Energy Correlation Functions for Jet Substructure

We show how generalized energy correlation functions can be used as a powerful probe of jet substructure. These correlation functions are based on the energies and pair-wise angles of particles within a jet, with (N+1)-point correlators sensitive to N-prong substructure. Unlike many previous jet substructure methods, these correlation functions do not require the explicit identification of subjet regions. In addition, the correlation functions are better probes of certain soft and collinear features that are masked by other methods. We present three Monte Carlo case studies to illustrate the utility of these observables: 2-point correlators for quark/gluon discrimination, 3-point correlators for boosted W/Z/Higgs boson identification, and 4-point correlators for boosted top quark identification. For quark/gluon discrimination, the 2-point correlator is particularly powerful, as can be understood via a next-to-leading logarithmic calculation. For boosted 2-prong resonances the benefit depends on the mass of the resonance.Comment: 45 pages, 28 figures, update to JHEP version, some minor typos fixed, added discussion at end of section

Dynamic Phase Transitions in Cell Spreading

We monitored isotropic spreading of mouse embryonic fibroblasts on fibronectin-coated substrates. Cell adhesion area versus time was measured via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Spreading proceeds in well-defined phases. We found a power-law area growth with distinct exponents a_i in three sequential phases, which we denote basal (a_1=0.4+-0.2), continous (a_2=1.6+-0.9) and contractile (a_3=0.3+-0.2) spreading. High resolution differential interference contrast microscopy was used to characterize local membrane dynamics at the spreading front. Fourier power spectra of membrane velocity reveal the sudden development of periodic membrane retractions at the transition from continous to contractile spreading. We propose that the classification of cell spreading into phases with distinct functional characteristics and protein activity patterns serves as a paradigm for a general program of a phase classification of cellular phenotype. Biological variability is drastically reduced when only the corresponding phases are used for comparison across species/different cell lines.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Physical and magnetic properties of Ba(Fe1−x_{1-x}Rux_x)2_2As2_2 single crystals

Single crystals of Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_2$As$_2$, $x<0.37$, have been grown and characterized by structural, magnetic and transport measurements. These measurements show that the structural/magnetic phase transition found in pure BaFe$_2$As$_2$ at 134 K is suppressed monotonically by Ru doping, but, unlike doping with TM=Co, Ni, Cu, Rh or Pd, the coupled transition seen in the parent compound does not detectably split into two separate ones. Superconductivity is stabilized at low temperatures for $x>0.2$ and continues through the highest doping levels we report. The superconducting region is dome like, with maximum T$_c$ ($\sim16.5$ K) found around $x\sim 0.29$. A phase diagram of temperature versus doping, based on electrical transport and magnetization measurements, has been constructed and compared to those of the Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$TM$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ (TM=Co, Ni, Rh, Pd) series as well as to the temperature-pressure phase diagram for pure BaFe$_2$As$_2$. Suppression of the structural/magnetic phase transition as well as the appearance of superconductivity is much more gradual in Ru doping, as compared to Co, Ni, Rh and Pd doping, and appears to have more in common with BaFe$_2$As$_2$ tuned with pressure; by plotting $T_S/T_m$ and $T_c$ as a function of changes in unit cell dimensions, we find that changed in the $c/a$ ratio, rather than changes in $c$, $a$ or V, unify the $T(p)$ and $T(x)$ phase diagrams for BaFe$_2$As$_2$ and Ba(Fe$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$)$_2$As$_2$ respectively.Comment: 16 pages, 10 figure

Natural flood management: Opportunities to implement nature‐based solutions on privately owned land

The implementation of Natural Flood Management (NFM), as an example of a nature‐based solution (NbS), is promoted as a risk reduction strategy to support sustainable flood risk management and climate change adaptation more widely. Additionally, as an NbS, NFM aims to provide further multiple benefits, such as increased biodiversity and improved water quality as well as improved mental health. The implementation of NbS often needs private‐owned or managed land, yet can create conflicts between the different stakeholders which can undermine the social consensus required for successful implementation. Consequently, a main question is how the multiple benefits and requirements of NFM can be delivered to meet the different goals of the wide variety of stakeholders who must be involved. This article discusses the challenges and potential of implementing NFM as an alternative to the traditional technical mitigation measures in flood risk management. We outline four opportunities in the implementation of NFM: physical conditions of the catchment, social interaction, financial resources, and institutional setting. Their importance is then demonstrated and compared to different examples across the globe. Nevertheless, the core drivers reflect the social interaction and institutional setting and the role of stakeholders in the successful implementation of NFM

Reference Distorted Prices

I show that when consumers (mis)perceive prices relative to reference prices, budgets turn out to be soft, prices tend to be lower and the average quality of goods sold decreases. These observations provide explanations for decentralized purchase decisions, for people being happy with a purchase even when they have paid their evaluation, and for why trade might affect high quality local firms 'unfairly'