrections of the heaviest neutralino decay widths involving the LSP can easily reach a level of about 10-15%, while the corrections to the decays to Higgs bosons are up to 20-30%, translating into corrections of similar size in the respective branching ratios. The difference between the two schemes, indicating the size of unknown two-loop corrections, is less than order(0.1%). These corrections are important for the correct interpretation of LSP and Higgs production at the LHC and at a future linear e+e- collider. The results will be implemented into the Fortran code FeynHiggs.Comment: 49 pages, 27 figures, typos corrected. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1112.0760, arXiv:1111.7289, arXiv:1204.400

Brief review on semileptonic B decays

We concisely review semileptonic B decays, focussing on recent progress on both theoretical and experimental sides.Comment: 18 pages, 2 figures; version to be published in Mod. Phys. Lett.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of persons with eosinophilic meningitis, Laos

Definitive identification of Angiostrongylus cantonensis parasites from clinical specimens is difficult. As a result, regional epidemiology and burden are poorly characterized. To ascertain presence of this parasite in patients in Laos with eosinophilic meningitis, we performed quantitative PCRs on 36 cerebrospinal fluid samples; 4 positive samples confirmed the parasite's presence

The Queen Square Encephalitis Multidisciplinary Team Meeting - experience over three years, pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Patients with suspected encephalitis continue to represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, even in highly resourced centres. In February 2018, we set up a monthly in-person multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT). We describe the experience and outcomes of the MDT over three years. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to summarise patient demographics, MDT outcomes and final diagnoses. Results: Over the three-year period, 324 discussions of 238 patients took place. Cases were diverse; approximately 40% related to COVID-19 or brain infection, 40% autoimmune or other inflammatory disorders and 20% encephalitis mimics or uncertain aetiologies. Feedback from an online survey sent to referring teams and attendees highlighted the value of the MDT; 94% reported the discussion was useful and 69% reported resulting change in patient management. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary input is crucial in this challenging area, ensuring that all diagnostic avenues are explored and opening doors to novel diagnostics and therapeutics. It also supports clinicians dealing with unwell patients, including in centres where less specialist input is available, and when decisions have to be made where there is little or no evidence base

Cornering New Physics in b --> s Transitions

We derive constraints on Wilson coefficients of dimension-six effective operators probing the b --> s transition, using recent improved measurements of the rare decays Bs --> mu+mu-, B --> K mu+mu- and B --> K* mu+mu- and including all relevant observables in inclusive and exclusive decays. We consider operators present in the SM as well as their chirality-flipped counterparts and scalar operators. We find good agreement with the SM expectations. Compared to the situation before winter 2012, we find significantly more stringent constraints on the chirality-flipped coefficients due to complementary constraints from B --> K mu+mu- and B --> K* mu+mu- and due to the LHCb measurement of the angular observable S_3 in the latter decay. We also list the full set of observables sensitive to new physics in the low recoil region of B --> K* mu+mu-.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figures, 4 tables. v3: typos correcte